Veterans in Central Texas have garnered more support thanks to a $130,000 Funds for Veterans Assistance grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). The grant is awarded to the Austin Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Assistance Program (VLAP), which provides much-needed services to veterans. Doug Lawrence, managing attorney of the program, says the grant will be used to update the program’s technology and offset some of the costs to continue VLAP’s commitment to ensuring equal access to legal services by our local veteran community, regardless of financial status, in their pursuit of impartial justice to meet their basic needs.
“I am honored that the Texas Veterans Commission recognizes our contribution and commitment to the veteran community,” said Lawrence. “This grant will help us meet our objectives and enhance the direct legal services we can provide to veterans in our community. We want to thank the members of the Texas Legislature for creating this grant program in 2009 and the Texas Veterans Commission for their dedication and continued support to Texas veterans and their families who’ve given so much to our country.”
Since Jan. 1, 2022, this small but necessary program has proudly organized 23 legal clinics held in Austin, Lockhart, and Fredericksburg, and co-produced a live webinar for veterans regarding DD-214 access, discharge upgrades, and nondisclosure/expunction of civilian criminal and arrest record requirements.
The Veterans Legal Assistance Program staff and volunteers are ecstatic to have gained new support from the Texas Veterans Commission, and look forward to the opportunity to continue serving veterans and their families at the remaining legal clinics scheduled this year.
Since 1927, the mission of the Texas Veterans Commission has been to advocate for and provide superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.
Since 2009 through the current 2023-2024 grant cycle, over $234 million in grant funding has been awarded through 1,100 Funds for Veterans Assistance grants, serving an estimated 400,000 Texas veterans and their family members. Veterans in need of assistance can find the organizations providing help in their area and how to contact them at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/.
The Austin Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Assistance Program is funded by grants from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), Funds for Veterans Assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Bar Foundation, the Central Texas Community Foundation, and support from the board of directors and members of the Austin Bar Association who volunteer their pro bono services through our program.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Veterans Legal Assistance Program or sign up as a volunteer for a future advice clinic or event is welcome to contact program staff at 512-472-0279, ext. 110 or by email to doug@austinbar.org or leslie@austinbar.org for more details.
