The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs announced that the third quarter FY23 Veterans’ Cash Grant Recipients awarded to organizations that provide vital services to veterans including job training and employment, housing assistance, post-traumatic stress treatments, behavioral health programs, and legal aid. The grant is funded by the Winter Winnings Illinois Lottery ticket.
Included in the awardees are the Central Illinois Veterans Commission who was awarded $100,000 to fund supplies and materials for building and furnishing homes for homeless veterans and their families. Two homes will be built by volunteer Veterans.
Rolling Thunder, Chapter 1 Veterans Assistance Committee was awarded $20,000 to assist at risk for homelessness Veterans with funding for housing and utilities helping 180 veterans. Merging Vets and Players was awarded $75,839 for services for Veterans with Behavioral Health concerns. The grant will support 48 in-person core programming sessions and community engagement activities. Funding has been included for physical activity trainers, gym space, and MVP member gear.
Freedom Paws Service Foundation was awarded $59,562 to assist Veterans diagnosed with PTSD by utilizing psychiatric service dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers. Freedom Paws will train and utilize service dogs providing support and assistance to 50 Veterans from the Peoria, Chillicothe, and Central Illinois Region.
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs awards these funds int he form of Veterans’ Cash Grants. On a quarterly basis, IDVA’s Veterans’ Cash Grant Authorization Committee reviews applications and awards grants to groups that have demonstrated a proven need. For more information on Veterans’ Cash Grants, visit https://veterans.illinois.gov/programs/veterans-cash.html.
