VyStar Foundation recognized three outstanding nonprofit organizations in Central Florida for their unwavering commitment to supporting military members, veterans, and their families. As part of the Foundation’s overall $217,000 investment to support veteran services in 2025, each of these organizations received funding to expand their vital programs that address food and housing insecurity, work force development, and mental health.
“At VyStar Foundation, we believe honoring our military means more than words, it means action,” said Patricia McElroy, President of VyStar Foundation. “These grants reflect our deep gratitude and unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being and success of our service members, veterans, and their families. Together with our nonprofit partners, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.”
2025 Central Florida Military Grant Recipients and Program Highlights:
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Veteran’s Art & Wellness - Expanding access to arts-based mental health and wellness programs for veterans.
- Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corporation: Pathlight HOME - Converting unused penthouse space into five new apartment units for homeless, disabled veterans.
- Remembering HEROES Health and Wellness Serenity Ranch - Supporting veterans and heroes bringing to fruition the Remembering HEROES Health and Wellness Serenity Ranch in Bunnell, Florida.
The recipients were recognized at a reception hosted by Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPC) on August 27. The reception celebrated the launch of the Center’s Veterans Art & Wellness initiative, made possible through the military grant funding. In partnership with the Veterans Administration, DPC identified participants for two featured programs during the event, highlighting the transformative power of the arts in supporting veteran wellness and community engagement.
"Our Arts & Wellness programming creates a space for veterans to heal, connect and thrive through artistic expression,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “We're grateful to VyStar Foundation for recognizing the transformative potential of creative therapies and helping us expand programs that honor those who have served by addressing their unique wellness needs with dignity and innovation."
VyStar Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in North and Central Florida and Georgia. Since 2023, the Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in grants to local organizations, reinforcing its mission to build strong communities and improve lives through strategic philanthropy.
Grants through VyStar Foundation are available to 501(c)(3) organizations whose purpose and mission align with the Foundation’s strategic giving pillars:
- Military: Ensuring active military members, veterans and their families receive the social services they need and the recognition they deserve
- Youth: Empowering youth by providing equitable access to creative learning environments
- Community Building: Cultivating financially strong, culturally vibrant, and interconnected communities
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About VyStar Foundation
Established in 2021, VyStar Foundation is the grantmaking arm of VyStar Credit Union, dedicated to making meaningful impacts in the communities we serve. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Foundation funds local non-profits to support youth, military members, veterans, and enhance community vitality. For more information, please visit vystarfoundation.org.
About Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) in downtown Orlando, Florida. The arts center produces, presents and serves as home to regional, national and international works and co-presents Broadway in Orlando. This year, the arts center celebrates its 10th Anniversary, hosting 6,500+ performances and events, welcoming 5.6 million+ guests and contributing over $24.4 million to purpose and community since opening in November 2014. The arts center features renowned venues such as the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, recognized among Architectural Digest’s 11 most beautiful theaters worldwide. Judson's Live, the new live music room, enhances the arts center alongside established venues such as the DeVos Family Room, Rooftop Terrace and Seneff Arts Plaza. Additionally, the AdventHealth School of Arts offers year-round performing arts education. For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Faceboo
Vystar Credit Union
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Dawn Ofodile AVP, Regional Community Engagement
- September 04, 2025
- (904) 908-2666
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