A Special Place of Caring for Local Veterans in Times of Need
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day. Later renamed Veterans Day in 1954, the holiday became more than a tribute to those who served in World War I. Wilson believed it was significant “because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice” on a global scale.
Today, that spirit of compassion continues—especially for veterans navigating life after service.
Addressing the Hidden Challenges Veterans Face
It’s estimated that as many as one in three veterans experience mental health challenges. At the Strophy Foundation, these realities are met with understanding—and action.
In 2009, the Foundation helped establish a critical pathway of support through the Mental Health and Veterans Court Program (MHVC)—a program rooted in compassion, accountability, and long-term stability.
A Specialized Approach That Makes a Difference
Alexandria Ross, Program Manager for Mental Health Court, Lacey Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court, emphasizes the importance of early and intentional outreach:
“Dedicated outreach to veterans in the court system is important because veterans often face service-related challenges—like PTSD, brain injury, or substance use—which can affect behavior and are easily misunderstood by courts.”
Through targeted outreach, veterans are identified early in the criminal justice process and connected to benefits, treatment, and structured support through MHVC.
This approach:
Improves accountability
Reduces repeat offenses
Leads to better outcomes for veterans and the broader community
How Veterans Enter the Program
Participation in MHVC can begin in several ways:
Self-referral
Recommendation from legal counsel or family
Referral through a Veterans Justice Outreach Liaison
To qualify, applicants must:
Be facing a qualifying criminal charge
Have a qualifying mental health diagnosis
Show a connection between their diagnosis, their charge, and military service
Be eligible for VA healthcare or able to engage in treatment services
Collaboration at Every Step
Once accepted, veterans are supported through a coordinated network of care.
Ross explains:
“We coordinate with the VA’s justice outreach specialists, healthcare and mental health providers, and similar service organizations.”
These partnerships help:
Verify veteran status
Connect individuals to VA benefits and treatment
Align court responses with veteran-specific services and support
Removing Barriers, Restoring Stability
Navigating government systems can be overwhelming—but veterans are not alone.
From the very beginning, participants receive help with:
Understanding program requirements
Accessing VA benefits
Assessing immediate and long-term needs
During the program, veterans receive comprehensive support, including:
Mental health and substance use treatment
Case management and mentoring
Housing assistance
Employment and education support
Regular court check-ins to track progress
Life After the Program
Support doesn’t end at graduation.
Veterans continue their connection with the VA and the program to promote long-term stability and reduce the likelihood of returning to the justice system.
“Graduates are always welcome to continue to be a part of the program and have the potential to mentor other participants,” Ross shares.
Many graduates give back. Recently, participants helped revitalize the Thurston County Food Bank’s Victory Garden, working weekly from August through October 2025 at the Lacey Food Pantry and Farm Stand.
A Community Effort in Action
Veterans Court sessions are held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and are available to watch on the Thurston County District Court’s YouTube channel.
These sessions reflect a community coming together to support those who have served.
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Honor
When President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954, he called on the nation:
“…to pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars… and to reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
Nearly 75 years later, that call to action lives on.
Through programs like MHVC—and the dedication of partners, advocates, and supporters—the Strophy Foundation continues to ensure that veterans are met with dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive.