By Hannah Amos 
 
PTSD Awareness Month in June not only educates the public on post-traumatic stress disorder and PTSD-related issues but also helps to destigmatize it. 

The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund (VPF) grants provide the means to carry out the ALA’s legacy of Service Not Self and support all veterans, military, and their families, especially those suffering from the effects of PTSD. 

VPF grants are awarded to ALA tax-exempt entities in good standing with ALA compliance standards and IRS nonprofit tax guidelines. Grants can be awarded up to $10,000.

Not all wounds are visible. Recovery often happens through community, connection, purpose, and access to supportive environments.

ALA entities nationwide — with the aid of VPF grants — are providing safe spaces for veterans and their families to heal and overcome the effects of PTSD.

Sullivan-Wallen Unit 11, Wisconsin
ALA Sullivan-Wallen Unit 11 of Green Bay, Wis., helped to support veterans reclaiming themselves from PTSD and other emotional challenges. 


Through a VPF grant, Unit 11 responded to one of the most common challenges associated with PTSD: social isolation.

Awarded $9,097.92, the unit supported Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) with 72 stackable chairs for a community center on campus. Veterans 1st of NEW creates affordable housing for Green Bay-area veterans while also providing therapy resources and support services. 

The chairs will be the foundation for many to create lasting connections and community and will be used in a multitude of ways in the community center from meals and counseling to employment training. 

ALA Department of Oklahoma
Programs that bring veterans together help build relationships, reduce loneliness, and foster a sense of belonging — all vital to healing.

The Department of Oklahoma, with a grant of $3,364, hopes to connect veterans to build relationships by supporting the Sallisaw Veterans Home, a long-term housing facility with skilled nursing care. 

By supplying social and recreational materials to veterans, the goal is for community to be made while having fun while promoting healing. 

The department, by the request of Sallisaw, provided a ping-pong table, video gaming systems, computers, and printers for veterans and their families to enjoy. 

Beyond being fun activities, the equipment — available to all residents — will support interaction with other veterans and their families, provide light physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and reduce isolation.

ALA Unit 155, Indiana
Another key aspect of the healing journey is stability. Carmel, Ind., Unit 155 purchased a wide variety of household items for Manchester Apartments located in Indianapolis. 

The $10,000 VPF grant will help the veteran housing facility to rebuild and recover after a fire destroyed the apartments in October 2024. Due to the damage, 48 previously homeless veterans were displaced. 

Unit 155’s actions will help establish safe, comfortable living spaces for veterans in need. 

The hard work and dedication exhibited by these ALA entities are just a few examples of the support our ALA members provide for veterans, military, and their families healing from PTSD and other emotional challenges.