WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County has launched a new Peer Ambassador Program designed to connect veterans with benefits and services they may not be accessing, using fellow veterans and military-connected residents to conduct outreach across the community.
What This Means for You
- Veterans can connect directly with trained peers about benefits, housing, and mental health support
- Outreach will take place at events across Chester County through one-on-one and small-group conversations
- The program aims to reduce barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness about available services
The initiative is being led by the Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs and stems from Innovate Chester County, a county-led effort that gathered resident input on major local challenges, including affordable housing, public transportation, children’s mental health, and agriculture.
County officials said the program reflects recommendations generated through that process.
“Innovate Chester County showed what is possible when residents bring their lived experience and ideas to the table,” the Chester County Commissioners said in a joint statement. “The Peer Ambassador Program is a direct result of that collaboration, and it reflects our commitment to making sure veterans in Chester County feel seen, supported, and connected to the services they have earned.”
How the Program Works
The Peer Ambassador Program uses trained individuals with military or military-family experience to engage veterans directly in the community. These ambassadors attend outreach events across the county and speak with veterans about available support, including mental health care, housing assistance, addiction services, and employment resources.
The approach focuses on peer-to-peer engagement — meaning veterans speak with people who share similar experiences — to build trust and improve awareness of available benefits.
“Sometimes the hardest step for a veteran is simply knowing where to turn,” said Susie Fink, director of the Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs. “By meeting veterans in the community and creating peer-to-peer connections, this program breaks down stigma, builds trust, and helps veterans find answers — and for some, hope.”
Who Is Involved
Three individuals have been selected to pilot the program:
Eric Stetson, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served on active duty from 1991 to 2015
Vincent Perez, a board member of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association and an elected member of the Delaware County Veterans Advisory Council
Sarah Mears, a military spouse and Military Family Readiness Specialist with the Delaware Army National Guard
Next Steps
County officials said the program will expand its outreach through events and community engagement efforts as it develops.
More information about the Peer Ambassador Program is available at: https://www.chesco.org/5963/Veterans-Affairs-Ambassadors.
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