Serving Those Who Serve
Powerfully funded through the graciousness of ShopRite, the Committee steps in to assist military families in times of financial distress. The Committee can assist approved applicants by directly paying utility bills, vehicle repairs, child care, or other expenses that will alleviate immediate stress during difficult times.
The Committee also offers scholarships for members of the military community to participate in therapeutic horseback riding. New opportunities are now available for coaching with former Navy SEAL Jason Redman, and his Overcome Army.
We have new initiatives being launched, and will be updating this site to reflect those services.
MEET THE
COMMITTEE
Barb Allen
President
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.
Christine Little
Vice President
Christian Farrell
Treasurer
Steve Neuhaus
Board Member
Dan O’Kane Jr.
Board Member
Stephen Renna
Administrator
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.