Economic Champion Spotlight: Clear Path for Veterans

Clear Path for Veterans’ staff, half being veterans, has grown from just three in 2011 to 32 over the past decade. During that time, it has expanded its programs and services for veterans, military members, and their families across New York. Clear Path serves 33 counties across the state and continues to enhance its service area beyond the Chittenango facility to reach and support veterans in the Southern Tier, Hudson Valley, Western New York and the North Country. Its dedicated regional Peer Support and Outreach staff deliver individualized support to address veterans’ most pressing needs. Additionally, The Warriors Working career placement program, a pilot program in Western New York, has placed 176 veterans in jobs since its inception in 2015.

With the generous support of Chobani and SEFCU, Clear Path’s culinary team launched a food trailer in 2022 to reach even more communities across New York state. The trailer highlights the culinary talents of its staff, intending to provide participants in a culinary skills development program with hands-on experience. A sous chef and part-time culinary assistant were added to its culinary staff this year.

Clear Path’s Canine Program has expanded nationally to serve veterans across the country by training puppies to become service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress. There have been 86 graduates of the Canine Program since its inception. The program has added seven new positions in the past few years, including several trainers, a puppy development coordinator and a behavioral health consultant.