West Hudson Valley News

Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van will visit all 82 municipalities in New York’s 18th Congressional District, bringing vital federal services directly to the people 

MIDDLETOWN, NY –  On July 6, 2023, Congressman Pat Ryan launched his Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van. The van, staffed by highly-trained caseworkers from the Congressman’s team, will provide direct support and assistance to constituents across NY-18 – ensuring people can access everything from Veterans’ benefits to Social Security right in their own community. The C.A.R.E.S. Van has already helped dozens of constituents at stops in Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Cornwall, Rosendale, and Middletown. Over the next year, the C.A.R.E.S Van will visit every municipality in the district, ensuring that every constituent has direct and easy access to vital federal services.

“Families across the Hudson Valley are feeling the pressure of making ends meet and the stress of taking care of their loved ones. It’s my mission to ease that pressure and provide direct relief. That’s why we’re proud and excited to launch the C.A.R.E.S van – bringing government services and programs directly to the people in all 82 cities and towns across the district,” saidRepresentative Ryan. “In just our first few stops, we’ve already helped seniors access Social Security at the Dutchess County Senior Picnic in Rhinebeck and assisted veterans in getting their disability payments in Poughkeepsie. Over the next year, we’ll be stopping at every municipality in the district – that’s the level of service every constituent deserves from their Representative. Please make sure to spread the word; come and see us!”

“I saw the C.A.R.E.S Van in action last week and the impact on constituents was immediately clear. This is a game-changer for families in Middletown and across the Hudson Valley,” said Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano. “No longer do you have to go out of your way to get help from the federal government – Pat Ryan’s mobile office is coming right to your doorstep. I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside Congressman Ryan as we make government assistance as accessible as possible.”

Congressman Ryan’s C.A.R.E.S. Van assists constituents of NY-18 in accessing earned benefits, such as Veterans’ Affairs benefits and Social Security, federal grant funding, passports and visas, immigration and naturalization services, and resolving issues with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service.

Congressman Ryan has prioritized increasing the accessibility of these services and the C.A.R.E.S. Van has already helped constituents in Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Rosendale, Cornwall, and Middletown. Over the next year, the van will visit every locality in NY-18.  

The July schedule for the C.A.R.E.S. Van is as follows. Updates on events will be provided via social media and email as well.

Monday, July 11th: Dutchess County

Lagrange Town Hall

120 Stringham Road

Lagrangeville, NY 12540

10:00am - 12:00pm

Monday, July 11th: Dutchess County

Amenia Town Hall

4988 Route 22

Amenia, NY 12501

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Thursday, July 13th: Orange County

Orange County Mobile DMV

52 Bakertown Road

Kiryas Joel, NY 10950

10:00am - 12:00pm

Monday, July 18th: Ulster County

Shawangunk Town Hall

14 Central Avenue

Wallkill, NY 12589

10:00am - 12:00pm

Monday, July 18th: Ulster County

Ellenville Town Hall

2 Elting Court

Ellenville, NY 12428

12:30pm - 2:30pm

Tuesday, July 19th: Dutchess County

Dutchess County Senior Picnic at Stissing Mountain High School

2829 West Church Street (Route 199)

Pine Plains, NY 12567

11:30am - 1:15pm 

Original source can be found here.