$150K in grants given to local veteran service organizations

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- New funding is on the way to help support local veteran organizations. Albany County officials announced a $150,000 grant program that will be split between 10 veteran service organizations.

Each will be receiving $15,000 to help with physical and mental health programs, support services, and other community events for veterans. County officials said it's important now, more than ever, to support local service members.

"We just got done with a 20-year war," Albany County Exec. Dan McCoy said. "And the VA has to switch gears and what services they are giving out and how they connect with new vets cause it's a different era."

A new pilot program called Homecoming Heroes is also coming to Albany. The county will be working with the U.S. Department of Defense to contact active duty personnel and inform them about the benefits they are entitled to, to help them transition back into civilian life.