“Make sure you don’t forget our guys on the East Side.”
This short request between Erie County Legislator Chair April Baskin and Bob James of WNYVETS & Buffalo Blues4vets back in March 2023 led to a year long study on how Veterans in East Buffalo have a different set of needs. Focus groups and 1:1 interviews in and around East Buffalo led to a set of ‘findings’ that are now driving new projects, funded by the music charity where James is a Director.
That charity, Buffalo Blues4vets & WNYVETS has raised over $262,000 for 31 WNY non-profits serving Veterans and Military Families since 2016 by engaging over 250 WNY musicians to donate their time and talent playing over 80 music fundraisers.
New Projects Defined:
The East Buffalo Veterans study identified 3 ways to increase awareness and access to help: (1) community recognition; (2) connection & transportation to services; (3) new opportunity.
More specifically, projects include plans for 5 Trailblazer street signs installed that honor and recognize Veterans in that neighborhood, a fall community music and workshop event at the Frank Merriweather Library on Jefferson and in-school events with Veterans telling their ‘coming home’ stories to help educate students on Veterans transitioning to civilian life.
A NEW PARTNERSHIP – attorneys4vets
To advance these efforts, a new partnership with West Falls Center for the Arts, initiated by Board Chair Jim Granville and James, is being launched at a fundraising concert on May 31. Named ‘attorneys4vets’, the inaugural event features well known local bands the KENSINGTONS & FLASHBACK, both bands being led by attorneys. Additional attorneys and veterans will be performing at the event. Proceeds are shared between West Falls’ veterans programs and East Buffalo projects.
Learn more at Kensingtons & Flashback, Attorneys for Vets on Facebook
Support East Buffalo Veterans on Facebook
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