Shelton State Community College Veterans Affairs Hosts Successful HERO PATH=s Resiliency Training

May 16, 2025 – As part of its Hope, Empowerment, Resources, Opportunities Practice, Attitude, Training, and Health=Success (HERO PATH=s) grant, Shelton State Community College’s (SSCC) Veterans Affairs recently hosted resiliency training workshops in Pickens County.

The six-week resiliency training strengthened emotional well-being and coping strategies of veterans, their spouses, and dependents. Through trauma-informed instruction, peer engagement, and hands-on access to resources, twenty participants received guidance, tools, and community-based support to build lasting resiliency.

A leading advocate for veteran services, Shelton State launched the HERO PATH=s grant in December 2024 to provide essential resources to veterans, dependents, and military spouses throughout West Alabama.  The resiliency training offered in Pickens County was coordinated and facilitated by Veterans Affairs staff members, Jonathan Rossel and Valerie Wilder.

“Our staff members provided tools and support that are critical to the mental health issues that continue to impact the overall well-being and quality of life for veterans,” states Eric Prewitt, Director of Financial Aid and supervisor of the College’s Veterans Resource Center. “We are excited about sharing the opportunities available through the HERO PATH=s grant to other communities throughout West Alabama.”

For more information on how the grant opportunity is available, contact Jonathan Rossel at 205.391.2311 or Valerie Wilder at 205.391.2304.