A program that bridges the gap for the veteran community is receiving nearly a half a million dollars in ARPA funding.

A total of $469,000 will help support the Compeer Rochester's Vets Driving Vets Program. Its mission is to help veterans get to where they need to go and the best part is it hires veterans to provide the service to fellow veterans in need.

Leaders say the jobs help veterans transition back into civilian life, while helping other veterans access critical VA services, medical appointments and grocery stores.

Veterans who have benefitted from the program first-hand say its life changing. 

"I'm very thankful for Compeer and to vets driving vets for giving me the courage and a boost to get back out into the world again," Mary Staub, U.S. Navy veteran and driver for the Vets Driving Vets program. "I was like not going anywhere ... I was sitting at home driving myself crazy instead of getting behind the wheel and driving to these great places that I can go to. There are so many things that Compeer offers."

The program previously operated solely as a volunteer service in which veterans used their personal vehicles to transport fellow service members. The funding has allowed Compeer Rochester to buy two vehicles dedicated to the program — one is wheelchair accessible. It also has allowed the hiring of two full-time military veteran drivers.