Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (JSU) is set to open the Victory Center, a new program dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, on February 10, 2025. Based at JSU’s McClellan Center, the Victory Center will provide free services to veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families across a 15-county region.

Designed to take a holistic approach to veterans’ well-being and success, the Victory Center offers mental health support, case management, social engagement, first responder training, and community partnerships.

Mental health counseling services will include individual, family, and group therapy sessions to address emotional and psychological well-being, with in-person and telehealth options available. Additionally, holistic case management services will connect Alabama veterans and their families to local and statewide resources. Clinical interns from JSU’s Department of Social Work will assist with housing stability, access to medical and mental health resources, VA benefits and enrollment, job searches, financial coaching, and legal services.

To foster social connections, the center will utilize campus resources to host social and cultural gatherings, strengthening community support. It will also provide first responder training through certified trainers from the Center for Best Practices in Law Enforcement, equipping first responders with the skills to better assist veterans in crisis situations.

The Victory Center will collaborate with multiple community partners, including the State VA Program, Federal VA Program, United Way of East Central Alabama, JSU Adventure Recreation, Calhoun County Health Department, JSU School of Nursing, JSU Human Resources Department, and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA).

The initiative is part of JSU’s ongoing commitment to military-affiliated students and families. At its ribbon-cutting ceremony in November 2024, the center received a $561,604 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to fund Victory Workforce Development Services, aimed at helping veterans and their spouses transition into new careers. Additionally, a $250,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs was awarded in early 2024 to support the center’s mission.

By offering free, accessible services, the Victory Center aspires to be a central hub of support, guidance, and empowerment for the veteran community.