A visit from U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van brought federal assistance to residents of New York’s 18th Congressional District at Stanford Town Hall on Tuesday, April 29, as part of an ongoing effort to expand access to government services across communities in the Hudson Valley.
Ryan (D-NY-18) was in Washington, D.C., for a congressional session. Staff members from his district team — including Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Wendy Flores and District Aide Brandon Gonzales — provided in-person support on a range of federal matters, including veterans’ benefits, asylum cases, IRS issues, and questions related to Social Security and Medicare.
“Every person in the Hudson Valley, no matter where they live, deserves access to high quality services in their own home town,” Ryan told the Herald. “Especially amidst the cuts, closures and uncertainty with federal programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, the C.A.R.E.S. Van is helping us bring those essential services to every corner of the district. That’s especially important in more rural areas, where assistance can often feel so far away.”
Launched in June 2023, the C.A.R.E.S. Van is part of Ryan’s mobile district office initiative. According to the congressman, the van has helped secure nearly $40 million in benefits for residents across the district.
Stanford Town Supervisor Wendy Burton welcomed the return visit.
“This is the third visit that Congressman Pat Ryan’s C.A.R.E.S. Van has come to Stanford Town Hall, as part of his constituency outreach efforts,” Burton said. “We are very grateful for the attention he has always paid to our town.”
For Paula Ward, a Dutchess County resident and military spouse, the visit provided a practical alternative after unreliable internet disrupted her ability to contact federal agencies online. “It’s easier to come in person and talk to someone,” she said.
Another attendee, Doug Ramey, said he was seeking help on behalf of a friend applying for asylum from Nicaragua. “They gave me some great resources to look into, and were willing to talk to him and help if they can.”
During its first full tour, the C.A.R.E.S. Van visited all 82 municipalities in the district, covering more than 3,000 miles and assisting over 1,500 constituents. It is scheduled to continue making stops across the district throughout May.
Additional information, including a full schedule of C.A.R.E.S. Van stops, is available on Rep. Ryan’s website.