Veterans Guide
Please check the Veterans Events Bulletin page for information about events and activities taking place in Western New York.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Veterans
In partnership with the Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc. and as part of the Serve New York AmeriCorps VISTA program from 2013 - 2016, Headway developed initiatives which focus on helping Veterans in WNY with traumatic brain injuries and their families.
These initiatives remain current and further development is ongoing.
Our goal is to help veterans find the supports they need in order to manage their conditions and overcome obstacles to help engage with their community.
A TBI results from a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain and produces a diminished or altered state of consciousness. Categories for TBI are mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating. The most common form of TBI in the military is mild, also referred to as concussion.
TBI has been described as the signature wound of the Iraq and Afganistan wars and is a significant health issue that affects service members and Veterans.
For More Information, please contact us at:
History of the WNY IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS SYMPOSIUM Series
Over the course four years (2016 - 2019), Headway of WNY, People Inc. and Catholic Charities establised a Veterans Services Initiative and subsequently offered a focus group (2016) and four consecutive annual symposiums to help identify issues and needs of Veterans in WNY (with or without TBI and/or other cognitive difficulties).
Headway continues to reach out to Veterans organizations and partner with Veteran leaders and agencies in WNY that provide services for Veterans.
Over 170 people have attended these symposiums and the presenters have included a U.S. Army Colonel Reintegration specialist, board-certified Neuropsychologists, a NYS senator, licensed master social workers, certified practitioners of Emotional Freedom Techniques, Yoga and other alternative therapies, as well as representatives from Veteran's One Stop Center, Buffalo Vet Center, Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition on Mental Health, Horizon Village, and U.B. Primary Care Research Institute.
It is the intention of Headway of WNY to continue this successful symposium series. Our work in this area has identified further issues for our target group that we wish to address, including Suicide in the Veteran Community and reasons and solutions for Veterans who may be reluctant to access a variety of beneficial services in the WNY area.
The series of Veterans symposiums helped to identify and address issues for Veterans and their families who are living with brain injuries or other cognitive disorders.
It is our hope that the information shared has been helpful to WNY Veterans and that conversations ignited will lead to further discussions which address community needs.
WNY in Support of Veterans Symposiums
WNY in Support of Veterans 2019
Bridging the Gaps, Part II
A Discussion between Veterans and Community Providers
2019 WNY in Support of Veterans program
Thank you to all who attended the fourth annual symposium, held on October 2, 2019
- Pvt. Leonard Post Jr. #6251 VFW
- Speakers were as follows:
- Sgt. Max Donatelli, MS
- Alyssa D. Vasquez
- MSgt. Delcey Pulvino, LMSW
- Tracy Schmidt, LMSW
- Bonnie M. Vest, PhD
Click here for link to WBFO story featuring Sgt. Max Donatelli
This was a positive interactive discussion aimed at helping participants gain a better understanding of obtaining a variety of community services for veterans and their families.
Co-sponsored by Headway of WNY, Inc., People Inc. and Catholic Charities
Free event, lunch was provided by David's Catering
Continuing Education Units (CEU) were available for interested participants.
WNY in Support of Veterans 2018
June 13, 2018 - Alternative Therapeutic Approaches for Successful Reintegration
WNY in Support of Veterans 2017
June 14, 2017 - Signature Injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars: Blast Induced TBI
WNY in Support of Veterans 2016
June 22, 2016 - Bridging the Gaps