JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars President Mark Lamping joined Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry at a press conference today inside City Hall to announce the 2020 recipients of the Jacksonville Resource and Reintegration Center community grants. The Jaguars Foundation and the City of Jacksonville's Military Affairs and Veterans Department awarded $57,500 to military and veteran-serving organizations throughout the community.
"Today's grant recipients play a key role in keeping our nation strong by caring for its greatest defenders," said Jaguars President Mark Lamping. "The Jaguars are honored to support these organizations and their programming, be it residential services, financial assistance, mental health and even canine outreach. Their hard work is key to caring for our military, veterans and their families across the First Coast."
Grants were provided to the following nine organizations:
- Five Star Veterans Center – Provides residential services for veterans.
- Florida National Guard Foundation – Offers financial assistance for Guard members and their families.
- K9s for Warriors – Supports the expansion of warrior and service dog training program.
- Northeast Florida Women Veterans – Provides emergency services to women veterans.
- Operation New Uniform - Provides training for transitioning veterans.
- Operation Barnabas – Offers hardship fund support for veterans.
- Veterans Council of St. Johns County – Provides emergency assistance to veterans.
- United Way – Supports operating expenses for the Mission United Launch.
- Yoga 4 Change – Provides trauma-informed yoga for veterans.
"The Jacksonville Jaguars have been amazing partners in our efforts to support military service members and veterans in our city," said Mayor Lenny Curry. "I am grateful to the team for their continued contributions to our community. These grants to veteran-serving organizations further enhance Jacksonville's well-earned reputation as the most military- and veteran-friendly city in the nation."
Since 2013, the Jaguars have provided over $1.5 million to help fund the Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center at City Hall. Including today's announcement, the team has also given nearly $360,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations during that same time.
The Jaguars will celebrate their annual Salute to Service game on Sunday, November 8th at TIAA Bank Field. CSX will once again serve as the presenting sponsor for the Jaguars 2020 Salute to Service activities including events and programming for military members, spouses, and families on local bases and at TIAA Bank Field throughout November.