Serving Those Who Serve
Powerfully funded through the graciousness of ShopRite, the Committee steps in to assist local Hudson Valley military families in times of financial distress. The Committee can assist locally approved applicants by directly paying utility bills, vehicle repairs, child care, or other expenses that will alleviate immediate stress during difficult times.
Please note we are not a national organization, and are not equipped to handle requests outside of the NY, NJ, PA areas, with priority reserved for Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess and Rockland counties in NY.
The Committee also offers scholarships for members of the military community to participate in therapeutic horseback riding.
We have new initiatives including scholarships for graduating military dependents.
Delve into the heart of our story and explore the purpose that drives us.
MEET THE
COMMITTEE
Barb Allen is all about resilience, patriotism, and the American Dream. She’s an author who has turned her own life’s tragedies and traumas into a best- selling book. She’s an expert at finding humor, blessings, and opportunity in both personal and professional adversities and finds joy in helping people build their own American Dream.
Chrissy also worked for Congressman Chris Gibson, prioritizing veteran advocacy.
Chrissy is now a proud business owner in Sullivan County, where she has deep ties, and she remains a powerful force in the world of Veteran Advocacy.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY FOR HELP?
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DONOR?
At our core, we understand that a simple act of support can make a world of difference. Our mission is to support and empower the active duty and veteran military families of our communities as they navigate the challenges of service and civilian life. We firmly believe in providing assistance that empowers individuals rather than fostering dependency. The unwavering belief in honoring the sacrifices of our military personnel resonates strongly within our community, contributing significantly to our organization’s success. Generous donations from our community enable us to deliver the necessary aid and support our veterans require on their journey to stability and well-being.
To say I was experiencing the most excruciating pain, fear, anger, and hopelessness that I had ever known would be an understatement. How, I wondered, would anything good or beautiful ever be possible again? How was I going to make it through the rest of my life, and what good would ever come of this hell I was in?
That same morning, somewhere in Sullivan county, a man named Ray Mcarthy picked up his copy of that same newspaper, and saw the same picture.
How, he thought, can I help families like these?
How can I help honor the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve, and the families who love them?
That is the day the vision for this Committee was born.
As I moved through my day praying for an end to my pain, Ray McCarthy moved through his day formulating a plan.
Before long, a Board was formed and a nonprofit was built.
The Committee for Families of War Veterans has since quietly come to the aid of thousands of military families in the Hudson Valley. At one point, I was a beneficiary of this help. The assistance I received allowed me to meet emergency financial needs while rebuilding my life and beginning a new career.
Thanks to support like that I was able to move forward. I then became a member of this Board, and today I am the president.
It is my honor and pride to serve in this full-circle position. It is my pleasure to meet our community’s military families, and play a small role in giving back to those who give so much.