The Erie County Legislature’s Majority Caucus has submitted a resolution supporting the continuation of Kids Korner, a child care service available to eligible VA Hospital patients and families while receiving care at the medical facility.

Three years ago, the VA set up a pilot program at three VA Hospitals called Kids Korner to provide child care for veterans who have young children. Despite the program being successful, the Western New York VA Hospital plans to close the center on Sept. 30, which will leave many military families without the assistance they need. The number of families utilizing Kids Korner has increased each of the three years. In 2012, 857 children used Kids Korner and that number grew to 1,397 last year.  This year, FY 2014, the site has had 1,228 children, with 228 children use Kids Korner in August 2014, the highest total recorded.

“The Erie County Legislature urges the Western New York congressional delegation to fight to keep this service available to the men and women who served our country and are now at home with their young families. It is clear that this program is needed and a valuable service for hundreds of families. Our heroes who require treatment from the VA deserve to have the best services possible and that includes offering Kids Korner so that parents can receive the medical care they need while their children have a safe place to wait,” said Legislator Edward Rath III. 

The resolution was submitted by the Legislature’s Majority Caucus – Chairman John Mills, Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo and Legislators Lynne Dixon, Kevin Hardwick, Ted Morton and Edward Rath. It will be approved at the Sept. 18 session and sent to the WNY congressional delegation and WNY VA Hospital officials.