HVAF Outreach Coordinator reaches veterans in need

This month, we’re highlighting the work of outreach coordinator, Rodney Jackson. Rodney first heard of HVAF through a volunteer coordinator, and has worked with HVAF for two years. He spends his days delivering essentials like hygiene products, as well as food and water to homeless veterans in the community. Jackson builds a rapport with the people he meets and provides information about the programs and services HVAF provides to homeless veterans.

Jackson served in the Navy for 20 years, and now gives back to his fellow brothers and sisters who also served this country. He wants these homeless veterans to know that there are people who care about them, and that there are resources available if they want them. “The way I look at it, I’m just giving back to my family members,” said Jackson.

Volunteer spotlight

Keith C. is a former client of HVAF who now volunteers here. He served our country from 1985 – 1995 and struggled with drug addiction after completing his service in 1995. He first heard of HVAF from an outreach coordinator at one of the homeless shelters he resided in. Thanks to HVAF’s residential, employment, substance abuse treatment (REST) program, Keith was able to sober up and turn his life around.

Keith is going seven years strong in sobriety. “Without the REST program, I would probably be dead,” said Keith. As a thank you to HVAF for helping him regain control of his life, he now volunteers and helps others. 

“I have a passion for my brother veterans and this program,” said Keith. “They [HVAF] helped me know it was OK to open up and talk to people.”

Keith volunteers once or twice a week filling the clothing orders that veterans request. When asked why he volunteers he said, “It gives me a sense of purpose.” We at HVAF are proud of Keith's recovery/sobriety, and find his passion for helping other veterans inspiring.

Legal help goes a long way for veterans at HVAF

Matt Gaudin is our legal go-to guy here at HVAF, and will be celebrating his one year anniversary with us this September. He helps veterans maneuver the legal system and has been able to get their driver’s license back, expunge old criminal records and has provided fresh financial starts.

“I enjoy being able to serve our veterans who have sacrificed immensely for our country,” said Gaudin.

He has family ties to the military that inspired him to give back to veterans. His grandfather was in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the European Theatre, where he received a distinguished medal for his services. “I’m very proud of his service,” said Gaudin.

One of Gaudin’s current clients, Schon Perkins, has expressed extreme gratitude for his services. “I don’t often praise people, but Matt is seriously one of the nicest guys,” said Perkins. “His phone line is always open.”

Gaudin has helped Perkins expunge two things from his record, and is now coaching him through the filing process of bankruptcy. “I wouldn’t have gotten anything done without Matt,” said Perkins. “I call him all the time and he’s always willing to help.” These connections and the impact he makes in others’ lives are what keeps him coming back each day. 

Veteran receives employment assistance at HVAF

Eddie planned to go to college and play football after high school, but a combination of things quickly changed his mind. Edde instead joined the Marine Corps and served from 1982 – 1985 as a Marine Guard in Concord, CA. Several members of Eddie's family has served in the military, and when his best friend from high school told him he was joining the Marines, Eddie decided to meet with a recruiter. The recruiter won him over, and the rest is history. 

Eddie has always been very family oriented, and one of his favorite things about serving was the bonding he experienced. The men and women he served with became an extension of his family. “I really enjoy being able to protect my country,” said Eddie. “Which also means protecting my family.” 

When he finished his service, he stayed in California for some time and worked as a security guard. Eddie then moved back to Indiana, and received warehouse and factory jobs for several years. He says he got into some trouble with the law and served time in jail. Upon Eddie's release, he experienced difficulties finding work. “People are hesitant to hire those who have been in and out of jail,” adds Eddie. 

Without work, Eddie eventually lost everything. He was sleeping in his car that no longer worked and needed repairs, and found himself in one of the shelters downtown. Eddie first heard of HVAF in 2013 through a friend. He entered HVAF’s transitional housing program and called the Donald W. Moreau, Sr. Veterans House home where he lived for over a year. 

While in transitional housing, Eddie met HVAF’s Employment Coordinator, Kevin Hillman. Eddie had previous work experience in the kitchen of a couple restaurants. He’s held every position in the kitchen from dishwasher to manager. Kevin knew of an opportunity at Scotty’s Brewhouse in downtown Indianapolis and contacted the General Manager. Within 15 minutes, Kevin received a response asking Eddie to come in for an interview. Eddie was hired on the spot, and started work the following day. 

When asked where he would be without HVAF’s assistance Eddie said, “Homeless and still looking for a job at the same time.” He continued to say, “You guys have really helped me get back on my feet. I’m glad I found HVAF. Honestly, I wish I found it sooner.” 
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Homeless veteran gets help with housing

Earl at HVAF

“The first time I realized I wanted to protect and serve my country was in High School. I was in ROTC, but my grades were suffering. The Army was my ticket out. Also my uncle, Cecil, served in WWII and drove the M4 Sherman tank and that was another piece of inspiration. I admired Cecil.” 

Earl served in the U.S. Army when militant students supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages.

Earl was injured during service and 70 percent of his body was burned. He suffered from PTSD as a result. He is still seeing psychologists today and takes medication daily.

Earl became homeless as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after his service. Homelessness struck when he fell on hard times. Earl turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. His tendencies, he says, caused a strain on his family and other relationships, and he was left with a pile of child support bills that grew larger and larger, and so did the medical bills. Earl has been in and out of jail 12 times because of his inability to pay child support. He also struggled to find employment.

He turned to HVAF for help. He completed the organization’s recovery program on March 7, 2017 and currently resides in our transitional housing.

Earl is an inspiration in what a veteran can accomplish against all odds.

Army veteran lands job

Ronda in housing

Ronda F. made a near 19-year career out of serving her country. Almost eight years of that time was active duty.  Ronda married and had 4 children ages 2-8. She says she endured mental and emotional abuse from her then husband. She knew she had to escape. Ronda had an associate’s degree but wanted to get her bachelor’s degree. Higher education is one of the many bonuses and perks of serving her country, so she did just that.

She worked in many areas of the US Army, but one of the most rewarding work she experienced was her role as Awards Clerk for NATO. She learned a lot about herself. She was able to spend time with the Joint Force Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo and met with them once every two weeks. Being able to meet high-ranking people like colonels and majors was an honor and privilege. She never would have dreamed she would be doing such important work and accomplish so much in 7 months. The networking opportunities were “enlightening.”

However, Ronda says she wasn’t making a lot of money and her home life was suffering. She left her husband for fear of the relationship becoming volatile. Ronda had heard of HVAF. “In many ways, HVAF provided me a sense of security—not knowing where you’re going to live is frightening. Other helpful programs, financial planning for instance, is helping me get my own finances in order.” Dorian LaMotte, Ronda’s case manager, is in contact with Ronda every day. Alberta Platt, Ronda’s employment specialist, found Ronda a job in one day. Alberta had contacts with Bluegreen Resort and there was an interview and job hire the same day. “I’m very appreciative of that,” said Ronda.

HVAF has been helping Ronda with rent on her new beloved home. 

Veteran lands job after receiving employment assistance

Jeff with Kiara Walker at HVAF

“I thought it would be a good decision to serve. I was living in Michigan and they were closing all the factories, and I couldn’t afford college,” said Jeffery F. The military was a good experience for Jeffery. He traveled to Germany for two years and worked as a combat engineer.

Jeffery received an Army Honorable Discharge on August 10, 1988 and rode cross country on his motorcycle from Michigan to Oregon where he started working. Later, he returned to Michigan to study mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan.

Last summer, Jeffery’s apartment complex was under new management, and they evicted elderly and disabled people… he was one of those people. He was homeless for three months. Jeffery slept outside a few nights at Pleasant Run Golf Course, while other nights he stayed in a hotel.

He heard about HVAF through his VA case manager. At HVAF, Jeffery met Employment Specialist, Kiara Walker. Kiara and Jeffery had been looking for meaningful employment for roughly five months before he gained a stable job at Scotty’s Brewhouse. “He would meet with me every Wednesday at 2:00 pm like clockwork. He never once missed an appointment. Our luck finally changed one week when he was offered not one but two positions that are both in his field of culinary. He was a cook in the military- sergeant in the Army –Food service Specialist,” adds Kiara. 

Veteran gets a new start

Schon P. began serving in the Navy in 1988. He always dreamed of traveling to different places and wanted to serve his country. One of Schon’s favorite experiences about being in the military was Basic Training in San Diego. “It was fun, he said. Kind of like mind games.” Being away from home was hard for Schon. He missed his friends and family and being in familiar places.

Schon had been sleeping on the streets in Evansville for two years. He says he was addicted to drugs and didn’t have a job, license or car. A friend of Schon’s paid another friend $120 to drive Schon up to Indianapolis where he would go to rehab. The friend bought him a nice dinner and paid for the hotel room that night. Schon was dropped off at Fairbanks Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment Center the next morning.

While in Indy, Schon started asking around about organizations that helped veterans and found HVAF. He is very thankful for everything HVAF has done. “I’ve come a long way since living on the streets.” He worked with Kevin Hillman, HVAF’s employment coordinator. Schon has been saving up money to buy a car. He believes he will be moving out of HVAF’s Moreau housing fairly soon and into his own place. In February 2017, Schon started working at 3M in Indianapolis. He is thankful for a fresh start.

Upcoming event - Volunteer to raise funds for HVAF

Join the Knights of Columbus Post #5290 and VFW Post # 7119 and #261 as they raise money and awareness for HVAF. PatriotFest will be held on June 17 at the VFW Post # 7119 on 6535 N. Lee Road from 2 p.m.- 12 a.m. There will be food, live music, activities and prizes - a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon. Also, a car show will take place from 12:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. If you want to show-off your car, registration is from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. People’s Choice Award will be given to the top five cars. The entry fee is $10 and non-perishable food items. For more information, call Micah Sutton (317) 829- 4258 or Danny Lesley (317) 701-7883.

Veteran makes strides through HVAF employment services

Lew at HVAF

Lew served in the Air Force from 1986-1990. As a young adult, he was looking for direction in his life and thought what better way than to serve his country. He was a part of the MAC Military Airlift Command. After finishing up his military duty, Lew worked to get his BA in Marketing and minored in Economics. After college, he worked for General Electric, Stuart Warner and a few other companies and found a “knack” for sales. After going through a rough time of divorcing his wife and losing his father, Lew turned to alcohol. He had three DUIs and eventually got into an accident in which, luckily, no one was hurt. He spent three years in prison. He reached out to HVAF in 2013, one of the lowest years of his life. 

“When I was going through the rocky 3 years [2013-2016] of my life, I needed a place to stay and I was trying to figure out how I’m going to do this. I have a good support system with family, but found strong support from HVAF,” Lew said.

Lew believes he would be in a day shelter if it wasn’t for the excellent staff at HVAF. HVAF Employment Specialist Kiara Walker assisted Lew in finding the job he has now. “Lew had a vision of where he wanted to work and the salary he felt would be a livable wage. He did not give up until he felt all of his needs were satisfied. I enjoyed working with Lew,” says Kiara. Lew currently works for Dickinson Fleet Services as the Purchasing Assistant in which he finds great purpose.

Homeless veteran lands job with help from HVAF

Jared, a 31-year-old Army veteran, finds employment with help from HVAF. He came to HVAF in November 2016 in need of housing and recovery. Listen to his story here...

Near homeless veteran turns to law school for fresh start

Anthony, 53, served in the Navy from 1982-1983 on the USS Mount Baker. There is a long-standing family history of joining the military. His dad, brother and son have all been enlisted. One of the biggest joys of joining the Navy was visiting 15 countries. The military molded Anthony into the person he is today. He strives to reach a standard of excellence, discipline, and uniformity. Anthony was near homeless and was in need of assistance after he had taken in and supported his three grandchildren. HVAF helped him move into permanent housing, provided him a washer and dryer, and made sure his grandkids were provided for at Christmas. “HVAF lifted the weight and continue to care about me. They went well beyond what I ever imagined,” he said. Currently, Anthony is a law student at U of Indy and looks back at HVAF as the cornerstone of his current success.

Army veteran finds hope at HVAF through housing assistance

“Serving for your country is honorable,” said Mark, 54. He served in the Army from November 1985- May 1987. Mark, who is from Gary, Indiana, knew the economy was stagnant and felt like his best option was to go into the military. The military taught Mark life skills that made him able to support himself.  He came across HVAF when he learned of our services through the VA. He was unemployed for intermittent times in his life and worked odd jobs including warehouse work. Mark says HVAF provided him a roof over his head and a warm bed. He received meals and other living essentials at the Carson Apartments where he stayed for one year. HVAF also helped him qualify for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program which allowed him to receive rental assistance as he transitioned out of supportive housing and into permanent housing. “HVAF’s housing program basically saved my life,” says Mark. Mark is a true success story. He tries to stay positive and takes one minute at a time each day.

Face-Off For the Forces, a philanthropic student-led group raises money for HVAF

Face-Off For the Forces raised $35,000 for HVAF through a lacrosse tournament held April 15 at Indiana University. The tournament brought together eight fraternities on campus.

Founded in 2014 and run by a team of philanthropic leaders within the Indiana University student body, their mission is to support and raise awareness for organizations that support veterans.

Aaron Hackett, VP of Operations of "Face-Off for the Forces" spearheaded the event. Aaron's brother was in the Air Force and his family wanted to give back to a veteran organization in Indianapolis. Aaron's family has also donated clothing and food to HVAF.

Volunteer uses life struggles to give back to homeless veterans

After volunteering in HVAF's clothing pantry, Karen Thomas, an Army veteran, saw the need to raise the clothing racks higher off the ground to allow for more clothes to be stacked. She asked her husband, Bill, for help her with the project and together they purchased the materials needed. 

Karen began volunteering at HVAF in January. Every Tuesday and Thursday she sorts and stocks donations and makes sure the pantry is organized. 

After her divorce, she faced some financial uncertainties. “I faced poverty for a brief period of time, and realized it can happen to anyone in any circumstance.” She feels as though anyone who serves our country should not have to face homelessness. 

Karen served our country for two years in the Army and five years in the National Guard. She knows her heart is in the right place to serve those in need. 

Homeless veteran serves others

Cindy was based at Coronado Island from 1978-1982 while serving in the US Army. She has been volunteering at HVAF for five months. She enjoys passing out food and hygiene items to the veterans we serve. Cindy would feel depressed and sad if it wasn’t for the volunteer opportunities at HVAF.  She gets to greet veterans who have it worse than her, which makes her appreciate her life. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life,” she said about volunteering at HVAF. Cindy also mentioned how great the staff is at HVAF. She had kind words to say, especially about how “awesome” Robin is. Cindy lives at the Moreau House, one of the 13 HVAF properties.  

Ex-offender finds new purpose through HVAF employment assistance

“I knew I was gonna join up and serve my country,” said Jeremy J. His grandfathers were both in the military, so he knew he was meant to serve. Jeremy joined the Army in 1993 and enjoyed the training and discipline the Army had to offer.  He attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama after his career ended in 1996.  Jeremy faced challenges such as alcoholism and drug abuse that eventually led to his incarceration at the Putnamville Correctional Facility. While serving time, he met James Miller, a HVAF peer mentor. Jeremy found a new beginning after serving his sentence time. Kiara Walker, a HVAF employment specialist, helped Jeremy during his time at HVAF. Jeremy explained that Kiara helped him create the best résumé and cover letter he ever had. “I am eternally grateful for this organization,” he said. She would also text daily and meet with him once a week to find job opportunities. Jeremy was never afraid of the stigma that came with being incarcerated and finding a job. He had a positive attitude and kept pressing forward. Jeremy now works at Central Indiana Hardware in Indianapolis. 

Indy Star coverage on HVAF

HVAF veteran looks out for his brother's on Indy's streets... Check out Sunday's Indy Star story here:

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/01/07/veteran-looks-out-his-brothers-indys-streets/94988514/

Music that soothes the soul, volunteer from Musical Resources at HVAF

Nancy and Angela at HVAF

It was a billboard sign along a highway about HVAF serving homeless veterans that caught Nancy Hart’s eyes. It was a last minute cancellation that gave Angela a chance at a piano lesson where she would meet Nancy. It was happenstance.

Nancy is a volunteer at HVAF. She teaches piano to homeless veterans once a month. In 2011, she had lost her own home and had empathy towards those in transition. 

She owns Musical Resources, a registered Indiana business since 2000 with locations in Jefferson County, Indiana serving mostly the 3 areas of Madison, Vevay, and Versailles. 

Her goal is to introduce veterans to music as well as impact more people. She is offering free lessons for any interested veteran at HVAF.

“Being a piano technician, I initially offered to tune and internally clean and lubricate the instrument that is in the lobby at one of HVAF's housing properties,” says Nancy. “While working on the piano, I was able to develop professional interactions with a few veterans who expressed desire to play the instrument," says Nancy. 

My first student at HVAF said," but I can't move this finger or this finger." I said, "I'm going to show you that you can."

And he did.   

The seed was planted.  

Angela, a fifty-five-year-old veteran who served in the National Guard says her family dynamic changed when she moved back home after serving in the military. She turned to alcohol to cope. But Angela worked hard in the HVAF housing program and she is getting her life back on track.

"It means a lot, an awful lot," said Angela. "You need little distractions when things look bleak. Your world looks like it's falling apart and you need a diversion," she said. "You feel like no one cares and you're expendable and you need something."

Music is what she needed. It fills the lobby at HVAF's Manchester Apartments where Angela calls home. The two women play softly, and although it’s simple, it helps Angela forget about her troubles.

There are many benefits of playing and teaching musical instruments, the piano being only one of them. Cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, and potentially new neuro pathways are all increased with learning new material, from the youngest to the oldest.

In a most recent article 2/18/16 from eMedExpert,"How Music Affects Us and Promotes Health,” there are statements and findings that conclusively support the benefits of studying music as self-management techniques of depression and pain control, as well as boosting the immune system. There are many other benefits addressed in the article which are too numerous to include. Pilot programs are now sprouting with the focus on veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Nancy works with the veterans on finger exercises, music reading, rhythm studies, and improvisation. She says consistency in regular practice times will be imperative for their growth. 

“I am humbly grateful that HVAF has allowed me to sow seeds of greatness," adds Nancy.
“Together we work to raise awareness of our belief in humanity.”

Nancy plans to keep a 6 to 12 month journal on each participant to track their development patterns. At least three other veterans have expressed an interest in learning to play an instrument.

Veteran Success Story

James Ballard

James Ballard grew up in upstate New York on his parents’ dairy farm surrounded by 25,000 apple trees and 5,000 hogs. His family raised chickens and sold the eggs to the local grocery store and markets in the area. After living on the farm for 10 years James was ready to escape small-town life. The U.S. Army was his ticket out and gave him a chance to see the country and what could be a better adventure he thought. He enlisted in the Army at 16. By the time his unit deployed to Korea in 1985, he quickly became homesick after leaving his girlfriend behind. 

“I served at the height of the war on drugs,” says James. 

The Reagan and Bush administrations were calling for an escalation in fighting drugs. In fact, the 1980's was a remarkable decade in international events: the Cold War was coming to an end, and the U.S. military-industrial complex was facing spending cuts, with myriad economic ramifications. 

James served in the military for 3 years and once back at home he struggled to find work. 

“I felt like employers at the time were not receptive in hiring veterans and I felt like I did not have a lot to offer,” says James who was unemployed for several months before moving to New Jersey where he worked in construction building and remodeling homes from 1989-2010.

Then in 2010 he traveled to Indianapolis to take care of his ailing mother. After his mother passed, James was homeless. In March 2015, he learned about the services and programs at HVAF. He moved in to supportive housing at Warman Woods Apartments. There he met with employment specialists who helped him with resume and interviewing skills as well as encouraged him to attend a job fair hosted by HVAF. Within a month he was hired at FedEx. 

At FedEx he was nominated for ‘Employee of the Month’ and also won the annual safety slogan award after submitting the winning company slogan: Safety is simple as ABC: Always Be Careful.

“Safety is the most important thing with what I do and I am proud to be employed at FedEx. They gave me a nice winter jacket and they took my photo with the slogan in the background,” adds James.

In the winter months, James will be busy de-icing the fleet of FedEx airplanes. He remembers the life lessons he learned growing up as a kid on the dairy farm that has helped him in the military and later in life.

“Be responsible,” he says. “With all the work I had to do on the farm I always strived to be responsible. Leadership is another trait I gained at a young age. When I went into the military I was groomed to lead because I had once managed migrant workers as part of my responsibilities on the farm.