Volunteers of America Florida (VOA Florida) has received funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program to expand suicide prevention and intervention services for eligible veterans and their families in Alachua, Levy, Bradford, Gilchrist, Lafayette and Union counties.
According to a VOA Florida release, through the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program, VOA Florida will help eligible veterans access resources designed to address suicide risk, encourage connection and promote mental well-being. Services will include baseline mental health screenings, clinical referrals, moral injury groups, peer support and education for families and communities about suicide risk and prevention.
“Every Veteran deserves to feel valued, connected, and supported in their journey toward well-being. Through the SSG-Fox Suicide Prevention Program, we are strengthening our commitment to helping Veterans and their families access meaningful resources, compassionate services, and connections that can make a lasting difference,” said Janet Stringfellow, president and CEO of VOA Florida, in the release.
VOA Florida has a longstanding commitment to serving veterans, including those experiencing homelessness or facing other barriers to stability. Through housing, behavioral health resources, supportive services and community partnerships, the organization works to help veterans access resources that promote independence and improve quality of life.
The SSG Fox grant program supports community-based suicide prevention efforts as part of the VA’s broader approach to reducing veteran suicide. The initiative aims to strengthen community connections and expand access to assistance by helping eligible veterans connect with support networks, services and appropriate care.
To qualify for the program, individuals must meet eligibility requirements, including qualifying veteran or military service, completion of a baseline screening and screening results that meet the program’s established suicide-risk criteria using an approved VA screening tool.
Veterans and family members interested in learning more can contact David Mate at 904-405-1055 or dmate@voa-fla.org.
For more information about VOA Florida, visit voaflorida.org. Details about the VA’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program are available at mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants.
About VOA Florida
VOA Florida is a faith-based nonprofit human service organization dedicated to helping Floridians achieve stability, independence and greater well-being. Through affordable housing, behavioral health care and supportive services, the organization serves veterans, families with children, individuals living with mental illness and vulnerable seniors throughout Florida. VOA Florida works with community partners to provide personalized services that help people build brighter futures.
Veteran Crisis Resources
Veterans and their loved ones can access free, confidential support through the Veterans Crisis Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Call: 988, then press 1
- Text: 838255
- Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat
- Immediate emergency: Call 911