Clear Path offers a variety of support programs for veterans and their families. Because of the natural beauty which surrounds our facility it’s easy for families to find respite and to engage in activities that offer life skill training they can take home with them. Here’s a list of the support programs we currently offer

1. Dog Programs »
   Clear Path’s inaugural program, Service Dog Program (Dogs2Vets), is designed to provide professional support, instruction, and advocacy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who wish to train their own service dog. Clear Path offers three dog programs: Service Dog Program (Dogs2Vets), Companion Dog Program and our Family Dog Program.

2. Warrior Reset (formerly Wellness Gathering)
   These weekly Saturday gatherings offer veterans and their families an opportunity to try alternative health options to manage pain, stress, anxiety and sleep problems. Services include auricular acupuncture, reiki, polarity, and massage therapy. Talking circles are also offered which provide combat veterans and their families an opportunity to share their stories, successes and difficulties after service. These Talking Circles are NOT group therapy, rather circles of respectful listening. Each gathering offers free child care and lunch. Both Fort Drum and the 174th have been using our Warrior Reset model as part of their recovery plan to those suffering from traumatic brain injuries and those looking to identify ways to relax and recover from service. Free lunch is provided from 12:30-1:30pm and free child care is available.
   Warrior Reset details (PDF)

   Saturdays 10am-2pm

   • Combat Vet Talking Circle 10am-12pm (optional)
   • Spouse/Friend/Family Support Group 10am-11:30am
   • Acupuncture without Borders 9:30am-11pm
   • Polarity Therapy 11am-2pm
   • Reiki 11am-2pm
   • Chair Massage 11am-2pm

   Note: If you are not attending the Talking Circle but would like to schedule a healing session, please email us, info@clearpathforvets.com

   We would like to thank the Corporal Kyle Schneider Foundation for helping fund our Warrior Resets healing room with much needed furniture and healing supplies..read more.

3. Clear Path’s Wednesday Canteen
   Inspired by the famous North Platte, Nebraska "Canteen," Clear Path now offers a weekly café offering free lunch, coffee and beverages to all veterans coming "thru." Chef Brian Duffy will work with volunteer veterans interested in learning to cook. The hours of our Wednesday café are 10:00am-1:00pm with coffee, tea and baked goods served until 11:00am. Lunch begins at 11:30am and is served until gone. Lunch is free for all veterans and their families, but donations are welcome! For those interested in benefit counseling, educational opportunities and other support programs and resources check our site for an updated list of visitors to our Canteen.

   During WWII, the "Canteen" offered men traveling off to war a "ten minute opportunity" to replace fear with love. Many WWII survivors still remember the famous Canteen and the Clear Path Canteen hopes to continue this 40-year tradition. View Canteen video.

   Veteran Appreciation Days
   We also offer special appreciation days for those who have served from WWII right through today.

4. The Veteran, Military and Family Support Circle at Clear Path »
   This group is a network of community professionals and service providers dedicated to acknowledging the unique needs of veterans and their families through creative programs that enhance well-being, as well as social and economic reintegration. The goal of this group is to make a concise and useful list of resources available to veterans and their families. This group meets at our facility the last Friday of every month.
   • Veteran’s Voice »
     The Veteran’s Voice is a monthly education segment aired on WSYR News Channel 9 with the sole purpose of bridging the gap between community and veterans. Information for this monthly segment is created by the VMFS group. Members of the group include Syracuse VA Medical Center, military base and family readiness representatives, educational institutions, government and civic resources, recreation and other support services. Cost for underwriting this program is $1,500 per month and includes TV and website exposure for companies seeking to support veterans and the community.

5. Wingman Program, Vet-to-Vet Support
   Currently under development, the purpose of the Wingman program is to provide veterans in all stages of transitioning out of military service with a "buddy." The Wingman (who is also a veteran) is essentially a support person that helps navigate and facilitate the oftentimes difficult transition from military life. Please contact John Mays at jmays@twcny.rr.com or call Earl Fontenot at (315) 687-3300 if you are interested in becoming a member.

6. Retreats with Dr. Tick »
   Dr. Edward Tick and Kate Dahlstedt of Soldier’s Heart address the emotional, moral, and spiritual wounds of veterans. He is an expert in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other combat related conditions. Dr. Tick’s visit to Clear Path offered veterans and the community insight into ways we as a community can support and better understand the needs of those serving our country. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response and the hopes of more corporate sponsorship, Clear Path plans on offering more retreats, guided by Dr. Tick.

Recreation

Our 78 acres is a great backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. The following is a list of recreational opportunities available for veterans and their families.

• Hiking trails
• Scheduled campouts
• Golf
• Dog sports
• Creative Workshops are offered in photography and art. Check our event calendar for the next workshop available. Registration is required.

Below is a list of projects we are currently working on to provide more recreational opportunities for veterans and their families

• Playground
• Resurfacing of our tennis and basketball courts
• Winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing