People gathered at the Five Star Veterans Center to celebrate America's independence Wednesday.
It was not the only reason why many folks were ecstatic.
“July 4, 2018, is the first time that I can tell you that I know that we’re going to be in business for another year,” said Col. Len Loving, CEO of Five Star Veterans.
Loving told Action News Jax $150,000 in veteran assistance is coming in from the state over the next year.
He said it will cover the costs associated with their mental health program, and more.
“The mental health program is very essential to what we’re trying to do and the passport to independence,” said Loving.
Veterans who call the center home find the news encouraging. Many veterans face unique challenges stateside. Charles Lamar suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq and lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“Nightmares, bad dreams, I wake up (and) I don’t know where I’m at,” said Lamar.
Lamar lives at the center and hails from Illinois. The support of his comfort pet is always nearby.
“Gator’s my service dog … he’s my best friend,” said Lamar.
He said time spent with Gator is often the only therapy he needs. But when things get difficult, he walks down the hall to the on-site mental health professional.
“I’m comfortable here," said Lamar. "And I know they’ve helped a lot of other people and they feel the same way.”
Dennis Cain is the mental health professional they visit.
He told Action News Jax their goal for veterans is stability.
“Surrounding them with the resources they need for either substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment,” said Cain.
They said the department could grow in the future. For now, the center aims to preserve a system that seems to be working.
Loving said the funds will be disbursed every quarter over the next year.