American Legion Post 129’s membership voted to donate $90,000 to Here Tomorrow, a nonprofit suicide prevention organization, to fund a fulltime veteran peer counselor position over a three-year period.
“Thanks to a matching grant made to Here Tomorrow by the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund and J. Wayne Weaver Fund, our donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar … allowing them to hire a veteran who has faced suicide and overcame it and can share their experience with fellow military personnel contemplating suicide,” said post Commander Joe Maichle. “We’re grateful we’ll soon have a veteran peer support specialist at the beaches where we can refer those veterans for help.”
A survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs showed that about 22 veterans are dying by suicide each 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 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 through December 31, 2024.
“We are excited to build this relationship with American Legion Post 129, which has made this generous contribution to our organization,” said Here Tomorrow Board Chair and Founder Joe Kenney. “With their financial support, we will soon have a peer veteran support specialist on board who can draw from their 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 offer same-day mental health support to those in crisis. Peer support specialists provide immediate support and systematic follow-up phone calls over the course of a year.
“People thinking about seeking professional help and those who love them need support, answers to their questions and someone to listen who truly understands,” said Hannah Hackworth, Here Tomorrow’s executive director. “We aren’t waiting for those most at-risk for suicide to come to us and ask for help. We’re collaborating with community partners like 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 nonprofit organization serving the Beaches communities 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 contemplating seeking help, contact Here Tomorrow, 904-372-9087, or hello@heretomorrow.org. There is no cost for the support and follow-up services provided by Here Tomorrow. For more information and resources or to donate, go to heretomorrow.org.
