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 Awardees
will receive funding to address critical issues facing veterans
including homelessness, post-traumatic stress treatment, behavioral
health treatment, and workforce development.
Illinois is the first state in the United States to designate 100
percent of the net proceeds of a lottery ticket to veterans.
Launched in 2006, more than $20 million in grants have been awarded
to approximately 400 veterans organizations statewide. The Winter
Riches $2 lottery tickets were sold between November through
February. As of July 1, 2024, the specialty ticket has been
replaced, and IDVA is now part of the Joint Special Instant
Scratch-Off game. Proceeds are shared with nine other causes through
the $5 Bingo Tripler scratch-off ticket, which is sold year-round.
“We continue to be impressed by the high level of applicants for the
Veterans Cash Grants,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “Those
selected are offering quality programs to veterans that will launch
them into self-sufficiency and manage PTSD and other behavioral
challenges resulting from service. We are grateful for our
partnership with the Illinois Lottery, which makes these grants
possible.”
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs awards
these funds through Veterans’ Cash Grants. Every quarter, IDVA's
committee reviews applications and awards grants to groups that have
demonstrated proven need. Eligibility is open to government
agencies, not-for-profits, veterans’ organizations, and tax-exempt
entities currently providing veterans’ assistance or wishing to
expand their services into veterans’ assistance. For more
information on Veterans’ Cash Grants and to apply, visit:
https://veterans.illinois.gov/
programs/veterans-cash.html
The recipients are:
Donka, Inc. (Wheaton, IL): This $71,000 grant supports
individuals with physical, visual, and learning disabilities through
adaptive technology, computer training, job readiness services,
adaptive technology, education, job skills training, and placement
assistance. The program will support 75 veterans in the Chicago area
and Northern Illinois. A Safe Haven
Foundation (Chicago, IL): This $95,000 grant provides homeless
veterans permanent housing, prevention services, and rental and
utility arrears assistance. Grant funds will address financial
crises, provide move-in starter kits, and offer transportation and
prevention services to support independent living. This grant will
support 40 veterans in Chicago and Northern Illinois.
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Mended Hearts Stable Inc. (Metamora, IL): This
$100,000 grant provides equine-assisted therapy and education to
enhance the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being of
individuals with various disorders. The grant allows Mended Hearts
to expand its treatment center by adding an ADA-compliant area and
developing a veteran support group to build camaraderie.
Merging Vets and Players (MVP) (Chicago, IL): This $68,000
grant supports MVP which provides veterans with behavioral and
physical health challenges a safe environment for exercise and peer
mentoring that addresses social isolation, substance abuse, and PTSD.
American Legion Department of Illinois (Bloomington, IL):
This $100,000 grant supports the American Legion’s Department
Service Officers in assisting transitioning veterans in seeking
their earned benefits.
Impacting Veterans Lives, Inc. (Midwest Veterans Closet (North
Chicago): This $100,000 grant will employ six veterans as pantry
and warehouse attendants to manage donations and perform facility
tasks. This initiative offers paid employment to otherwise
unemployed veterans providing them opportunity for self-reliance.
Central Illinois Veterans Commission
(Lincoln, IL): This $100,000 grant will furnish tiny homes for
homeless veterans in Central Illinois.
Transitional Living Services, Inc. (Crystal Lake): This
$100,000 grant allows Transitional Living Services to hire veterans
facing PTSD, homelessness, reintegration challenges, and employment
difficulties. While employed, they receive coaching on job skills,
housing assistance, behavioral health support, and nutritional
services. The program serves 325 veterans in the Chicago area and
Northern Illinois.
Goodwill of Central Illinois (Peoria): This $30,000 grant
funds a Stand Down event which provides essential supplies, medical
services, and valuable information on substance abuse and PTSD to
veterans. Over 300 veterans attended the 2023 Stand Down event.
Veterans New Beginnings (Chicago): This nearly $99,000 grant
provides 200 homeless veterans in the Chicago area housing support,
home management, leasing education, health screenings, family
support, transportation, life skills, mental health services, and
social activities.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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