AVRC growing network of support for Alabama veterans
The Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC) opened early in 2026 as a “one-stop shop” for Armed Forces veterans and their families who need help in accessing services and resources available to them. In less than 10 months, AVRC has served more than 1,500 veterans and family members.
Alexandria Karagas, executive director, Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC). (contributed)
“It’s an exciting milestone,” said Alexandria Karagas, AVRC’s executive director. “It’s also a testament to the need for accessible, coordinated veteran services across our state.”
Working from its physical headquarters in downtown Montgomery and through its digital hub that is available to veterans throughout Alabama, AVRC is dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring access to a full range of services at the federal and state levels. Those include assistance with education, job training and placement; contacts with veteran service organizations to build peer and social networks; and various forms of support for special challenges often faced by military families.
To connect veterans with needed assistance as efficiently as possible, AVRC continues to build a resource network that now numbers more than 200 organizations. That includes nonprofit supporters, in addition to state and federal service providers.
Beyond the day-to-day work of the AVRC, recent highlights of special activities include:
The second Women’s Veterans Coffee, hosted at the AVRC headquarters by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 40 female veterans attended.
Participants in the recent Women Veterans Roundtable at the AVRC, conducted by the national chapter of the Wounded Warrior Project. (contributed)
In July, the news and commentary website Yellowhammer News included the AVRC’s Karagas in its 2026 class of “Alabama Women of Impact,” 20 women in business, government, nonprofit and civic spheres who are “shaping Alabama’s future.”
In August, AVRC hosted the national chapter of the Wounded Warrior Project in presenting a Women Veterans Roundtable. Along with feedback gathered from other women veterans across the nation, the Alabama event will inform recommendations for future national programs and policies.
AVRC Executive Director Alexandria Karagas spoke at a Veteran Employment Lunch and Learn program sponsored by Alabama Power. (contributed)
And on November 1, the U.S. Small Business Administration hosted a one-day “Boots to Business” workshop at AVRC. Fifteen veterans participated, gaining valuable insight into starting, managing and growing their own small businesses.
“Through these events, the recognition our work receives and the relationships we’re building, we are growing a network of support that connects veterans and their families with the resources they have earned,” said Karagas.
“Every veteran we serve reinforces our commitment to making Alabama the best place in America for veterans to live, work and thrive.”
Created in 2025 by the Alabama Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, the AVRC was launched this year with support from the Alabama Power Foundation. The foundation grant was in support of the center’s objective of eliminating fragmentation in the system of veterans benefits and support, increasing trust in the system, and improving long-term outcomes for Alabama veterans and their families.