Photo credit: Peter Lyons Hall. L top R: Constituent Advocate Mia Woodruff, Greenwood Lake Mayor Tom Howley, and Director of Special Projects Maria Ingrassia
By Peter Lyons Hall
Residents of Greenwood Lake recently had the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance with a variety of federal services when representatives from Congressman Pat Ryan’s office visited the village as part of the Congressman’s ongoing commitment to making government more accessible throughout New York’s 18th Congressional District.
Maria Ingrassia, Director of Special Projects, and Mia Woodruff, Constituent Advocate, met with local residents to help them navigate federal agencies and resolve issues that can often be difficult to address without direct assistance. Their visit was part of Congressman Ryan’s Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van program, which brings trained caseworkers directly into communities across Orange County and the rest of the district.
The mobile outreach program offers assistance with a wide range of federal matters, including replacing military records and medals, securing benefits available under the PACT Act for veterans, resolving Social Security, Medicare, and IRS issues, and helping families with immigration case inquiries and reunification efforts. Staff members can also assist residents who need expedited passport services for emergency travel.
By bringing these services directly into local neighborhoods, the C.A.R.E.S. Van eliminates the need for many constituents to travel to district offices, making it easier for seniors, veterans, and busy families to obtain personalized assistance close to home.
Residents who are unable to attend a local outreach event can still receive help by contacting one of Congressman Ryan’s district offices. Appointments with constituent services staff may be scheduled by telephone or by completing the online assistance request form available through the Congressman’s website.
Additional information about constituent services, upcoming C.A.R.E.S. Van visits, and assistance with federal agencies is available at https://patryan.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.
Congressman Ryan’s office continues to encourage residents experiencing difficulties with federal agencies to take advantage of these free constituent services.
