Mayor de Blasio announced the official launch of VetConnectNYC, a platform where New York City veterans, service members, and their families can access a network of more than 80 public, private, and non-profit service providers to meet a variety of needs from housing and education to healthcare and employment. VetConnectNYC is a system where case managers will individually connect one-on-one with veterans to facilitate referrals to appropriate programs.
VCNYC is accessible online, by phone or in person and it will streamline the way veterans, service members and their families are able to access resources and benefits throughout the five boroughs. The network is supported by a care coordination team that assess veterans’ needs, determines program eligibility, and makes referrals to providers in the network, ensuring veterans are connected only to the resources for which they’re eligible.
VCNYC is operated by the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services in collaboration with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Northwell Health, and the veteran-owned tech business, Unite Us. Veterans are connected with the care coordination team at Northwell Health, a group of trained social workers and client specialists who assess their needs and make appropriate referrals. The Unite Us team’s technology provides the infrastructure to support coordination among the providers through electronic referrals, streamlined communications, and real-time data updates.
Formerly NYServes-NYC, VCNYC is part of the broader AmericaServes network which began as a pilot in 2015 to find a scalable model for streamlining the complex process of navigating available services. AmericaServes has 17 active networks across the country transforming the way military-connected communities are finding resources.
To access VetConnectNYC visit www.VetConnectNYC.org or call 1-833-VETS-NYC.
“Before even opening our doors back in 20I6, we knew that easing transition for our City’s service members, veterans and their loved ones would be one of our top priorities,” remarked Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Loree Sutton, MD, Brigadier General (ret., US Army). “This service and access multiplying network simplifies that process and I am so thrilled to work alongside our tremendous partners on this bold and noble mission. I look forward to seeing the lives of our City’s veterans get carried to new heights – none of us can do it alone.”
“Improving the post-transition lives of veterans, service members and their families is the driving force beyond the IVMF,” said Jim McDonough, Managing Director of Programs and Services at IVMF. “New York City has been a longtime partner and recognizes the AmericaServes movement is the most transformative effort underway anywhere in the veterans’ space. This official launch represents the leadership position of the City in terms of its commitment to the changing face of the military. We are honored to be working with both DVS and Northwell Health in a way that allows us to get the right veteran, to the right service, faster and with more accountability than ever before.”
“The health and wellness of veterans and active service members is critical to their integration back into civilian life,” said Michael J. Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health. “We need to continue to stand by them to provide more meaningful opportunities, health care and advocacy. This technology will allow us to find them the services they need much faster.”
“New York City is where this movement to break down silos in communities and improve access to care for our military-connected community, began.” said Dan Brillman, CEO of Unite Us. “The Department of Veterans’ Services is pioneering the way for other cities to follow, and we are proud to be part of their journey to improve the lives of our veterans and their families.”
New York State Assemblyman Michael G. DenDekker said, “There are an enormous amount of programs and resources available for veterans in New York City, but too often, veterans are unaware of these resources. I am excited that the Department of Veterans’ Services is launching VetConnectNYC so that veterans can find all the services they need- whether for education, housing, employment, or healthcare–under one roof.”
About the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services
The New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) strives to improve the lives of all veterans and their families, regardless of discharge status. DVS operates as a centralized hub able to put veterans at the center of all our efforts, coordinating services with a range of agencies at the City, state, and federal level, as well as through public-private partnerships. Our mission is straightforward: to foster purpose-driven lives for NYC service members, veterans, and their families through: effective connections with the NYC community; targeted advocacy at the local, state, and national level; compassionate service, ensuring we make it easier to access the services and benefits they’ve earned. We believe veterans are civic assets whose strength and demonstrated commitment to public service help NYC thrive. For more information about the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, please visit our website at www.nyc.gov/vets, visit us at 1 Centre Street, Suite 2208, New York, NY, call 212-416-5250, or follow us on social media @nycveterans.
About Northwell Health
Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 23 hospitals, 665 outpatient facilities and more than 18,500 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 66,000 employees – 16,000-plus nurses and 4,000 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu.
About AmericaServes
AmericaServes is the country’s first coordinated system of public, private, and non-profit organizations working together to serve veterans, transitioning service members, and their families. Administered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, AmericaServes’ vision is that every service member, veteran, and their family can easily access the full range of comprehensive services required to achieve their unique goals, and to provide a superior service experience to matching participants’ first-class military service. For more information, visit americaserves.org.