Today, Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured $20,000 for WNY Heroes, Inc. to support programs that benefit female veterans. The funding will be used to provide free services and programs for women service members, including an annual retreat and monthly events to build camaraderie, foster social connections, and promote physical and mental wellness among local veterans.

“Hundreds of thousands of women have answered the call and bravely served in our Armed Forces, and many face unique challenges during and after their service,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “This funding will help WNY Heroes, Inc. meet the unique needs of women veterans and help them thrive. I applaud WNY Heroes for working to support and empower veterans in Western New York, and I extend my deepest gratitude to all service members who risk all for our nation.”

“Because women veterans comprise a minority of the Armed Forces, it’s harder for us to meet other women veterans and build connections,” said Lynn Magistrale, Vice President of WNY Heroes, Inc. and a U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq. “Our programs help women veterans meet other veterans, develop friendships, and thrive. We thank Assemblymember Wallace for her continued support of WNY Heroes and commitment to helping veterans.”

Assemblymember Wallace has a long record of supporting veterans organizations. She previously secured $25,000 for WNY Heroes, Inc. peer support programs, funding to construct a new veterans park at Nob Hill in Cheektowaga, and a total of $45,000 for the Lieutenant Colonel Matt Urban VFW and Amvets Post 7275 for facility and building maintenance. In addition, she co-sponsored legislation to increase compensation for Gold Star parents and passed legislation to create a new committee tasked with ensuring that veterans’ services meet the needs of women service members.