Recovery Day allows veterans to share successes

Tyrone F. says his life was spiraling out of control but in 2013 the 51-year-old U.S. Army Reserve veteran turned to HVAF for supportive housing. There, Tyrone also received counseling and had access to a computer lab which helped prepare him for his job search.

“For decades I allowed my lifestyle of drugs and alcohol to create a feeling of emptiness,” says Tyrone. “I realized I needed help and so I entered HVAF’s Residential Employment Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) program.”

Recovery Day at HVAF

Tyrone is now an alumni and graduate of the program and shared his story during HVAF’s 10th annual Recovery Day.

Each September, in support of National Recovery Month, HVAF holds an event to reflect on the recovery efforts of individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. On September 13, veterans like Tyrone spoke about experiences, challenges, mentors, and successes. It allowed others to share their struggles and lets them know there is hope – and a better way to live. Encouragement is offered by everyone in the room and many veterans bring their AA sponsors for extra support.

Tyrone got the chance to start fresh because of the support he received. He is clean and sober and celebrating one year on the job at the Westin Hotel.

“It means the world to all of the veterans to have the support of the community and staff support on Recovery Day,” says Fred Young, coordinator for REST. “These veterans walk away knowing someone cares enough and that they are being loved. HVAF has provided me everything from life’s simple necessities to rebuilding my life.”

Your Amazon.com purchase for homeless veterans at HVAF

Your Amazon.com purchase can now benefit HVAF of Indiana. Simply go to http://smile.amazon.com/ and type in HVAF of Indiana. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate .5% of the purchase price for all eligible purchases. Amazon.com will remember your nonprofit selection, and then every consecutive eligible purchase you make at the site will result in a donation.

“Stand Down” provides critical resources to veterans

In September, 250 veterans and families enjoyed a day of free medical and dental checkups, food, clothing and other critical resources. It was all part of the 10th annual "Veterans Stand Down" that helped assist those in need.

Ralanda Whitaker crocheted hats and also provided hoodies. She represented the American Legion Post 497 Ladies Auxiliary. This is her third year of setting up a table at Stand Down.
 

“I have family members who served in the military,” says Ralanda. “It means so much to me to be able to support these men and women.”

 

Veterans also received housing, legal, medical and social services. Eye exams were conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry and volunteers were on hand from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Louise Loyd, on the HVAF of Indiana board of directors, and called "The Sock Lady," handed out socks to veterans. Veterans walked away with bags of free items including bus passes.

 

Stand Down was sponsored by HVAF, AMVETS Post 99, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Roudebush V.A. Medical Center, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Women Marines Association.

 

 

Support Friends of HVAF fundraising program

Your support of our Friends of HVAF fundraising program enables us to respond quickly and provide relief to homeless veterans.

Your contribution of $1,000 a year through Friends of HVAF can furnish an apartment for a veteran for one year. When you become a Friend of HVAF, you are more than a donor. You are a partner. A partner in our shared work to return honorable U.S. military veterans to self-sufficiency after living through homelessness, substance abuse and other life challenges.

HVAF created the Friends of HVAF program to steward special partnerships with people and organizations who want a unique opportunity to serve the brave men and women who have served all of us.

BECOME A FRIEND OF HVAF AT THIS LINK

Why one man is learning to drive again

In Terre Haute, Tyrone C. felt alone and overwhelmed. His part-time job ended and he did not know where his next paycheck would come from. With his daughter in Indianapolis, he traveled by bus to stay with her and they looked for help, a place for a homeless veteran to stay. On his third day in Indianapolis he heard about HVAF. The next day he called and was provided supportive housing at its Moreau property. At Tyrone’s request, his case manager connected him with one of HVAF’s partners, the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic for legal help.

Tyrone’s driving privileges had been indefinitely suspended since 1999. In fact, he was on a lifetime habitual traffic violator (HTV) status. The 53-year-old Marine Corps veteran couldn’t get behind the wheel.

The Clinic represented Tyrone in successfully petitioning the Marion Circuit Court for a probationary, restricted license which allows him to drive to and from work, medical appointments, and rehabilitation programs. Although this type of license comes with significant restrictions, Tyrone learned in September that he will receive full driving privileges back in 3 years (which would be for the first time in 18 years!). He currently has probationary driving privileges, so he can drive to work and medical appointments once he has a vehicle.

“It’s overwhelming, the outpouring of support. I get emotional sometimes because I definitely needed the help,” says Tyrone.

NCLC also represented Tyrone in seeking an expungement of his prior convictions. Although it has been over 15 years since his last conviction, a record can still present obstacles to getting a better job. This process will improve Tyrone’s prospects because it removes low-level convictions from the public record.

Tyrone has a lot to look forward to. He moves into his own one-bedroom apartment next month and is excited about driving again soon as well as having a clean record and a fresh start.

He says his life intersected with organizations and resources that made a difference and the results will last a lifetime. There’s no greater example than Tyrone to show us that second chances remain within reach.



Tyrone C. at HVAF

Volunteer group organizes Cut-A-Thon

Lestra Huls, a U.S. Navy veteran and hair stylist at Class Act Hair Studio in Monrovia, organized her first cut-a-thon fundraiser to benefit HVAF and says it was well worth the effort. She teamed up with friend Wilma Lee, Club Manager and Jr. Vice President for the Ladies Auxiliary for Mooresville Post #1111.

The two contacted businesses for donated raffle items and for one day customers at the salon participated in the Cut-A-Thon by making a monetary donation before leaving. The women said people gave from the heart. Customers that day included veterans from Mooresville, Monrovia, and Martinsville.

"Coordinating a Cut-A-Thon was a way our salon could give back to the community and also the event helped build a stronger team," says Huls, adding that she usually has no problem getting the salon staff involved.

Others involved in promoting and supporting the event included VFW Riders, American Legion Riders, VFW, and American Legion members.

The Cut-A-Thon raised roughly 48-hundred dollars for HVAF.

Lestra Huls (left) with Rachel Anderson of HVAF

Stand Down helps hundreds of homeless veterans

More than 250 homeless veterans lined up and checked out all the tables at the 10th annual "Veterans Stand Down" at AMVETS Post 99, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014.

Veterans and others took a moment of silence then listened to "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung at the event which included an opening ceremony and the opportunity for homeless veterans to receive goods and housing, legal, medical and social services.

Eye exams were conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry and volunteers were on hand from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Louise Loyd, on the HVAF of Indiana board of directors, and called "The Sock Lady," handed out socks to veterans. Veterans walked away with bags of free items including bus passes. Also, shoes and clothes lined tables and many veterans received crocheted hats from the American Legion Post 497 Ladies Auxiliary.

The event was sponsored by HVAF, AMVETS Post 99, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Roudebush V.A. Medical Center, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Women Marines Association.

View the slideshow from the day.

Media coverage included:

Slideshow on the Indy Star website by photo journalist Kelly Wilkinson
http://www.indystar.com/media/cinematic/gallery/15460843/veterans-stand-down/

FOX59 http://fox59.com/2014/09/11/911-event-helps-homeless-veterans-get-back-on-their-feet/

What is a Stand Down?
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) organized the nation's first Stand Down in 1988. The meaning of “Stand Down” comes from the idea that, "You don't leave anybody outside the wire. If you've got wounded outside the wire, you go get them, regardless of the cost." ~Stand Down Founders Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison Today, Stand Down refers to a community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 200,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Since the first Stand Down, the program has been widely replicated nationwide. Today, more than 200 Stand Downs take place across the country every year.