Veterans Affairs Canada provides support through the Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund.
OTTAWA, ONMarch 11, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced that three organizations in Nova Scotia will receive funding under the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund (FBEVF).
In the company of Kody BloisMP for Kings–Hants, the Minister announced that VAC is providing $75,000 in funding to support the Veteran Farm Project Society, which provides female Veterans with a safe post-service environment where they can participate in activities such as cultivation of agricultural products, maintenance of the memorial flower garden, artistic projects and archery.
The Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association will be able to deliver an 18-month program for female veterans, which aims to build resilience through horse-assisted psychotherapy sessions, thanks to a $90,000 grant. $ from VAC.
The Nova Seven Arts Council, a community art space, offers a free and accessible program aimed at introducing expressive art therapy to medically released military personnel, their families and veterans. This program, which showcases art as a safe and expressive outlet for the military and veteran community, will receive $10,000 in funding from VAC.
This year, organizations selected to receive funding under the FBEVF are trying to address issues affecting Veterans and their families during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including homelessness, retraining, unemployment, health issues and support for equity-seeking groups, such as female veterans and LBGTQ2 veterans. This support is made possible through additional funding for FBEVF in Budget 2021.
Created in 2018, the FBEVF has provided financial support to private, public and academic organizations that strive to improve the lives of veterans and their family members through innovative initiatives, research and projects.
Citations
“The transition from military life to life after service can be difficult for some people. These three organizations have developed new and innovative ways to support veterans making this transition, through unique projects such as equine therapy, agriculture and the arts. I commend them for the good work they have done to date and look forward to seeing the positive results this funding will bring to Veterans. »
The Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense
“Canadian veterans have proudly served our nation and it is an honor for us to recognize their dedication by providing them with the support they need. Organizations such as the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association and the Veteran Farm Project Society play an important role in this regard through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. I’m glad they can help us help veterans. »
L’honorable Kody BloisMP for Kings–Hants
“Thanks to the generous Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, the SPIRIT program will be able to support intergenerational relationships in the service of Veterans. The goal of this program is to provide services to Veterans who are female and/or who identify with the 2SLGBTQ+ community by creating a safe community for 18 months through the Equine Assisted Wellness Program, alternative therapies and by organizing “dinner-talks”. We believe that when strong relationships are formed and we develop a sense of belonging, we all have the freedom to thrive. »
Alissa Cueowner/operator of Rohan Wood Stablesequine specialist and chief instructor for Free Spirit
“We are proud to have created a safe place for women who have served their country to come together as they transition from military life. With this funding, we can continue to deliver programs that really make a difference. Because the women we help grow much more than vegetables and flowers: they also cultivate new skills, new friendships, and they grow stronger every day. »
Jessica MillerFounder and Director, Veteran Farm Project Society
“Artistic creation can change our perspective. 7Arts builds a creative community where everyone is encouraged to explore their creative side and unleash their imagination. We hope that with the help of the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, this program will be a positive outlet for service members, supporting their mental well-being through the creative process. »
Amber Jubyfounding president of the NOVA Seven Arts Council
Quick Facts
- With new funding in Budget 2021, the Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund, first announced in Budget 2017, will provide at least $8 million each year until financial year 2023-2024. These ongoing projects support Veterans during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including addressing issues of homelessness, retraining, unemployment and health as well as projects that support female Veterans and Veterans LGBTQ2.
- Since 2018, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund has provided more than $25 million to 66 organizations across the country to help improve the lives of Veterans and their families.
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SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
For further information: Contacts, Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]John Embury, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, [email protected], Alissa Cue; Owner/Operator of Rohan Wood Stables, Equine Specialist and Chief Instructor for Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association, 902-692-1614, [email protected]
