It's our time to serve those who served us first. Join us in our mission to support veterans struggling with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and homelessness.
Every single day, an estimated 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide. That's not just a number—it's a national tragedy.
Behind that statistic are men and women who carried the weight of service, only to return home battling invisible wounds: PTSD, substance use disorders, depression, and homelessness.
These brave individuals defended our freedom, yet many face battles at home that feel just as daunting as those they faced overseas. The transition from military to civilian life can be incredibly challenging, and without proper support systems, many veterans find themselves struggling to cope.
The Secondhand Salute Program is designed to bridge the gap for struggling veterans by addressing the critical issues of mental health, housing instability, and sustainable recovery.
Too many veterans fall through the cracks after their service; our mission is to lift them up, walk with them, and help them get their boots back on the ground—this time in life, not just in combat.
We believe that no veteran who served our country should struggle alone. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the immediate needs but works to create sustainable solutions that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
22 veterans die by suicide daily due to untreated trauma and lack of support. This is a crisis that demands immediate attention and action from all of us.
Veterans make up a disproportionate percentage of the homeless population in many U.S. communities. Many face housing instability due to mental health challenges and financial difficulties.
Thousands live with PTSD and substance use disorders, often without access to consistent, compassionate care. The stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking help.
Secondhand Salute is here to change that. We're building a community of support where veterans can find the help they need without judgment or barriers.
Trauma-informed counseling, PTSD therapy, and peer support groups designed specifically for veterans. We provide individual and group therapy sessions with professionals trained in military culture.
Resources to help veterans find and maintain safe, stable housing. We offer emergency housing, transitional housing programs, and assistance with securing permanent housing solutions.
Substance use treatment, wrap-around wellness care, and sustainable recovery programs. Our holistic approach addresses both addiction and underlying trauma to support lasting recovery.
Workforce readiness training, financial literacy, and community reintegration. We help veterans translate their military skills to civilian careers and provide job placement assistance.
Through our Secondhand Salute program, we've been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
These are just a few of the veterans whose lives have been transformed through our programs.
After serving as a Marine in Afghanistan, Mark struggled with severe PTSD and turned to alcohol to cope. Through our mental health program, he received trauma therapy and joined a peer support group. Today, Mark is sober, employed, and mentoring other veterans.
An Army veteran, Sarah faced homelessness after her service. Our housing assistance program helped her secure stable housing while she received treatment for substance use disorder. She's now pursuing a degree in social work to help other veterans.
After 12 years in the Navy, James struggled to adjust to civilian life and found himself battling depression. Through our employment program, he received career counseling and now works as a supervisor at a local manufacturing plant, where he's thriving.
"The Secondhand Salute program saved my life. After my service, I felt lost and alone. The counseling and support I received helped me find my purpose again. I'm forever grateful for this program."
"I never thought I'd be able to hold down a job after my discharge. The employment assistance program not only helped me find work but gave me the confidence to succeed in my new career."
Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to serving those who served our country.
Dr. Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with veterans. She served as a captain in the Army Medical Service Corps and understands the unique challenges facing military personnel.
Marcus is a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq. After his own struggles with transition, he dedicated his life to helping fellow veterans navigate the challenges of civilian life and access the resources they need.
Jennifer has worked in social services for over a decade, specializing in housing assistance for vulnerable populations. She connects veterans with safe, affordable housing options and provides ongoing support to prevent homelessness.
Find answers to common questions about our Secondhand Salute program.
Any veteran who has served in the U.S. military, regardless of discharge status, is eligible for our services. We serve veterans from all branches and eras of service.
Yes, all of our services are provided at no cost to veterans. We are funded through grants, donations, and community support to ensure that financial barriers never prevent a veteran from getting the help they need.
You can refer a veteran by calling our main line at (904) 299-6777 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We also accept referrals from VA hospitals, community organizations, and family members.
Yes, we have partnerships with local shelters and transitional housing programs to provide emergency housing for veterans in crisis. We also offer assistance with securing permanent housing solutions.
We welcome volunteers in many capacities, from administrative support to direct service with veterans. Visit our volunteer page to fill out an application and learn about current opportunities.
Stay informed about our work and important developments in veteran services.
We're excited to announce new partnerships with five local businesses that have committed to hiring veterans through our employment program. These partnerships will create at least 25 new job opportunities for veterans in our community.
The ACE Foundation has received a significant grant from the Veterans Support Foundation to expand our mental health services. This funding will allow us to serve an additional 100 veterans with PTSD and trauma-related disorders.
Our Secondhand Salute program has now served over 500 veterans since its inception. We're proud of this milestone and remain committed to expanding our services to reach even more veterans in need.
Through strong partnerships and community collaborations, Ace Foundation extends its mission even further. Our newest initiative—Operation Valor Claims™—in collaboration with Coats Cares for Veterans, ensures every veteran receives the benefits they rightfully deserve.
We work with local businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create a comprehensive support network for veterans. These partnerships allow us to offer services that address the full spectrum of veteran needs, from emergency assistance to long-term stability.
Explore Operation Valor Claims™ →We provide a comprehensive range of resources to support veterans in their journey to recovery and stability.
Whether you're a veteran in need, a family member seeking help, or a community partner wanting to make an impact—there's a way for you to be part of this mission.
Together, we can stand against the 22.
Together, we can save lives, restore hope, and fight for the benefits veterans deserve.