Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Bexar County courts received over $1.1 million in grants that aim to support veterans involved in the criminal justice system. This financial boost, carved out as part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s Grants Across Texas presentations, will be dedicated to providing services to more than 450 justice-involved veterans in the region, as reported by the Governor's Office.
"We are forever grateful for the sacrifices our brave veterans made to defend the freedoms we enjoy today," Governor Abbott stated in the press announcement, "Veterans who were impacted by traumatic experiences overseas deserve a second chance at a better life." The funds come from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) and include a $300,000 grant for financial assistance and a $250,000 grant for veteran treatment court programs destined to the Bexar County Commissioners Court alongside another $300,000 grant apiece for the veteran treatment court program and for peer support services going to the Bexar County Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court. This announcement was made as the final stop at the Bexar County Courthouse in San Antonio for this year's series of grants presentations.
The Texas Veterans Commission's Chair and Navy veteran Laura Koerner highlighted the imperative nature of these grants, saying, "The impacts of trauma suffered during service can lead some veterans to make a bad choice along the way and become involved in the justice system," emphasizing that such treatment courts offer support to help prevent recidivism. Assistance will encompass a broad spectrum of services, from emergency financial aid to family support services, according to the Governor’s Office.
Important to note as well, is the source of these grants' funding which is primarily from the Texas Lottery Commission’s games that earmark proceeds for veteran support. Other sources include individual donations made through driver’s license registrations, licenses to carry a handgun and outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing. For veterans seeking help, information about organizations that provide assistance, and instructions on how to contact them, are available at the Texas Veterans Commission’s website. Moreover, organizations looking to secure TVC grants need to apply before November 12, and they can find apply information on the Commission's website.
