VOAMASS Wins $750,000 VA Grant for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program
The nonprofit will launch the Engaging Veterans & Elevating Resilience program across seven Massachusetts counties to provide peer support and clinical care.
By Ricardo Alvarez ·
Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to fund a new suicide prevention initiative. The funding comes from the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program and will support services for veterans in Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties.
The organization plans to use the funds to operate the Engaging Veterans & Elevating Resilience program, known as EVER. This initiative is designed to address the mental health needs of veterans by utilizing evidence based solutions. The program aims to reduce isolation and strengthen veteran stability while ensuring access to appropriate clinical care.
The EVER program will be staffed by an experienced team of veterans. Services offered under the grant include suicide risk screening, education, and case management. The program will also provide benefits assistance, peer support, and safety planning. Additionally, the team will conduct outreach and facilitate connections to both VA and community services.
Charles E. Gagnon, President and CEO of VOAMASS, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the VA. He noted that the organization is addressing the devastating reality of high rates of suicide among the nation's heroes. Gagnon stated that the funds are critical for providing comprehensive care to veterans in the commonwealth. He added that the grant enables the organization to add a dedicated suicide prevention program to its continuum of care.
National data highlights the urgency of the issue. In 2024, there were an average of nearly 18 suicides a day among veterans across the United States. The SSG Fox SPGP advances the VA's public health approach to veteran suicide prevention. This approach combines community based efforts with clinical strategies to create a comprehensive support network.
VOAMASS is a nonprofit that delivers integrated behavioral health, housing, employment, and supportive services for individuals in need. The organization was incorporated in 1934 and is headquartered in Jamaica Plain. It serves approximately 4,000 individuals across Massachusetts, including veterans, individuals involved with the criminal justice system, and older adults.
Veterans interested in the EVER program or in need of assistance can contact the organization for additional information. Those in crisis or those concerned about a veteran can receive 24/7 confidential support by contacting the Veterans Crisis Line. Individuals can dial 988 and press 1, chat online, or text 838255 to connect with support services.
