Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Awards $250,000 Grant to Jacksonville State University for Launch of Victory Center

Jacksonville, AL – The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs presented a $250,000 grant to Jacksonville State University (Jax State) on Wednesday to support the launch of the Victory Center, an innovative program aimed at providing comprehensive mental health and support services to veterans and their families.

Set to be located at Jax State’s McClellan Center, the Victory Center will serve over 53,000 veterans across a 15-county region. The facility will offer mental health counseling, case management, and social support designed to help veterans transition smoothly from military to civilian life. The center’s mission is to provide a “Total Military Community” approach, addressing the needs of veterans, active service members, and their families.

In addition to mental health services, the Victory Center will offer first responder training to professionals working with veterans in crises. The initiative also provides hands-on learning opportunities for Jax State students in social work, counseling, and related fields, allowing them to gain valuable experience while supporting the community.

Dr. Marie Valentin, the lead principal investigator for the Victory Center project, spoke during the ceremony 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 and the partnership with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. “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,” he said. “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, praised the project’s holistic approach. “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 aims to be the premier resource for veterans in Alabama, offering a wide range of support services to enhance the well-being of the military community. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Victory Center is expected later in the fall semester.

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