Chicago, IL – July 18, 2024 – A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) is honored to announce it has received a $22,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) to support its RISE (Resources-Information-Support-Empowerment) Suicide Prevention initiative. Launched in 2018, the RISE program has been making significant strides in veteran mental health support, offering 24/7 services for veterans in housing programs.

The RISE program innovatively integrates mental health professionals into social events and activities, making support more accessible and less stigmatizing for veterans. Since its inception, RISE has provided trauma-informed mental health care to 12,000 veterans and their family members, demonstrating its success in increasing awareness of suicide risk factors, providing coping skills, and improving access to mental health treatment for veterans in Chicago.

The grant funding will be used to cover the costs of the RISE Program, including the training and hiring of staff dedicated to suicide prevention for the veteran community, as well as planning and implementing veteran outreach events. It will also support clinical operations, including psychiatric and counseling services.

Mark Mulroe, President of A Safe Haven Foundation, said, “This grant from DVNF is crucial in our ongoing efforts to address the urgent need for veteran suicide prevention and mental health support in the Chicago area. We are deeply grateful for DVNF’s continued support, which allows us to expand our services and reach more veterans in need.”

Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation said, “Suicide prevention among veterans is a top priority. The further hiring and training of staff to assist with A Safe Haven’s RISE program will be instrumental in helping to address this problem. DVNF is proud to partner with in their quest to provide mental health and social support to veterans who are struggling.”

ABOUT A SAFE HAVEN FOUNDATION:

A Safe Haven Foundation addresses the complex issues of homelessness and poverty, substance use, and other life-altering challenges. Our mission is to restore hope and opportunity to individuals in crisis by providing treatment, housing, support services, and career pathways. As a well-established organization, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines behavioral health services, education, job training, and workforce development under one roof. A Safe Haven Foundation empowers individuals to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable independence, ultimately transforming lives and strengthening communities.

ABOUT THE DISABLED VETERANS NATIONAL FOUNDATION:

Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.

DVNF achieves this mission by:

• Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with those of DVNF.
• Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
• Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
• Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community and educating the public accordingly.

DVNF MEDIA CONTACT:

Meredith Fick, Communications Team
Email: communications@dvnf.org