About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to honor and empower veterans by providing safe transitional and permanent housing, including supportive tiny home communities, while fostering self-sufficiency through vocational programs like our community thrift store and greenhouse. We are dedicated to creating a stable, nurturing environment that promotes dignity, purpose, and hope for those who served our country.
Vision: A county where every veteran has affordable stable housing, access to care, and meaningful opportunities for recovery and self-sufficiency.
Motto: “Giving a Hand Up and Not a Hand Out”
Core Values:
Honor: We serve with deep respect for veterans’ service and sacrifice.
Dignity: We believe all veterans deserve a safe, respectful living environment.
Community: We promote connections, peer support, and local engagement.
Empowerment: We focus on long-term independence through support and Opportunity.
Integrity: We operate with transparency, accountability, and excellence.
Standing United for Mohave County Veterans
The Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC) is a community-based nonprofit that unites veteran and civilian organizations to serve those who’ve served us. Through collaboration, compassion, and commitment, we provide critical support to Mohave County veterans facing homelessness, hardship, and reintegration challenges.
🪖 Founding and Purpose
The Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council of Mohave County, Inc. (JAVC) was founded in July 2010 by two U.S. Marine Corps veterans—Jerry Ambrose and Gene Crego—with a shared mission to unify veteran organizations across Mohave County, Arizona. Their goal was to coordinate services, advocate for veterans’ issues, and ensure that no veteran is ever left behind.
Originally launched as the Mohave County Veterans Council, the organization held its inaugural meeting at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10386 in Kingman, with more than 35 veterans in attendance from across the region.
Following the passing of co-founder Jerry Ambrose, the council was renamed the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council of Mohave County, Inc., honoring his unwavering dedication and decades of service to the veteran community.
Today, JAVC continues Jerry’s legacy through transitional housing programs, vocational initiatives, and advocacy efforts that empower veterans and their families to rebuild, recover, and thrive.
🎖 In Memory of Jerry Ambrose
Just four months after launching the council, Jerry Ambrose passed away on October 10, 2010. In honor of his tireless advocacy and lifelong dedication to veterans, the council unanimously voted to rename itself the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council.
Jerry, who moved to Kingman in 1991, left behind a legacy of service, compassion, and leadership that continues to inspire the work of JAVC today.
🏛 Growth and Evolution
In January 2011, JAVC joined the Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV), strengthening our connections across the state. In February 2014, we received our 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS, officially recognizing JAVC as a public charity.
What began as a coalition of veterans groups has expanded into a diverse alliance of nonprofits, civic groups, and local businesses—all committed to serving veterans and their families.
🚩 Key Milestones
Key Milestones
- 2001: JAVC was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and began forming partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to serve veterans across Mohave County.
- 2013: Organized the first-ever Mohave County Stand Down event, providing critical resources and support to homeless and at-risk veterans.
- 2020 (approx.): Recognized by the Kingman Veterans Treatment Court Hall of Fame for outstanding community contributions to justice-involved veterans.
- 2021: Launched the GPD Transitional Housing Program, expanding our impact on veteran homelessness.
- 2021: Partnered with GEO Group to construct our first tiny home for veterans. The program has grown to include seven fully functional units.
- 2023: Honored with the Community Development Block Grant of the Year award for our innovation in housing and outreach.
- 2024: Established the Low Demand Safe Haven (LDSH) Program, offering low-barrier, transitional housing for veterans in crisis.
- 2024: Launched our Veteran Transportation Program to help veterans access medical appointments, social services, and job opportunities.
- Today: JAVC continues to grow, offering comprehensive support through transitional housing, transportation services, crisis response, peer recovery, and spiritual outreach—ensuring no veteran is left behind.
💪 Who We Are Today
JAVC is a unified voice for veterans in Mohave County. We advocate, connect, and empower—offering resources, events, and direct support to help veterans transition from crisis to stability.
Our board officers and partner organizations work tirelessly to expand services and meet the evolving needs of the veterans we serve.
🤝 Get Involved
Veterans helped veterans form this council—but it is community support that helps us sustain it.
Whether you're a veteran, civilian, donor, volunteer, or advocate—you can make a difference.
Meet our Board
The Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council of Mohave County, Inc. (JAVC) is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of veterans, advocates, and professionals who share a deep commitment to serving those who served. Our board provides strategic leadership, community engagement, and organizational oversight to ensure our mission is fulfilled with integrity, accountability, and compassion.
Each member brings their own lived experience—from military service to social work, nonprofit leadership, and public advocacy. Together, they help shape the vision and values that drive our programs and support systems for homeless and at-risk veterans.
