Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) recently received a grant in the amount of $152,000 from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which will begin in October.

The grant will help in continuing the mission and development of LVCIL by allowing for supportive services to very low-income veteran families with a member who has a disability. These services are intended to provide assistance to help veteran families become and remain stable and in permanent housing in Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Carbon and Monroe Counties.According to executive director Amy Beck, "The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program will now allow us to provide greater services, which are highly deserved and necessary for our area veterans."Several area organizations helped with their support and partnership in bringing this program to LVCIL including, Victory House, Treatment Trends, Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council and the VA Medical Center and VA Allentown Outpatient Clinic.Established in 1990, the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living serves as the only cross-disability organization of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. LVCIL strives to empower persons with disabilities to choose independence and reach their fullest potential through various services including: information and referral, peer support, advocacy, independent living skills education, housing search and support, accessibility and youth transition services.