Jesse’s Story

Jesse at HVAF

Jesse’s approach to life is simple; keep moving. The 52-year-old Air Force veteran says he started drinking heavily after his marriage ended and without a job or income he became homeless but his spirits remained high. “Where there seems to be no way, I will knock a domino down and make a bridge,” says Jesse who reflects on his love of playing dominoes.  In 2013, Jesse stayed in a day shelter where he would begin each day inside the Indianapolis Public Library using a computer to look for available resources offered to veterans. It was then he learned about HVAF and its services for veterans. HVAF provided Jesse with supportive housing, case management and help with his recovery through its Residential Employment Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) program. Last month, Jesse graduated from the recovery program. Jesse says he’s building greater confidence at HVAF and bonding with other veterans who are in similar situations. With HVAF’s guidance, Jesse was referred to the IU School of Dentistry and provided dental service and in 2015 he hopes to receive dentures. HVAF also has helped Jesse qualify for free eye glasses through the Indianapolis Eye Care Clinic. He is an avid runner with Back on My Feet, a national organization that helps promote self-sufficiency through running. These days, Jesse has some pep in his step and there’s a good reason why. He is employed full-time at Methodist Hospital and plans to go back to school. In his mind, dominoes are the perfect building blocks to keep moving in life.

Three veterans complete HVAF's recovery program

 

The room was filled with applause and even some tears, but they were tears of joy as three veterans recalled their past. On Friday, October 31, Joe N., Jesse W. and Matt T. received a certificate of completion from HVAF's Residential Employment Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) program.

Joe, Jesse and Matt (from left to right)

They were supported by family, friends, and HVAF staff. All three veterans were praised for completing the program, a recovery-dynamics based supportive housing program for homeless veterans whose primary goal is to maintain sobriety while obtaining employment and permanent housing.

Veterans receive individual and group counseling, psycho-educational classes and intensive case management.

These veterans also gave back through volunteer efforts at HVAF. Whether it was sorting donations or serving up a warm meal each had contributed roughly 30 service hours.

"It works if you want it," says Joe. "I came here desperate and I asked for help and got it. I couldn't do it by myself and now it's about how I can help others."

Jesse, 52, an Air Force veteran says the loss of a loved one led to his homelessness and he entered HVAF housing in June 2013. He now works at Methodist Hospital and plans to go back to school at Ivy Tech. Veterans at HVAF are referred to the IU School of Dentistry to provide dentistry to those who need it most. In the New Year, Jesse will receive dentures. HVAF has also helped Jesse qualify for free eye glasses.

He credits his success through running with Back on My Feet (BOMF), a national program which helps promote self-sufficiency through running. Joe and Matt also participate in Back on My Feet.

"HVAF got me through to the path I needed to succeed in life," says Jessie.

Matt was 23 years old when he entered the U.S. Army for the opportunity it provided him to attend college. After leaving the military, Matt worked as Deputy Assessor at the Washington Township Assessor’s Office in Indianapolis. It was after accepting a job transfer to Evansville, Indiana, which took him far from family and friends, that depression began to consume him.

“I felt like a lonely man on an island,” Matt says. 

Alcohol addiction led to job loss which led to Matt's homelessness. Today, he gives thanks to the HVAF program and staff.

"HVAF REST Coordinator Fred Young has also been an example of what cleaning living can produce," says Matt. "With God's help I have more hope, more blessings and more confidence."





Fred Young of HVAF, Joe (REST graduate) and Curtis Williamson of HVAF

Fred Young of HVAF, Matt (REST graduate) and Curtis Williamson of HVAF

Fred Young of HVAF, Jesse (REST graduate) and Curtis Williamson of HVAF

Veterans at HVAF find strength in running

Matt T. was 23 years old when he entered the U.S. Army for the opportunity it provided him to attend college. After leaving the military, Matt worked as Deputy Assessor at the Washington Township Assessor’s Office in Indianapolis. It was after accepting a job transfer to Evansville, Indiana, which took him far from family and friends, that depression began to consume Matt.

Matt with his medal

“I felt like a lonely man on an island,” he says. 

Alcohol addiction led to job loss. During his last week of employment, Matt’s boss told him about HVAF of Indiana, its substance abuse recovery program and housing services. Two weeks after moving into HVAF, Tucker was introduced to Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping the homeless and other underserved populations build independence and self-sufficiency using the discipline of distance running.

“I began just walking with the group and then I started doing the walking/jogging and participated in the Bulldog Butler 5K,” says Matt, who most recently ran in the 8K race offered as a part of the Carmel Marathon in April.

“This is the first time in 50 years that I don’t need someone to give me a pat on my back or give me approval,” says Matt. “I know understand my self worth, and that really is a positive impact on my self-esteem,” says Matt.

While running with Back on My Feet, Matt met another HVAF client, Ray P., a 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran.

Ray running the Carmel Marathon

Ray’s childhood dream was to join the Marines. After serving for 5 years, Ray landed a job as a civil engineer but was spending long hours in the office. He says his marriage suffered as a result, and he also started drinking heavily. Through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs he was referred to HVAF of Indiana for help with housing.

At HVAF, Ray worked not only to improve his mental strength but physical toughness. Ray joined the Back on My Feet running group at HVAF, initially running 5K and 8K races. It was at this year’s Carmel Marathon that he would run his first marathon, a race of 26.2 miles.

Both Ray and Tucker trained together for their Carmel Marathon events, pushing each other to succeed.

“It felt great crossing the finish line, and it was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment for both of us,” Ray says. 

HVAF joins Ranger on last mile to raise awareness for homeless vets

HVAF veterans ran alongside 28-year-old Cpl. Cory Smith, who had just finished a 565-mile bike and run trek in 28 days from Columbus, Ga. to Indianapolis, Ind., in an effort to raise awareness of veteran issues, such as homelessness.

Cpl. Smith, who faced his own marital difficulties after two deployments to Afghanistan, said combat veterans in particular can face divorce, homelessness, unemployment and suicide upon returning home. Smith just completed four years of military service and is returning to civilian life.

"It means a lot to be here today," says Lee W., a navy veteran and HVAF client who is photographed left. Lee came to HVAF in 2009 in need of housing, and had a strong desire to change his life around.

"I know what it's like to struggle with the transition from military life to civilian life," says Lee. "I appreciate what Cory is doing in showing the hardships us veterans face. We should support each other."

Lee, who served in the Navy from 1982-1990, returned to Indianapolis, Ind. and struggled to find a job. "I stayed with friends until I learned about HVAF. I am fortunate to have received transitional housing at HVAF's Warman Apartments."

An HVAF case manager is helping Lee with goal-setting as he works to become self-sufficient.

The corporal was not only surrounded by HVAF veterans and Back on My Feet runners, but also family members and city officials who applauded his efforts in running the 565 mile trek. Smith was re-united with 20-month-old daughter, Elleigh, whom he held in his arms throughout much of the ceremony on Monument Circle.

Read more about the event in the February 9, 2012, feature story in the Indianapolis Star.