Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Presents $250,000 Grant to Jacksonville State University for New Victory Center
09/20/2024
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs presented a $250,000 grant to Jacksonville State University (Jax State) on Wednesday afternoon to support the launch of the Victory Center, an innovative initiative aimed at providing comprehensive mental health and support services to veterans and their families.
The Victory Center, which will be located at Jax State's McClellan Center, will serve over 53,000 veterans across a 15-county region. It will offer mental health counseling, case management, and social support to ensure a smooth transition from military to civilian life. The center's approach focuses on the "Total Military Community," addressing the needs of veterans, active service members, and their families.
It will also provide first responder training, enhancing the skills of professionals who work with veterans in crises. In addition to supporting veterans, the center will offer hands-on learning opportunities for JSU students in social work, counseling, and related fields, allowing them to gain valuable experience while serving the community.
Dr. Marie Valentin, the lead principal investigator of the Victory Center project, opened the ceremony with remarks about the center's goals. "The Victory Center will focus on improving participants' overall mental health and allowing for a smooth transition to civilian life by providing wraparound support services with the overarching goal of supporting flourishing families," she said.
Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth expressed his gratitude for the grant, stating, "We are honored that the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs has chosen the Friendliest Campus In The South as the future home of the Victory Center. This center will provide critical services to veterans and their families and offer unique learning opportunities for our students, helping to shape their careers and future success."
Sandra Lucas, Assistant Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, commended the project's comprehensive approach, emphasizing," "By supporting not only veterans but their families, the Victory Center takes a comprehensive approach to care that will greatly improve outcomes," Lucas said. "I'm excited to see this project come to life and to witness the impact it will have on veterans and the broader community."
The Victory Center's mission is to be the premier resource for veterans in Alabama, offering a range of support services to improve the well-being of the military community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Victory Center is expected later in the fall semester.