Veterans in North Texas received a major boost with the announcement of over $8.6 million in state grants aimed at expanding services for them and their families.
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), as part of its Grants Across Texas tour, awarded 36 grants to 32 organizations across North Texas. These grants will fund vital programs like mental health counseling, home repairs, employment support, and life-changing service dog programs.
One of the standout organizations, Patriot PAWS, based in Rockwall, received a $50,000 grant to continue its work pairing veterans with service dogs. These dogs help veterans regain their independence and sense of purpose, with each one undergoing extensive training lasting 18 to 24 months.
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Funding Veterans’ Services Across North Texas
Governor Greg Abbott emphasized Texas’ commitment to veterans, stating that the state is home to more veterans than any other in the U.S.
The grants, distributed through the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA), will support over 10,900 veterans and their families across 30 counties. The funding will ensure veterans in North Texas receive financial assistance and access to crucial services such as clinical counseling, home modifications, and service dogs.
Patriot PAWS and Other Organizations to Benefit
During the Grants Across Texas tour, two stops were made in North Texas—at Patriot PAWS Service Dogs in Rockwall and Meals on Wheels Tarrant County.
To date, Patriot PAWS has trained more than 600 service dogs, and veterans in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can apply to receive one at no cost. These dogs provide essential support to veterans facing physical and emotional challenges.
Other organizations benefiting from the grants include Goodwill North Central Texas, which received a $50,000 grant to provide CDL training for veterans, and Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, which secured funding for home modifications and support services.
Expanding Veterans’ Support: Funding Details
The grants will fund a wide array of services, such as:
- Collin County: $670,000 for veteran treatment courts and clinical counseling.
- Meals on Wheels Tarrant County: $565,000 for home modifications and support services.
- Baylor Research Institute: $500,000 for clinical counseling.
- Patriot PAWS: $500,000 for their service dog program.
- Veterans Center of North Texas: $300,000 for financial assistance.
These funds will address crucial needs, ensuring veterans in North Texas have access to employment support, financial assistance, clinical counseling, and much more.
Conclusion
With the latest round of $8.6 million in grants, North Texas veterans and their families will see a significant expansion of support services.
From service dog programs that restore independence to veteran treatment courts and mental health counseling, these grants ensure that veterans receive the care and resources they deserve. As organizations like Patriot PAWS and Goodwill continue their work, the impact on the lives of veterans will be profound, helping them thrive after their service.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the $8.6 million in grants?
The grants aim to support veterans and their families by funding services like mental health counseling, home repairs, employment support, and service dog programs.
2. How will Patriot PAWS use its grant?
Patriot PAWS received a $50,000 grant to continue training service dogs, which assist veterans in regaining independence and managing physical or emotional challenges.
3. Which veterans benefit from these services?
The funding will support over 10,900 veterans and their families across 30 counties in North Texas, providing them with financial assistance and crucial services.
4. What types of services are funded by the grants?
Services include veteran treatment courts, clinical counseling, service dog programs, home modifications, and employment support for veterans.
5. How long does it take to train a service dog through Patriot PAWS?
Service dogs at Patriot PAWS undergo training that lasts between 18 to 24 months, ensuring they are fully equipped to assist veterans.
6. How is the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance funded?
The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) is mainly funded through designated Texas Lottery Commission games and individual donations made during vehicle registrations and licensing.
