United Way of Tarrant County, through its Mission United military outreach and services initiative, announced Nov. 8 that its Veterans Fund has awarded $340,268 in grants to seven nonprofits dedicated to supporting military service members returning to civilian life in the Tarrant County area.
The services funded include counseling, career and financial coaching, addiction treatment and other high-priority needs.
The announcement came on the eve of the centennial recognition of Armistice Day, Nov. 11, now Veterans Day, originally marking the temporary armistice that ended World War I on 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was renamed after World War II and the Korean War.
The United Way said this year’s beneficiaries include 22KILL, the Center for Transforming Lives, CLC Inc., Recovery Resource Council, Tarrant County Veterans Treatment Court, VETCO and Wholy Works CDC.
“As a Navy veteran, I understand the difficulties many of our servicemen and women have when returning to civilian life,” TD Smyers, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County, said in the announcement. “We are proud to fund services that help those who served in the armed forces and ensure they feel welcomed in the community.”
Launched in 2013, the United Way of Tarrant County Veterans Fund was conceptualized and established by Lockheed Martin, which has continually provided the majority of funding each year. The 2018-2019 grants are made possible by contributions from Lockheed Martin, Bell and individual donors.
The grants will support the following services:
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Recovery Resource Council is receiving $125,000 for the expansion of its service space and for evidence-based individual, group and family counseling for anxiety and depression reduction, consumer advocacy and peer navigation for veterans.
22Kill is receiving $50,000 for counseling services providing guidance, wellness and healing from invisible wounds through evidence-based therapies for individuals, couples and families.
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
CLC Inc. is receiving $65,000 to provide training and employment services to veterans and their families, specifically including female and hard-to-reach veterans. Participants work with Employment Specialists to create individualized plans and undergo training and placement activities that lead to employment.
LEGAL SERVICES
Tarrant County Veterans Treatment Court is receiving $60,000 for an alternative program for veterans returning from combat who face prosecution for non-violent offenses. The program locates veterans, assesses their needs and diverts them to supervised, intensive treatment. Upon successful completion of the program, veterans’ records are expunged.
CAREER AND FINANCIAL COACHING
The Center for Transforming Lives is receiving $20,000 for career and financial coaching. Experienced coaches trained in trauma-informed care will provide evidence-based services once a month.
SPECIALTY SERVICES
Wholy Works CDC is receiving $12,268 to fund a program manager to provide specialized, case-specific social services to female veterans and their families.
VETCO is receiving $8,000 for its specialty conference bringing together veterans groups and service providers.
www.unitedwaytarrant.org