A Sheboygan County nonprofit has been named one of nine recipients of a grant intended to promote positive mental health outcomes for Wisconsin veterans. Governor Tony Evers, along with Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Bond, announced the awards of the Veteran Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant funding as part of a $10 million investment in veterans services made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act. $600,000 of that was made available to the recipients that were selected by the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity.
Dogs2DogTags, which is based out of Plymouth, received a $77,000 grant to train and place service dogs with veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress or anxiety. The organization was founded by Torre Willadsen who worked to keep fellow 7th Marine member and dog handler Chris Van Etten to keep his dog, Harley, together in 2012 after Van Etten was wounded in combat. According to the Dogs2DogTags website, Torre founded his organization after seeing firsthand the profound effect an emotional support dog could have on a wounded man’s frame of mind during a difficult time. Through Dogs2DogTags, veterans are able to receive a dog free of charge.
DVA Secretary Bond said that he was “thrilled that WDVA is able to partner with this diverse group of nonprofits dedicated to serving veterans and their communities.
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