Veteran Success Stories
Jay - In 2007 Jay completed graduation ceremonies through IUPUI, where he received his Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Communication Studies. There was a time when completing college was the farthest thing from Jay's mind. As with many other veterans, Jay faced some stumbling blocks during his transition from military to civilian life. To add to his troubles, his mother Katherine passed away in 1998 and he struggled with numerous issues including homelessness. As Jay stated, "his mother was a strong advocate for education and pushed him to complete his degree." Jay was recommended to HVAF through a friend and he moved into the Freedom Center to start his recovery. He now works for the Udell House and is presently working towards his Masters Degree in Communications. One of his mother's favorite sayings was, "if you have lemons, make lemonade". Jay is reaching his goals and making a difference in his life. As he said, "HVAF was a godsend, and the support I received from them, I would strongly recommend to any veteran who feels their service to this country is worthy of support."
Woody - Woody returned from the war in Iraq to find that he was "fighting two wars". One was in Iraq, and the other at home. In addition to stuggling to readapt to civilian life, he suffered the loss of his father, which resulted in a downward spiral and eventually homelessness. With nowhere to go, Woody turned to the VA, was referred to a special needs program and placed in an HVAF supportive home. While staying in supportive housing, Woody said he "was given a chance, the space, and time to think." His helping hand network included staff support, a peer mentor, and other veterans who were dealing with or had dealt with the same issues he was. According to Woody, "the most valuable aspects of the program were connecting with other veterans and being able to trust the VA and HVAF staff." His major goal was to find "a place where I can
come home, feel safe, and have security." Woody reached that goal in 2006 when he became a homeowner.
Ron - “I served ten years in the military. After leaving the military I could not keep a steady job for more that one or two years due to personal and addiction issues. 2001 was the turning point in my life. I reached out for help from HVAF and was referred to the REST Program. REST was the intervention that saved my life. I am living proof that the REST Program can and will work."
Michael - "Returning from combat in Vietnam, I have faced many personal problems and challenges over the years. With the help of HVAF, The Salvation Army and the VA, I was able to get my life back together." Mike is now working as the Team Leader for our Outreach Team and as a Case Manager for HVAF. "I am now able to help other veterans" says Mike. He particularily credits Bob R. of the VA and Ken J. of HVAF for his success. As an Outreach Worker Mike reaches out to homeless veterans throughout the city. His job takes him to missions and homeless shelters in the city of Indianapolis. He also finds homeless veterans under bridges, in abandoned buildings and various other places. As he meets these veterans, he is able to give them information on the many programs that HVAF and the VA have that are available to them.
Ronnie - Ronnie must remember the second half of Proverbs 18:12 which reads..."But humility comes before honor." The Proverb holds a special place in Ronnie's heart because the beginning of his success started with humility. Not only do I have addiction to work on, I also have been diagnosed with depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. I had dug a very deep hole for myself. It has become quite obvious that only divine intervention could get me out of the corner I had got myself into. A very wonderful Social Worker named Nichole offered me a chance to enter a program at HVAF and I accepted. So with God working through HVAF and VA employees, I have come to terms with my demons from the past and I truly have hope, joy and love in my life today.
Unfortunately, Ronnie passed away in December of 2006. Ronnie, you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Rick (by Serenity to HVAF and the VA) - “Thank you for saving Daddy's life and giving him back to me. Last year, when decisions made with the aid of untreated depression made him homeless, I licked his hand and cried a little doggie prayer. His AA family brought him to you and gave me a loving home. You gave him the treatment and medications he needed for depression, safe and supportive housing, surgery to restore his sight, a mouthful of teeth, about 40 unnecessary pounds in his belly, hope, faith, and thankfulness in his heart. Now you are providing him with: a comfortable home where we can be together and I can get him retrained; gainful employment affording him the opportunity to express his gratitude in the most meaningful way, passing it on to others. Please, as you continue your wonderful mission, should you ever feel frustrated or discouraged, stop by for a greeting, a wag, and a prayer. Miraculous things happen when instruments like you exist in God's world."
Fred - A recovered alcoholic and former homeless veteran, Fred is a Special Needs/Outreach Peer Mentor for HVAF, and he encourages homeless veterans every day. As Fred puts it, "working with HVAF has given me an opportunity to help veterans. I can show them how I changed my life and what it took. It's a simple job, but it's not easy. It's about changing you." After serving six years in the Army and working at General Motors, Fred quit his job due his addiction and became homeless. He was homeless for five years. In 2000, he entered the VA Medical Center, and was on his road to recovery. Fred credits the Pathway to Recovery program because they welcomed him "with open arms." At Pathway, he met a VA Outreach Social Worker who told him about HVAF. Fred still volunteers at Pathway regularly because "I like to give back and stay connected; it keeps me grounded."
Augustus - “It’s blessed to see this beautiful day, isn’t it?” says this smiling Army veteran who hasn’t seen many glorious days. Alcohol and drugs took away his sight for much of his adult life. He learned all about them, particularly the hard drugs, when he served in Vietnam and then came home to all the ugliness many of those veterans faced. He returned a user, but was able to hold down a job for a number of years in spite of his addiction. Eventually, he started trying to get clean, entering program after program. But crack cocaine and heroine controlled him. “The disease was preventing me from doing the right thing,” he says. Today, VISTA is helping Augustus do the right thing. “VISTA has allowed me to feel comfortable coming into recovery. It has given me the strength to stay in the process of recovery and to look forward to the journey of recovery. I’ve never been to this point.”
Harley - “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” this Navy veteran said to explain his descent into the world of addiction and drug dealing. For quite a while, Harley was able to keep it together, holding down a job. He called himself a “functional addict.” But he knew he was on the wrong path. “I would say ‘A whole day gone and no accomplishments. You’re better than that.’” Progressively, things got worse. No job. No place to live. Harley finally decided to take the steps toward recovery. Now, he’s grateful for every day. He’s looking for a place to live. He’s planning his new life. “I owe it to myself to stay sober,” he says.
