For more information:
Carol N. Agomo, VP of Community Engagement
205.458.2049
Email
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Priority Veteran, a subsidiary of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), has received funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), strengthening the support available to Veterans and their families across Central Alabama.
The grant provides $750,000 to support local Veteran suicide prevention efforts through UWCA’s Priority Veteran program. Since 2013, Priority Veteran has helped U.S. military Veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness or are at immediate risk of losing housing find stability and hope. Through personalized case management, Veterans develop an individualized housing stability plan and connect with resources such as medical and mental healthcare, Veteran benefits, employment support and financial coaching.
SSG Fox SPGP provides funding to community-based organizations serving eligible Veterans, service members and their families through non-clinical and innovative approaches to suicide prevention. Here in Central Alabama, the program will be referred to as SSG Fox and staffed, operated and managed by UWCA as an additional service of the organization’s Priority Veteran program, giving Veterans another point of support as they navigate challenges that can affect their overall well-being.
“Supporting Veterans means making sure they know they have somewhere to turn at all times, including during a crisis and throughout the challenges that can come before it,” said Karla Lawrence, Sr. Vice President Community Initiatives and Programs. “Priority Veteran has long worked alongside Veterans as they build greater stability in their lives. This funding allows us to strengthen that support and connect more Veterans and their families with help when they need it.”
For information about Priority Veteran and services supported through SSG Fox, visit the Priority Veteran website. For more information about the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, visit MentalHealth.VA.gov/ssgfox-grants.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line for 24/7, confidential support. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Dial 988, then press 1; visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat; or text 838255.
Reporters covering suicide and suicide prevention are encouraged to review VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices and resources available through ReportingOnSuicide.org.
About United Way of Central Alabama
United Way of Central Alabama serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties. Through our many partner agencies, community initiatives and strategic planning, we improve lives and community conditions by providing programs and services that address people’s most critical needs, including hunger relief, early childhood development and education, mental health support and more. For more information, visit www.uwca.org.