American Legion Post 129 members voted to donate $90,000 to Here Tomorrow, a suicide prevention nonprofit, to fund a full-time veteran counselor position over a three-year period.
“Thanks to a matching grant awarded to Here Tomorrow by the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund and the J. Wayne Weaver Fund, our donation will be matched dollar for dollar…allowing them to hire a veteran who has faced suicide and he’s overcome it and can share his experience with fellow military members who were contemplating suicide,” said Rear Adm. Joe Maichle. “We are grateful that we will soon have a veteran peer support specialist on the beaches where we can refer these veterans for help.”
A survey conducted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs showed that about 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States.
In April, Here Tomorrow launched a Match to Reimagine Suicide Prevention campaign with the goal of raising $4 million to help expand access to mental health services in Northeast Florida over the next three years. Both the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund and the J. Wayne Weaver Fund have pledged to match contributions of up to $500,000 for a total of $1 million. Likewise, Here Tomorrow founder Joe Kenney will match donations up to $1 million. The multi-year challenge grant will run until December 31, 2024.
“We are excited to establish this relationship with American Legion Post 129, which has made such a generous contribution to our organization,” said Joe Kenney, president and founder of Here Tomorrow. “With your financial support, we will soon have a veteran support specialist on board who can use his own experience to help reach military personnel who are contemplating suicide and save more lives in the process.”
Here Tomorrow uses a peer support model to provide same-day mental health support to people in crisis. Peer support specialists provide immediate support and systematic follow-up phone calls over the course of a year.
“People who are thinking about seeking professional help and those who love them need support, answers to their questions and someone to listen who really understands,” said Hannah Hackworth, executive director of Here Tomorrow. “We’re not waiting for those most at risk of suicide to come to us for help. We’re collaborating with community partners like the American Legion Post 129, along with the Suicide Hotline, other community partners and using search engine optimization, our goal is to identify and engage people before it’s too late.
Founded in 2021, Here Tomorrow is a non-profit organization serving the communities of the Beaches and Northeast Florida with a mission to prevent suicide by building a community where mental health care is acceptable and accessible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hopelessness and thinking about seeking help, please contact Here Tomorrow, 904-372-9087, or hello@heretomorrow.org. There is no charge for the support and monitoring services provided by Here Tomorrow. For more information and resources or to make a donation, go to heretomorrow.org.
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