CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Tennessee Chapter 18-2, recently made a generous donation to Soldiers And Families Embraced (SAFE), a homegrown non-profit offering free individual and group counseling services to active duty, veterans, and their families.
With a grant from the national CVMA, the Clarksville-based association donated more than twice the size of its regular local fundraising budget in order to provide for more local counseling.
In his request for the grant, Scott Hafner, former Chapter Commander of CVMA TN 18-2, said the local chapter adopted SAFE in late 2015 because there is a great need for mental health providers to assist with both post-deployment stress and stress generated by the transition from active duty.
“This charity has had a direct impact on the mental welfare on several of our chapter members,” Hafner said.
Hafner and several other CVMA TN Chapter 18-2 members presented a check for $11,500 to former Executive Director Rev. Jodi McCullah and current Executive Director Lantz Smith, LMSW at a recent event.
According to the national website, the CVMA is “an Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms. Our focus is to help veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter, and guidance, or simply to say, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Welcome Home.’”
SAFE’s services are provided at no cost, and no insurance is required. They are a 501.c.3 organization funded through grants and private donations. For more information, call 931-591-3241 or visit their website at soldiersandfamiliesembraced.org.