This month, we recognize Kayla
Jackson who just celebrated two years with HVAF last month and is one of seven Case
Managers with the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
Kayla's contributions to the nonprofit sector began 7 years ago in Hendricks
County where she worked one-on-one helping families. Then, she worked in Marion
County and helped elementary school children with skills training.
Kayla is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at IUPUI. When
asked why she chose to work at HVAF, Kayla recalls an
emotional time in her life, “I had a close friend who joined the military when he was 20 years
old. When he returned home he struggled with PTSD and he struggled
with depression. In 2013 we lost him to suicide.
This led me to want to make a difference,” adds Kayla. “And I knew that HVAF was the
place I wanted to work to put the skills I have learned into action.”
Kayla’s role as Case Manager involves working with
near homeless and homeless veterans. She tells us that what
inspires her are seeing clients, “accomplish the goals they have established
for themselves after having to overcome so many barriers in their lives.
Whether that’s finding gainful employment that increases their positive sense
of self-worth, finally getting access to the healthcare they’ve needed to treat
illnesses that affected their lives for years, or having a small apartment they
can call their own.”
“These are things most of us take for granted.” says Kayla
but for people who have experienced chronic homelessness in their lives, it
means the difference between barely surviving and actually living the life
they’ve dreamed for themselves.”
