June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and the only dedicated center on the First Coast working to help local vets with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is putting out the call for support.
The 5 Star Veterans Center provides local veterans with transitional housing and a Pathways Program for successful re-integration into society.
The center works with veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have PTSD. Some have co-occurring TBI.
5 Star was completely funded by Allied Veterans of the World until March, when the organization became the subject of a state and federal probe into illegal gambling.
"The real victims of the Allied Vets scandal are the veterans residing in the center," says spokesman Greg Frazier. "We're working to develop a fundraising culture so people can become more aware of the work we're doing and support it."
Frazier says a new board has been named, with the focus of keeping the center's doors open through 2013.
"After that we'll be eligible to apply for a new series of grants," he says. "We're committed to helping local veterans and need the public's help."
To learn more visit www.5starveteranscenter.org.
