Governor Greg Abbott announced $6,187,000 in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance grants to 24 organizations in the San Antonio and South-Central Texas region, funding services for an estimated 103,749 area veterans, according to an Aug. 4 news release from the governor’s office.
The awards, administered by the Texas Veterans Commission, were announced as part of the commission’s Grants Across Texas Tour and support services ranging from emergency financial assistance and clinical counseling to veterans treatment courts, home modifications, and food and meal programs.
“Texas will always honor the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who answered the call to serve,” Abbott said in the release. “These grants will help veterans in the San Antonio and South-Central Texas regions access the services they need to thrive.”
TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner, a Navy veteran, thanked the award recipients in the release, saying their organizations “are recognized for making a difference in the lives of those who served” and noting that the San Antonio area is home to many veterans, including herself.
Among the larger awards, Project MEND received $400,000 for assistive equipment and medical technology, West Texas Counseling & Guidance received $400,000 for clinical counseling, Bexar County’s misdemeanor veterans treatment court received $400,000, and Operation Finally Home received $375,000 for home modifications, according to the release. Meals on Wheels San Antonio received $600,000 across food service and home modification programs, while the San Antonio Food Bank, The Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities were among other recipients.
The San Antonio awards are part of 190 grants totaling more than $40.8 million that TVC commissioners approved in May for 160 organizations statewide, expected to serve more than 125,600 veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses, the release said. Since 2009, more than $400 million has been awarded through 1,790 FVA grants.