• Pets Loyal 2 Vets - $65,000 grant
  
• Ars Bellum Foundation - $18,515 grant

Since 1993 MDVA has provided over 90 grants annually to Minnesota Veteran organizations. Historically these grants were awarded to legislatively directed organizations in Minnesota to assist Veterans and their families. This year, MDVA expanded the SOT grant program by offering a new competitive grant process which now allows additional organizations to apply for funding. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.

“Making these SOT grants available to more organizations not only leverages our work, it also empowers our partners. Only together can we support and strengthen our community as a whole. Congratulations to both Pets Loyal 2 Vets and the ARS Bellum Foundation for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”

Pets Loyal 2 Vets
Pets Loyal 2 Vets (PL2V) received $65,000 to provide highly trained companion, service and therapy dogs - free of cost -to Minnesota Veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or sexual assault trauma. Veterans enrolled in the program will be matched with a highly individualized trained service dog trained to decrease depressive episodes, decrease anxiety, and social avoidance caused by their PTSD and/or TBI. PL2V advocates that Veterans report an increase in independence, communication skills, and general quality of life after being matched with their service dog. The program focuses on emotional peace and well-being. For Veterans who are experiencing this sort of trauma, reducing anxiety and stress is essential for facilitating integration back into civilian and family life. Veterans who have used this type of program self-reported a decrease in PTSD and TBI symptoms and the ability to better handle them. Additionally, Veterans report better integration into family and society, an increase in communication skills and a decrease in depressive episodes.

For the fiscal year 2017-2018 grant period, PL2V plans to provide more than 40 unique Veterans with Companion, Therapy or Service dogs. They are working to develop as many as 20 foster home trainers who will assist in training dogs and puppies in preparation for assignment to Veterans. PL2V was one of the first service dog organizations in the state dedicated exclusively to serving Veterans.

PL2V will use Veteran feedback and exit interviews to provide metrics in an on-going effort to expand and improve services. The data gathered will closely gauge progress in areas like sleep patterns, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, communication skills and general well-being. PL2V recently expanded to six of the larger metropolitan cities throughout Minnesota, and will serve Veterans in all areas of the state through this grant.

Ars Bellum Foundation
Ars Bellum Foundation (ABF) received $18,515 to provide, at no cost to Veterans, eight week Art Therapy Sessions with a certified art therapist to help reduce symptoms of (PTSD). ABF recently expanded its partnership with Adler Graduate School and Metro State University to further develop the initial assessment tools and provide deeper data analysis for therapists who are working with Veterans.

"Expanding access to effective art therapy options for Veterans with PTSD and related mental health conditions is an important part of Ars Bellum Foundation's mission. The Support Our Troops grant will enable us to increase the number of art therapy sites for Veterans and their families, and we look forward to bringing our programs throughout the state." said Bridget Cronin, CEO, Ars Bellum Foundation.

By the end of the 2016-2017 grant period, ABF is planning to have established art therapy sites throughout the state that are accessible to most Veterans and their families, with a regular program cycle, consistent attendance, and measurable improvements in mental health. One of the areas of focus will be to ensure that Veterans and their families know about these programs, have opportunities to experience art therapy and have access to program sites. ABF will evaluate the effectiveness of their newly expanded art program by collecting data to measure if the initial successes will be replicated. Early findings showed an average of 25% reduction in key symptoms such as anxiety attacks, exaggerated startle response, depression, emotional and social isolation, and general stress coping skills.

“Thanks to this innovative public-private collaboration more Minnesota Veterans are getting needed support to tackle depression, anxiety, and other trauma,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “On behalf of all Minnesotans, I want to extend our collective gratitude to those who serve our country, and to Pets Loyal 2 Vets and the Ars Bellum Foundation for serving all of them.”

About the SOT License Plate Program:
Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:

• Grants through Support Our Troops program
• Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling.
• Emergency financial assistance
• Helping Homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits
• Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits 
• Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service

To purchase SOT plates, visit your local DMV office or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.

To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the /mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jspMDVA grants page.

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About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.