AGENCY TESTIMONY
Ellen Greeley discusses the Dwyer program launch and the impact of arts on veterans' well-being
0:23:04
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122 sec
Ellen Greeley, Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Strategic Partnerships at NYC Department of Veterans Services, discusses the launch of the Dwyer program and emphasizes the importance of creative and healing arts programs for veterans. She highlights the potential of these programs to help veterans engage in health-seeking and socialization activities, and shares a personal story about the power of arts in mental health.
- The Dwyer program launch is described as a significant milestone for the agency.
- Greeley emphasizes the role of creative and healing arts in breaking down barriers for veterans.
- She shares a personal anecdote about her grandmother's experience with music as a form of healing after losing her son in World War 2.
Ellen Greeley
0:23:04
So I sit here today acknowledging that we have hit I sit here today acknowledging that we have hit an extraordinary milestone in the development of our agency, the long awaited launch of the Dwyer program in New York City made possible through the grace and support of the New York State Legislature.
0:23:28
I'm humbled by the belief that our investment in the New York City veteran creative and healing art communities will accelerate their growth and help them blossom into thriving sustainable industries by leveraging more public sector funding opportunities.
0:23:46
Together with our Dwyer providers, we can help break down barriers that keep veterans from emerging from the shadows and engaging in these critical health seeking and socialization programs.
0:23:58
Standing on the shoulders of our colleagues at the VA Medical Centers in the Bronx and Brooklyn as well as the Solomon Gundy Club, organizations that have long recognized the benefit of the creative and healing arts, We move forward with a newfound energy and commitment to bring these free programs to our neighborhoods, making them assessable and approachable by our military and veteran community.
0:24:22
I also experienced firsthand the power of the arts to uplift these those suffering from mental illness.
0:24:29
My uncle, who enlisted in the marines with the ambition of joining the marine corps band as a drummer, was killed in World War 2 at Guadalcanal.
0:24:39
My grandmother was brokenhearted and by his loss and diagnosed with depression.
0:24:45
Encouraged to join the Woodhaven Boulevard Senior Center, she often played piano for the members, heightening her spirits and desire to live.
0:24:54
For many, like my grandmother or ghost star mother, I truly believe we are paving different paths for our community to engage, build camaraderie, and find purpose to their lives.
0:25:05
And now I'll turn to Curtis.
