CLAY COUNTY — Operation Lifeline and Clay County Rescue Mission were two of 12 recipients who shared $201,551 in VyStar Foundation’s third grant cycle, which focused on nonprofit organizations supporting military and veteran service programs.

“We are proud to announce that VyStar Foundation selected 12 nonprofit organizations in our second military grant cycle,” said VyStar Foundation President Patricia McElroy. “Providing much-needed support to these organizations is a privilege. The spirit of philanthropy is deeply embedded in our identity, and we remain committed to supporting our brave service members and acknowledging the sacrifices made by them and their families.”

Operation Lifeline started in Green Cove Springs to help veterans stay or get into homes. In addition to helping veterans obtain funding, they assisted with maintenance and building an inventory of affordable homes.

The Clay County Rescue Mission is based in Orange Park. It works to end homelessness and to provide hope to families with basic needs like food, shelter and clothing while sharing the love of Jesus.

Others who received grants were:

• American Red Cross of Northeast Florida’s Armed Forces Family Emergency Communications and Resiliency Workshops

• Golden Isles Veterans Village of Southeast Georgia

• Hart Felt Ministries of Northeast Florida

• Heart of Florida United Way of South/Central Florida

• Here Tomorrow of Northeast Florida’s Military Peer Support program

• Hope4Veterans of Northeast Florida’s Hope4Veterans’ P2P Therapeutic Art Program in Clay, Duval and St Johns counties

• Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans’ Operation Upward Momentum program in Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam and Sumter counties

• MOACC Good Deeds Foundation in South/Central Florida

• Navy League of the United States Mayport Council’s “Food is Essential! Ask any Sailor before Payday” program

• Thomas University’s Counseling Center for veteran and student support

VyStar Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Georgia, North and Central Florida. In 2023, the Foundation had a total impact of nearly $1 million. Grants totaling $387,282 were given to 20 local organizations addressing the critical needs of youth, active military members, veterans and their families, and a $570,000 building donation to Three Grains of Rice Missions. The nonprofit provides resources for individuals and families struggling with food and housing instability, along with local and international disaster relief and humanitarian aid.