2024 Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes: (22km) 14 Mile Walk Against Homelessness and Suicide
Vet2Vet of Ulster County is holding its fifth annual “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” on September 22, 2024. You can also participate virtually from September 1, 2024, supporting the walk from Highland, NY to Esopus Town Hall.
$4,055Raised of $5,000
Our Mission
“Walk a Mile in My Shoes” embodies the profound struggles faced by veterans, highlighting the self-defeating thoughts that often accompany their hardships. Many veterans confront battles that are both grueling and painful, navigating a path fraught with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and feelings of abandonment. These struggles can lead to severe outcomes, including homelessness and suicide. The 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report revealed a troubling increase in suicides among U.S. adults, with the daily average rising from 86.6 in 2005 to 124.4 in 2017. This includes an increase in veteran suicides from 15.9 per day in 2005 to 16.8 per day in 2017.
As we enter the third year of our walk, our mission remains steadfast: to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by veterans and to support their path to healing. Each step we take represents our commitment to addressing these issues and advocating for our service members.
The fifth annual Vet2Vet of Ulster County walk will commence at Highland Fire District Station 2, located at 570 New Paltz Rd, Highland, NY 12528, and conclude at Esopus Town Hall, 1 Town Hall Way, Ulster Park, NY 12487. The walk will span an estimated 6 hours, with each step symbolizing the relentless battles that veterans face daily. Join us as we continue this crucial fight for support and healing.
WHY
Our military personnel are trained to perform critical tasks under extreme conditions, pushing through physical pain and emotional discomfort for the greater good of our country. They are taught to persevere and complete the mission, no matter the personal cost. While this resilience is essential in service, it often leads veterans to carry the same mindset into civilian life—resulting in isolation, reluctance to seek help, and a risk of falling through the cracks. Many veterans are unaware that support is available to them.
HOW
By integrating non-clinical services and programs, veterans are connected with crucial resources, including the Veterans Administration (VA), Veteran Service Agency (VSA), and other specialized programs designed for successful reintegration. Whether through education, counseling, or camaraderie, our program adapts to each individual’s needs. Utilizing direct interaction and peer-to-peer counseling techniques, the Vet2Vet of Ulster County program empowers veterans by reinforcing the team-building skills they are familiar with from their military experience.
WHO
The Vet2Vet of Ulster County Program offers a non-clinical approach to support and connect veterans with community resources. Sometimes, all a veteran needs is time spent with like-minded individuals to reconnect with their identity. For those who need more, our program provides the opportunity to discuss concerns with fellow veterans and receive guidance. Our peers and volunteer staff are equipped to assess individual needs and suggest available resources. While we may not be able to address every challenge, we are committed to being a valuable resource for the military community.
Every Dollar Makes a Difference
Combating Food Insecurity
We work with our community to identify issues and challenges that are faced by Veterans and their families. One of the biggest issues we see day-to-day is food insecurity. Gift cards are donated to us or we will buy food for pets, families, and/or individuals.
$2,000
Donations
Participate Virtually
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, participants will have the opportunity to walk alongside our veterans virtually and in-person as they complete a 22 km (14-mile) journey. Starting on Sunday, September 1, 2024, you can begin tracking your own walk, whether on a local trail or at the gym. We encourage you to walk any distance—be it 5, 22, or 56 miles—and share your progress with friends and family.
Your participation will demonstrate to our extensive military community that they are supported and that others are ready to walk alongside them through any challenge they may face.
We invite you to join us in person for the final 1.9 miles of the walk on Sunday, September 22nd. Meet us at the Espous Ambulance Volunteer station, 1 Cross St, Ulster Park, NY 12487, where we'll set out from our last break. Stay connected with us on Facebook for updates and to meet the veterans walking in our 5th annual event, dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by our military community.
Walk with us and make a difference!
