VAWNYHS honors Elma Conservation Club for 25 years of support to Veterans
Every day, citizens in our community volunteer their time and talent to Veterans at the VA Western New York Healthcare System.
On Thursday, August 15, VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS) honored the Elma Conservation Club for their 25 years of generosity in serving VAWNYHS programs and Veterans.
Each year, up to 400 Veterans from the VAWNYHS Adult Day Health Care (ADHC), Community Living Center (CLC), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) program, Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND), Substance Use Disorder Domiciliary (Sud-Dom), Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC), Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM), Housing & Urban Development/VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH), Caregiver Support Program (CPS) and Vet Center, are provided free access to the club's lodge, picnic pavilion, and two-acre pond.
“We are so thankful to the Elma Conservation Club and volunteers who have made a difference in the lives of Veterans,” said Nancy Kaszynski, VAWNYHS Recreation Therapist. “A wonderful partnership that aids on our mission of providing therapeutic recreation to improve the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning of the Veterans we serve.”
Club members volunteer their time and technical expertise to assist Veterans with fishing and outdoor activities, providing Veterans with skill development and social engagement.
“All club members take pride in supporting all Veterans and having them here is very special to us all,” said Geoff Slade, Elma Conservation Club President. “Seeing the Veterans arrive with smiles on their faces, grab a fishing pole, and bond together and cheer each other on gives great satisfaction to the Elma Conservation Club. To see the comradery is heartwarming.”
The Elma Conservation Club was started in 1944 and has been committed to hosting many events including youth archery, Camp Good Days, kids fishing derby, and Veterans. The club offers various educational programs on the conservation of wildlife and the environment. In addition, the club aids in the stocking of streams, lakes, and woods with fish and game in Western New York.