HVAF job fair helps veteran get foot in the door

On May 7, a job fair at HVAF connected veterans, service members, military spouses with employers who are actively hiring. Twenty employers were on hand, including Lowe’s, UPS, and Eskenazi Health. One hundred and three veterans attended the fair in which 6 veterans were hired on the spot and many others left with interviews scheduled.

“In this day and age, most job applications are submitted online," says HVAF Employment Specialist Chasiti Herring. "The job fair helped veteran job seekers connect and network with employers on a face-to-face basis, which enabled them to create a great first impression and secure interviews. The Employment department truly appreciates all of the employers that partner with HVAF to actively recruit veterans.”

U.S. Army veteran Rick W. says the fair allowed him to get his foot in the door and to learn about opportunities he may otherwise not know about. At his lowest point, Rick was living out of his van; he lugged around a sleeping bag and had only one change of clothes and he did not know where his next meal would come from. 

In 2013, Rick turned to HVAF of Indiana for housing and now that he has a roof over his head he is able to focus on finding a job. HVAF has also assisted Rick with resume preparation. 

The next job fair for veterans is scheduled to take place in the Fall.

Mouth mobile helps veterans

His dreams of the big time had all but faded after two decades of hard luck, homelessness and substance abuse. Then, the 56-year-old piano player and Sergeant of the Marine Corps found hope in an unlikely place: Indianapolis. His music career had picked up in Indy but AJ has always suffered from stage fright; not from performing but because of his smile and the condition of his teeth.

Broken teeth from fights and decay have hurt his ego and not having insurance or the ability to be able to afford a dental visit are the reasons why he did not visit a dentist. After two decades AJ, along with a dozen veterans from HVAF, went to the Indiana State Capital for Aspen Dental’s 2nd annual Mouth Mobile Movement on April 28. The community giving initiative delivers free dental care and oral health education to people across the US in need. This year Aspen Dental is focusing on treating of our nation’s veterans.

The past 12 months have blurred together for AJ. He has gone from living in a homeless shelter to receiving housing through HVAF to once again booking jobs to play at clubs. In Indianapolis, people recognize him on the streets. He plays "MacArthur Park" a song which Jimmy Webb wrote and he loves to perform songs by Elton John. There’s a hint of uncertainty in his voice despite his success. He still hasn’t figured out how to make sense of it all.

He still feels pain. After an accident at a construction job in 2010 AJ began using pain pills and an addiction ensued when he was told he could not work again because of his injuries.

“I felt like everything I had done for the past 30 years went down the drain but once I arrived at HVAF for housing and help with recovery I started to see improvements in my attitude and my health. I look forward to once again performing with a clear head and a big smile and after my dental visit I am excited about the possibilities that are ahead. One of my goals includes playing at supper clubs,” adds AJ.

AJ at HVAF

HVAF housing property gets energy efficient windows

As we first told you in February, thirty Team Depot volunteers renovated HVAF's Lyter House, a transitional home for six veterans. Now, volunteers have come back to install energy efficient windows throughout the house.

“We wanted to replace the windows in the home because during the first part of the project we noticed the home had older single pane windows,” says Matthew Rice, Home Depot store manager, store 2018. “We wanted to improve the comfort and heating efficiency of the home by replacing the windows. Our HDE team that installs our windows for us generously donated the product and labor to the project. I'm glad it turned out well!”

HVAF houses more than 200 homeless veterans and the Lyter House is one of fifteen properties. The renovation work is part of a $10,500 grant from the Home Depot. In addition to the energy-efficient windows volunteers installed flooring, cabinets, countertops and appliances as well as painted several rooms. The new floor plan of the kitchen makes the space more usable.

Car wash to benefit homeless veterans at HVAF

Judy Holmes, with Carmel American Legion Post 155, never misses an opportunity to support HVAF.

At the beginning of each year Judy, along with her team, reach out to coordinate a Summer Car Wash fundraiser to benefit HVAF’s Residential, Employment, and Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) recovery program. To go along with this 4th annual Car Wash fundraiser held this year on June 6, the group of volunteers also will hold a cook-out for the veterans that same day.

“Carmel Post 155 works all year collecting food, personal items, clothing, cleaning supplies and monetary donations to help HVAF and REST,” says Judy. “For all these veterans have done and have been through it is the least we can do for them.  They have given us much more than we could ever give back to them.  It is our honor to help.”

                                                      

The group has previously collected donations ranging from personal items, food, cleaning supplies and clothing as well as raised much-needed funds for housing improvements.

In 2014, the Post purchased air purifiers and fire extinguishers for HVAF properties and bus passes for our veterans. All of these donated items allow HVAF to use its existing resources in other crucial areas.

Judy’s Auxiliary was formed out of a committee four years ago with the sole purpose of helping HVAF. Judy works alongside 7 other women who are equally passionate.

Judy’s husband is a Vietnam veteran and her father served in WWII. Her thought on volunteering with veterans is that the act should never be done for praise, recognition or any type of reward.

“The reward of gratitude, appreciation and love that you get when volunteering or giving back is enormous,” says Judy. “I can say that I and my fellow committee members have been teary-eyed on a number of occasions when we have connected with the veterans at HVAF. These veterans always have a smile for us.”

Car Wash information:
852 W. Main Street, Carmel 46032
Saturday, June 6 from 10-3 p.m. 

Volunteer Spotlight

As far as volunteering goes, Vicki Prothero knows her stuff. After all, you don’t get to be a volunteer traveling overseas to perform missionary work without being somewhat of an expert on how to give back. Vicki has rekindled a passion for helping others that was influenced by a family who worked hard and served others. Her father s a Navy veteran and her mother served in the Marine Corps. Vicki’s brothers were both Army veterans.

Her relationship with HVAF began in November 2012 after meeting a veteran who relied on HVAF programs and services. With a personal connection, it didn’t take long for her and Church 52 in which is a member to hit that red “I want to help button” on HVAF’s website and sign up for the volunteer opportunity.

The volunteer work that Vicki and Church 52 have provided has helped the organization tremendously. Their help allows maintenance staff to focus on other areas of need in serving Central Indiana veterans.

Whether it’s interacting with veterans through the annual picnic at the Moreau property or brainstorming other ways to help such as hosting a resume writing and basic computer skills workshop for the veterans; she knows her work won’t end when the group paints the last apartment at Moreau.

“There is something deeply enriching to me about being engaged in my community with others who are thinking about how to make the world a better place on issues that are important to them and me," explains Vicki. “It also gives me a better understanding of the challenges facing veterans.”

In May, Church 52 plans to hold a B-B-Q at HVAF’s annual Recovery Day to show their appreciation for the veterans.