Two Berks County organizations that work to help veterans have been awarded a total of $37,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, state Sen. Judy Schwank announced on Tuesday, March 25.
The Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs is receiving $27,000 for its ‘Berks County Veterans Affairs Roadshow,’ and the Berks Counseling Center is receiving $10,000 for its ‘Helping Hands’ program.
‘These important grants will help us better help returning soldiers who might need this assistance,’ Schwank said. ‘What’s great about these awards is the money is coming from Pennsylvania motorists; people who want to help our veterans.’
The inaugural grant awards are through the DMVA’s new Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund, which is funded by the $3 donations that people voluntarily make when they apply for or renew their driver’s license and photo IDs or renew their motor vehicle registrations. Money is also generated through the sale of ‘Honoring Our Veterans’ license plates.
Berks County DVA and the Berks Counseling Center are two of the 10 organizations across the commonwealth that are receiving the new grants.
‘The money for the Berks County DVA will help its roadshow conduct outreach workshops, educational events and increase awareness of available services,’ the senator said. ‘The money for Berks Counseling Center will provide supportive services for veterans and their families.
‘The award of these grants shows how small contributions can add up to making a big difference. In this instance, the money is helping the women and men who have fought to protect our freedoms and now need our help to re-acclimate as civilians,’ Schwank said.
To learn more about the Veterans’ Trust Fund, visit www.vtf.state.pa.us.
