The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs has announced more than $860,000 in grants to ten organizations dedicated to aiding veterans across the state. These grants, funded by the Illinois Lottery Veterans’ Cash, will bolster services aimed at tackling homelessness, mental health issues, and employment challenges among veterans. Organizations such as Donka, Inc., A Safe Haven Foundation, and Veterans New Beginnings are among the recipients, each focused on specific interventions to support veteran communities in Illinois.
“We continue to be impressed by the high level of applicants for the Veterans Cash Grants,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “Those selected are offering quality programs to veterans that will launch them into self-sufficiency and manage PTSD and other behavioral challenges resulting from service. We are grateful for our partnership with the Illinois Lottery, which makes these grants possible.”
Donka, Inc. (Wheaton, IL): This $71,000 grant supports individuals with physical, visual, and learning disabilities through adaptive technology, computer training, job readiness services, adaptive technology, education, job skills training, and placement assistance. The program will support 75 veterans in the Chicago area and Northern Illinois.
A Safe Haven Foundation (Chicago, IL): This $95,000 grant provides homeless veterans permanent housing, prevention services, and rental and utility arrears assistance. Grant funds will address financial crises, provide move-in starter kits, and offer transportation and prevention services to support independent living. This grant will support 40 veterans in Chicago and Northern Illinois.
Mended Hearts Stable Inc. (Metamora, IL): This $100,000 grant provides equine-assisted therapy and education to enhance the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being of individuals with various disorders. The grant allows Mended Hearts to expand its treatment center by adding an ADA-compliant area and developing a veteran support group to build camaraderie.
Merging Vets and Players (MVP) (Chicago, IL): This $68,000 grant supports MVP which provides veterans with behavioral and physical health challenges a safe environment for exercise and peer mentoring that addresses social isolation, substance abuse, and PTSD.
American Legion Department of Illinois (Bloomington, IL): This $100,000 grant supports the American Legion’s Department Service Officers in assisting transitioning veterans in seeking their earned benefits.
Impacting Veterans Lives, Inc. (Midwest Veterans Closet (North Chicago): This $100,000 grant will employ six veterans as pantry and warehouse attendants to manage donations and perform facility tasks. This initiative offers paid employment to otherwise unemployed veterans providing them opportunity for self-reliance.
Central Illinois Veterans Commission (Lincoln, IL): This $100,000 grant will furnish tiny homes for homeless veterans in Central Illinois.
Transitional Living Services, Inc. (Crystal Lake): This $100,000 grant allows Transitional Living Services to hire veterans facing PTSD, homelessness, reintegration challenges, and employment difficulties. While employed, they receive coaching on job skills, housing assistance, behavioral health support, and nutritional services. The program serves 325 veterans in the Chicago area and Northern Illinois.
Goodwill of Central Illinois (Peoria): This $30,000 grant funds a Stand Down event which provides essential supplies, medical services, and valuable information on substance abuse and PTSD to veterans. Over 300 veterans attended the 2023 Stand Down event.
Veterans New Beginnings (Chicago): This nearly $99,000 grant provides 200 homeless veterans in the Chicago area housing support, home management, leasing education, health screenings, family support, transportation, life skills, mental health services, and social activities.
