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| Fred Young (left), Gary Trabue, Kyle King |
On July 18, U.S. Navy veteran Gary Trabue joined six other men for a graduation celebration of HVAF’s Residential, Substance Abuse, and Treatment (REST) program. In 2014, Gary was homeless, sleeping out of his car, but determined to get his life back in order. He turned to HVAF for help. He was housed in one of HVAF’s thirteen properties and it was there he completed HVAF’s 12-step recovery program. HVAF also referred him to the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, an HVAF partner agency, where he was able to get his finances in order. Years of child support had put a financial burden on his life and prevented him from gaining the sense of security and stability he needed in order to move forward.
Two years later, Gary has a lot to be proud of. He is gainfully employed, and in June he moved into his own apartment.
“HVAF’s recovery program changed my life,” says Gary. “It was refreshing to have a second chance and I owe it all to REST program. Looking back I realize that I have so much to be thankful for. My transition home was not easy but I persevered,” adds Gary.
Gary has been clean and sober for over a year. His immediate goals are to try to help other veterans who are coming through the recovery program, and continuing his journey of sobriety.
List of veterans recognized in graduation
Gary Trabue
Michael Wise
Laron Judd
Steven Lucas
Reggie Jefferson
Donald Day
Brenden White