Assistance For Passports, Veterans, Social Security And More Offered By Pat Ryan's Bus At Beacon Farmer's Market

Photo Credits on this page: Katie Hellmuth

Parked at the Beacon Farmer’s Market this week next to the live music tent was the Representative Pat Ryan C.A.R.E.S. (Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services). The concept of the van is to help people navigate federal agencies and get attention if they are being neglected. “You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or navigate bureaucratic red tape to get the assistance you deserve and the federal benefits you earned,” says Rep. Ryan on the program’s website.

Sunday’s van pop-up was staffed by Constituent Advocate Karen DeSimone and District Aide Brandon Gonzalez. There purpose was to answer questions from constituents about accessing federal agencies. They came equipped with Release Forms that once signed, can authorize Rep. Ryan’s staff members to begin taking action for the constituent to get their issue resolved.

If a passport has stalled in process, or Veterans benefits hard to reach, this program helps remove the clog. Said Thomas from Port Jervis on the program website: “I had spent 30 months trying to get my Social Security benefits and had gotten nowhere. After contacting Congressman Ryan's office, I was put in touch with Destiny H., who interceded on my behalf and got me results. I cannot thank her enough and am totally sincere when I say that her help changed my life.”

The program helps with Social Security, Passports, Veteran Benefits, Grant Funding, IRS Help, Flag Requests, and more. On this day in Beacon, Karen and Brandon answered questions about Social Security, and how one could contact the Veteran’s Office.

Said David from Beacon on the program’s website: “The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a historic Hudson Valley service organization, experienced an unexpected automated action from the IRS that if not resolved quickly, could have had very negative consequences. I immediately contacted Congressman Ryan's office for advice and support. The Congressman's staff promptly responded to our request for assistance, contacted the IRS Tax Advocate Services on our behalf, and advocated for our need to expedite review and resolution with professional skill. We greatly appreciate the response we received. Thank you!”

At market, Karen encouraged people to contact the Representative’s website, or herself or Brandon directly with questions:

Karen DeSimone, Constitute Advocate: karen.desimone@mail.house.gov 845-443-2930
Brandon Gonzalez, District Aid: brandon.gonzalez@mail.house.gov