Jaguars President Mark Lamping joined Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan to announce the 2023 recipients of the Jacksonville Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center community grants. In conjunction with the City of Jacksonville's Military Affairs and Veterans Department and CSX, the Jaguars Foundation awarded $70,000 to 11 military and veteran-serving organizations throughout northeast Florida.
"We are proud to be part of the community effort to support our military members and families." Mark Lamping, President of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As Jacksonville is steeped in rich military tradition, the commitment to our military and veterans is a strong part of the Jaguars' DNA. Through grants for much-needed services and resources; our partnership with the Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center; and the annual Salute to Service football game, it is our honor to show our gratitude to these heroes."
Grants were provided to the following 11 organizations:
- Five STAR Veterans Center – Provides residential and support services for veterans;
- K9s for Warriors – Supports the expansion of warrior and service dog matching and training program;
- Operation Barnabas – Offers emergency fund support for veterans in Clay County;
- Operation New Uniform – Provides comprehensive training classes for veterans transitioning to civilian life;
- United Way of Northeast Florida – Supports Mission United which works to connect military and veterans with needed services;
- Northeast Florida Women Veterans – Supports women veterans starting a business;
- Florida National Guard Foundation – Offers emergency financial assistance for Guard members and their families;
- Hope 4 Veterans – Offers a holistic approach to mental health by combining art therapy and peer support;
- Friends of Jacksonville Veterans Treatment Court – Supports the unique needs of veterans who have had an interaction with the law;
- Yoga 4 Change – Offers in-person and virtual trauma-informed yoga classes for veterans; and
- Jacksonville Humane Society – Supports technical training for veterans wishing to pursue employment in animal care and veterinary services.
In addition to the $1.4 million contributed since 2013 to help fund the City of Jacksonville's Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center at City Hall, the Jaguars Foundation has provided more than $1.2 million in additional funding to local nonprofits serving the military and veterans.
The Jaguars will celebrate their annual Salute to Service campaign, presented by CSX, with numerous activities at area bases and in the community, including the CSX/Jaguars float in the city's Veterans' Day Parade, and culminating with the Jaguars Salute to Service game on Sunday, Nov. 19, at EverBank Stadium.
