Eight local veteran-serving organizations were awarded a combined $50,000 in Resources and Reintegration community grants Friday, part of this year’s Celebration of Valor.
Mayor Lenny Curry says the month-long valor events represent a real commitment to the city’s military community.
“There’s money and resources that is being invested that can actually impact and change the lives of active duty and their family and veterans as well,” said Curry.
Curry was joined by Congressman Al Lawson, D-FL5, and Congressman John Rutherford, R-FL4, as well as city officials and representatives of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Ever since I’ve been in Congress, I’ve been working hard to try and bring more resources for our veterans,” said Lawson, who praised the Jaguars’ commitment the military. “So any support I can give is really significant.”
The Jaguars have given the city’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department $1 million over the past five years.
Jacksonville’s annual Resources and Reintegration community grants program, which is in its fifth year, is funded through the Jaguars Foundation in partnership with the city.
Among the recipients was the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that supports post 9/11 veterans and servicemembers who have been injured while in active duty.
“We’re very grateful for the Jags Foundation,” said Andrew Coughlan of the Wounded Warriors Project. “They’ve been supporters of the military for years, and with Wounded Warrior Project, they go above and beyond. They do more than that’s ever expected.”
The Wounded Warriors Project received a $5,000 grant this year.
Coughlan says the grants will primarily fund the organization's emergency financial assistance program, which helps wounded veterans and servicemembers with rent, mortgage, utilities and food.
The other recipients of the grants are:
Contact Abukar Adan at 904-358-6319, aadan@wjct.org or on Twitter at @abukaradan17.
