Local nonprofit seeks county help to open Titus County veterans resource center

Kelly Cooper, representing Ministering Our Military (MOM), told the Titus County Commissioners Court that MOM purchased a former commercial building at 1705 Industrial and plans to convert it into a veterans resource center serving the county and surrounding ATCOG area.

Cooper said MOM began in 2013 to support active‑duty military members and has since expanded services, including sending more than 6,000 care packages. The new facility, she said, will host multiple veteran‑serving organizations, provide immediate assistance and longer‑term referrals, and house volunteer staff from local Veterans Service Organizations.

Cooper asked the county to help identify or fund a grant writer to pursue multi‑county grants and to consider allowing a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to be located at the center on a part‑time basis. She described planned services such as a community kitchen offering monthly breakfasts and lunches and said the partnership would aim to reduce veteran isolation and suicide risk.

Commissioners offered practical follow‑up: a commissioner said an ad hoc board meets monthly and could connect Cooper with an in‑house grant writer and with Adcock (a local contact mentioned by commissioners) to pursue available grants. Court members also noted the American Legion and other veteran groups have agreed to move into the space and provide part‑time VSO support.

Cooper emphasized that the center would act as a hub rather than replacing other services, and she urged county assistance in navigating grant opportunities that span multiple counties. The court did not take a formal vote on funding during the meeting but agreed to connect Cooper with county grant resources and contacts to pursue the next steps.