Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin Awarded a $500,000 Grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin was awarded a $500,000 grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to support their Cottage Court Community: Community Center. 

Gail Nohr, SACT Substance Abuse Counselor IT

“Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that will provide a safe “Cottage Court Community” for our area veterans, specifically those in need of affordable housing with wraparound services. All of this is to help them become self-sufficient,” said Gail Nohr, founder and Secretary of Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin. “This generous gift will allow us to have a community center with an office, kitchen, and meeting area. We get to share this space with veterans (including the Cottage Court residents) and community members for group meetings, educational programs, training sessions, and socializing.” 

According to Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, one of the most compelling indicators of supportive housing effectiveness is housing stability: national data shows that 85–90% of individuals placed in supportive housing remain housed after one year. Participants experience fewer emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalizations, while increasing their use of preventive and behavioral health services. These shifts not only improve individual well-being but also reduce strain on public health systems. 

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, Cottage Court Community

The Community Center will play a key role in providing a space where veterans can find the help they need to get back on their feet. There is an incredible shortage of affordable housing in Brown County. In 2021, there were more than 39,000 people who needed affordable housing with nearly 5,000 being veterans. Veterans also face many other life challenges so by removing housing concerns, Veteran’s 1st Cottage Court will be able to help them navigate resources and address individual needs as they arise.

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin is also partnering with four employment agencies including the Wisconsin Workforce Development and Forward Services to offer opportunities for meaningful employment. They are also partnering with the VA Clinic, the Vet Center, and about 20 other healthcare agencies to address the health and wellness needs of the veterans living on their campus.  

To learn more about Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, visit https://veterans1stnew.com. 

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The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is a permanent, donor-advised endowment that generates millions of dollars in grants annually to charitable organizations reflecting the philanthropic interests of the late David and Rita Nelson and their family, primarily in the Fox Cities, Green Bay, and Door County areas. These interests include parks, recreation and waterways; education; health care; community services and community centers; historic preservation and history — including lighthouses, museums and historical societies; and community catalyst opportunities. 

To learn more, visit: David L and Rita E Nelson Family Fund – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region