City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Jaguars Honor Veterans and Announce 2016 Community Grants
April 27, 2016
Jacksonville is known for its rich military history celebrated by thousands of military families who live here. The city hosts the largest population of veterans and concentration of military bases throughout Florida. City Council President Greg Anderson, Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping, and City of Jacksonville Chief of Staff Kerri Stewart announced the 2016 recipients of the
Jacksonville Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center community grants at a news conference held today at City Hall. In partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, the City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans department are awarding $55,000 to veteran-serving organizations throughout the community. This is the third year of a five-year $1 million commitment from the Jaguars that funds community grants, permitting the City to support veterans and military families.
“I’m proud of this partnership that highlights the City and the Jaguars’ commitment to improving and supporting the needs of the dedicated men and women who serve, or have served, in the United States military,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “The Jaguars Foundation and the City of Jacksonville can enhance the services provided to military and veterans throughout our city.”
As part of the grant, the Military Affairs and Veterans department awards more than $50,000 each year to local veteran-serving organizations committed to serving veterans. Organizations recognized today include the Dignity U Wear Foundation, Five Star Veterans Center, Florida National Guard Foundation, Generation W, Gratitude America, Jacksonville University, K9s for Warriors, Northeast Florida Women Veterans and Operation New Uniform.
“We recognize the incredible work provided by our veteran-serving organizations and are proud to provide these community grants to further strengthen their efforts in serving our community’s veterans and military servicemen and servicewomen,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping. “Jacksonville puts a premium on recognizing, caring for, and honoring our military and veterans. The entire Jaguars organization is honored to play a part.”
This grant provides essential support for veterans transitioning back into civilian life facing challenges ranging from getting a job, re-establishing healthy family relationships, accessing earned benefits and the readjustment to a new environment.
“By working together, we are able to enhance and expand the services available to our military and veterans,” said City Council President Greg Anderson. “It is an honor to be a part of this excellent partnership with the most military and veteran friendly franchise in the NFL.”