Martha’s Vineyard Community Services respectfully appeals to the Island community for support.

In April 2025, federal funding for our Veterans Affairs Program was eliminated for FY2026. This program is vital to the well-being of our local veterans — particularly those who served in combat and are either unable to afford or unwilling to leave the Island to access services on the mainland.

Despite repeated outreach by phone, email and postal mail, we have yet to receive a response from the federal or state Departments of Veterans Affairs. Nevertheless, MVCS remains fully committed to continuing this program, regardless of government support, because we believe our veterans deserve nothing less.

We are asking for your partnership. Your supportn — whether through financial contributions, raising awareness, or advocating for reinstated funding — will help us sustain these critical services.

Together, we can ensure that those who served our country are not forgotten here at home.

Dean Teague,

CEO, Martha’s Vineyard 
Community Services