MADISON COUNTY – Still Serving Veterans or SSV was named “Nonprofit of the Year” award, the second time for this award in SSV’s 17 years of operation.

SSV’s staff accepted the honor at the 37th annual Small Business Awards Gala with Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

“We strive to lift and support the citizens in our community,” President/CEO Paulette Risher said. “We are very grateful for this recognition and the military-friendly community which helps to support and promote our no-cost services for veterans.”

SSV’s mission is to honor veterans and their families by empowering them to build meaningful lives through connections to fulfilling careers, benefits and services. The organization proactively strengthens veteran communities through leadership and collaboration.

John T. Wright of Madison serves as Chairman of the SSV Board of Directors. Three of SSV’s counselors are Madison residents – retired Staff Sergeant Moses Nervis, U.S. Army; retired Master Sergeant Julia Chambers, U.S. Army; and U.S. Air Force veteran Kristyn Garstka.

“It’s truly an honor to have served on the board of directors for over five years now and have seen first-hand the team’s attention to detail, hard work and commitment,” Kristen Strickland said. Strickland is Vice President, Sales Officer with Bank Independent.

Founded in 2006, SSV’s objective was to help severely wounded veterans in their transition to civilian life and securing VA benefits. “We quickly realized that many non-wounded veterans were also having difficulty finding employment. We began supporting all veterans and National Guard or Reserve members seeking civilian careers,” Risher said.

Still Serving Veterans can assist in needs of civilian life, such as tailoring civilian-friendly resumes and LinkedIn profiles, offering mock interviews and explaining salary negotiation. “We assure that veterans secure VA benefits earned through military service. All SSV services are provided at no charge,” Risher said.

During 2021, an impressive number of clients — 1,052 veterans — found new or better jobs. “We’ve already exceeded that number in 2022,” Risher said. Also in 2021, SSV benefit counselors helped veterans secure more than $3 million in VA benefits, including disability, burial, pension/survivor benefits and education.

“It’s a particularly great honor for Still Serving Veterans to be recognized as Nonprofit of the Year. Our board and staff are dedicated to support of veterans who have given so much to serve our country, often at a great personal price,” Risher said.

For more information, visit ssv.org.