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.

HVAF program helps Indiana veteran get help paying past debts

There was a time Dorian planned on saving and building his nest egg and a time when he accepted the sacrifice and served our country as a member of the U.S. Army. The pay, benefits and tuition assistance appealed to the young recruit, now forty, but more than twenty years after his service he found himself digging out of debt.

In 1996 Dorian got involved with the wrong crowd and was arrested for carrying a firearm. After serving time in jail he struggled to find work and faced unemployment.

“It’s not an excuse. It’s a nod to reality,” says Dorian. “I wasn’t prepared for the “what if’s.”

There were a lot of times and struggles.

So what happened?

Dorian called HVAF in January 2014 and learned that he qualified for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, a rapid re-housing and prevention program targeted towards veterans and veteran families and which prevents veterans from becoming chronically homeless.

His Case Manager, Tom Tuttle, was able to help him remain in stable housing and push through financial barriers. First, Dorian was able to pay his probation fees with the help of the National Veterans Service Fund (NVSF). The next day, Dorian went to his Parole Officer to get the required paperwork needed to relinquish his debt of $708.

“I would have been homeless if it wasn’t for HVAF,” says Dorian. “It’s a tremendous relief to now have this financial burden lifted so that I can focus on paying my rent, gas, light, and food. Had it not been for HVAF I would still be struggling.”

The SSVF program funds paid Dorian’s first month’s rent and deposit as well as his utility deposit which is significant for a veteran who is working to get back on his feet.

 “Dorian gained employment and is a good example of veterans who achieve success in the SSVF program and he knows that if you work hard good things can happen,” says Tom.

Today, Dorian no longer has to worry about where he will sleep or how he will pay his bills. He lives in a 2-bedroom house in Northwest Indianapolis. In 2015, the SSVF program will assist 450 families.

Former HVAF leader inducted into Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame

Colonel Donald W. Moreau Sr. (USA-ret.), HVAF former President/CEO and board member,  was among sixteen veterans to be honored in the inaugural class of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame (IMVHOF) on November 7, 2014. His distinguished military career and civil services spans almost seven decades. Don has led our country through wartime and his commitment to the cause of ending homelessness among veterans is unwavering and never-ending. 

During Saturday's induction ceremony, Don's military experience of bravery and courage was shared with the people of Indiana. 

Hundreds of previously homeless veterans all across the country owe a debt of gratitude to Don Moreau who epitomizes the Army retiree motto of "Still Serving". Don was a soldier, is a soldier and will always be a soldier.

In December 1998, Don was recruited to join the board of HVAF. He served on the HVAF board through June 1999. At that time, the executive director departed without a successor, so Don was recruited to be President/CEO. Under Don’s leadership HVAF grew dramatically. He was responsible for putting revenue streams in place that HVAF continues to have today. He also increased HVAF’s housing stock significantly. Don helped put together the public/private funding model HVAF has been using for most of its current acquisitions and initiated the first grant and per diem funding from the VA which was used to renovate the Carson Apartments which were a gift from Congresswoman Julia Carson. Don worked with Governor O'Bannon and then Lieutenant Governor Kernan to procure six homes along Warman Avenue, just east of the old Central State Hospital. In 2009, HVAF named one of its properties in honor of Don Moreau Sr. and today thirty-nine veterans call HVAF's Moreau Apartments home.

Learn more about Don's military accolades here.

 

Bill Moreau, HVAF Board Member with Don Moreau Sr. (from left to right)

Frontiers International, Inc. donates suits to veterans

Robert Walls (left) with members of
Frontiers International

Are unwanted suits cluttering up your wardrobe? One group decided to put their old suits to good use and donate them to HVAF. Frontiers International, Inc. encouraged suit donations from their members because oftentimes a major barrier facing homeless veterans trying to get a job is not having proper professional clothing for the interview.

Spearheading the suit drive was Robert Walls, member of the Frontiers International, a volunteer based company whose mission is advancement through service. He is also a US Air Force veteran of 20 years.

"Wearing a suit has a massive effect on confidence - especially when looking for work. If we can help individuals to feel more confident when going to interviews, and therefore increase their chances of getting a job, then the drive will have been a resounding success."

While the majority of suits came from their members, the group also reached out to department stores, like Macy's.

A recent beneficiary is employment-seeking Tony B., 49, who came to HVAF in August 2013 after following a period of homelessness. Tony said: "I recently attended a job interview; for the interview I wore a suit donated to HVAF because I wanted to make a good impression."

Ten suits, twenty shirts and more than a dozen shoes were donated this month.

HVAF receives grant from Wounded Warrior project

HVAF is the recipient of a 55-thousand dollar grant from the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The grant will expand HVAF’s ability to provide services to injured service members.

HVAF was one of 11 organizations selected from 250 applications during the grant cycle. The grant will support HVAF’s long-term commitment to post-9/11 wounded veterans by providing legal and career services as well as housing, basic needs, and employment preparation. Grant funds will allow HVAF to serve an additional 50 veterans and 25 family members.

“All of these services work hand-in-hand to increase a veteran’s confidence as well as prepare him/her emotionally to ace an interview or begin a new position,” says HVAF President & CEO Charles Haenlein. “We believe that in order to ensure this generation of injured veterans is successful and well-adjusted, a comprehensive network of community resources must be offered.”

“The WWP grant program allows us to collectively reach deeper into underserved communities and offer important specialized services to injured service members,” said Steve Nardizzi, CEO, Wounded Warrior Project. “Supporting these excellent organizations that provide unique and highly specialized services will help us ensure that this generation of injured service members is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history.”

In this third year of operation, the WWP Grants Program continues to work with organizations that provide injured service members with unique, specialized programs and services, often in remote areas of the country. During two review cycles each year, WWP carefully selects the grant recipients, and to date has provided support to nearly 80 organizations nationwide.

It is estimated over 50,000 servicemen and women have been physically injured in recent military conflicts, another 320,000 have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment, and as many as 400,000 additional service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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About Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation

Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) is dedicated to eliminating homelessness for veterans and their families through prevention, education, supportive services and advocacy. HVAF provides transitional housing, case management services, and basic needs to more than 200 veterans and their families daily who are recovering from homelessness. Additional services are offered to those in need through HVAF outreach services. For more information go to hvaf.org or call 317-951-0688.

About Wounded Warrior Project®

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

87-year-old WWII veteran chosen for Indy Honor Flight, first ever plane ride

87-year-old WWII veteran Woodrow Wilson Hairl has been chosen to be among the veterans in Indy Honor Flight. Indy Honor Flight transports America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices.

There are two ways that you can be part of this special event:

Operation Mail Call

Write a letter to Woodrow for him to read on his flight back on April 5

Indy Honor Flight

c/o Mail Call for Woodrow Wilson Hairl

9093 S. State Road 39

Mooresville, IN 46158
(Due date March 28)

Or, be part of Woodrow’s homecoming. Most of the heroes never received a homecoming.

Welcome Home

At 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the Indianapolis Airport you can welcome him home. (Arrive at the food court around 8 p.m. for a good spot). Bring American Flags, signs, banners and as many people as you can.

Woodrow served under General George S. Patton and traveled all over Europe from 1945-46 as a member of the US Army. He traveled on the Queen Mary from Washington D.C. to France. 3 days 3,000 soldiers.

“I was just a southern boy growing up in Greenville, Mississippi before the war. We raised cotton, corn, and peanuts.”

Despite his military record and accolades, Woodrow is remarkably modest. “This is what was asked of us. This is what we did. When I left Germany we were heading to Japan and they dropped the atomic bomb and that’s when I got out and got out of the military,” he adds.

But Woodrow struggled to keep a job which led to financial hardship. He came to HVAF in 2012 for help.

“If it wasn’t for HVAF, I don’t know where I’d get my next meal.”

Once a month for the past year, Woodrow has been relying on HVAF for food, toothbrushes, deodorant, clothes and other hygiene items that help get him through each month. Woodrow has made a lasting impression on HVAF staff members as well as outreach volunteer, Jim Thompson.

“When I first met him he told me he was a WWII veteran and we mostly see Vietnam era-veterans. I thought he’d be a good candidate for the Indy Honor Flight, whose mission is to transport American's veterans to Washington DC to visit several Memorials, but then I didn’t see him again for six months. I owe him because everything I have is because of people like him,” says Jim, and “I plan to be his sponsor on the trip.”

“I’m very excited to have been selected for Indy Honor Flight and to see these monuments on April 5,” says Woodrow. I'd like to think I leave a little history and I hope I did some good in this world and I think I did," he said.

IndyCar community to kick-start veterans projects to benefit HVAF

The IndyCar community will honor HVAF veterans this month with a service project that includes hosting several area donation drives (canned good and hygiene items) now through November 9. On November 9, IndyCar crew members and staff will take part in a renovation project at the Jackson House. Six veterans reside at the Jackson House.

The IndyCar community including the IndyCar Ministry, Panther Racing, Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and fan favorite Charlie Kimball and other IndyCar drivers plan to dedicate their time, talent and support along with a volunteer “Pit Crew” to help renovate the Jackson House. 

“Supporting veterans and their families is one of the pillars of Panther Racing, and we’re thankful that the HVAF invited us to participate in this great event,” Panther Communications Director Mike Kitchel said. “Through our partnership with the National Guard we have witnessed first-hand the amazing sacrifices these soldiers go through to support our country and we won’t hesitate at any opportunity to support those efforts.”

HVAF Collection Dates/Locations:

Dates:  Thursday 10/24/13 - Saturday 11/9/13

HVAF Downtown Office (Please contact HVAF at 317-951-0688 to schedule a drop-off)

964 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN

Dallara Factory

1201 Main St., Speedway, IN

Williams Comfort Air/Mr. Plumber

1077 3rd Ave SW, Carmel, IN

Brozinni Pizzeria

8810 S. Emerson Ave, Indianapolis

Verizon Wireless/Midwest Wireless

1428 W. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN

Mentor from past leads veteran to become positive influence

Paul D. Shafer, president of the Packer Collegiate Institute, once said that there is no greater influence for a person than the life of another person worth emulation. James S., 52, U.S. Army veteran, saw this positive influence in the men in uniform who used to visit his high school when he was growing up. The examples of these officers inspired him to join the Army after high school in 1978. James never had an older brother or a particular mentor, but he would soon find one in Sgt. James Pettaway in 1980.

James S., HVAF veteran

“He took me under his wings. He wasn’t afraid to tell me, ‘do this or don’t do this.’ He was a true mentor.” Sgt. James Pettaway. always reminded James S. of the consequences of his actions, and even showed him little tricks to help him stand out from his peers. “One thing I remember is the boots. He showed me how to polish them and then burn the polish a little bit with a lighter before shining them. They would shine so bright you could shave in them.”

Unfortunately, not everyone he met was a positive influence. Peer pressure and the desire of making friends caused alcohol to become an addiction as James’ time in the US Army came to a close. When James got back home, he held several odd jobs and bounced around from place to place until coming to Indianapolis to live with family in 1998; however, that couldn’t last forever. By 2012, James was homeless. His alcohol consumption had become a lifestyle. “As a result of my drinking and addiction I needed HVAF…I knew it would be a place where I could get help. I got my second chance.”

HVAF provided not only a place to live and a place to get help, but also something James had not had since his service; a mentor. “My case manager has been an influence…he helped me get a good perspective and look at myself in a different way.” Now James hopes he can be an example for his fellow veterans. “I see a lot down here at HVAF. It’s not a dress rehearsal and veterans should be serious about this chance to get their lives back. I like when I see some guys who are working more seriously.” James’ influence goes beyond HVAF. He is currently working towards a degree in Criminal Justice at Indiana Tech and recently got a job in security in July. “I think you shouldn’t just go for an average job. If you want to be a winner, push yourself. Sacrifice where it hurts if you want to be better.” Hopefully we can all learn something from James’ story and message.

Unique Home Solutions commitment to U.S. veterans

On Saturday, November 9 at 4:00 p.m., Unique Home Solutions, one of the largest home remodeling companies in Indiana, will hold a Pig Roast dinner at Sully’s Bar & Grill to benefit HVAF. The Pig Roast is a culmination of a year-long effort and more than $10,000 dollars has already been raised.

“I admired my cousins who served in the military and I saw the sacrifices they made and that moved me,” says Bob Dillon, CEO of Unique Home Solutions.

Bob learned about HVAF through his corporate attorney, Russell Cox, who also serves as an HVAF Founding member and current board member. Now Bob’s Unique Home Solutions team of 150 is raising awareness and funds through this fundraiser.

“This was an opportunity for Unique Home Solutions to show our support of military members.”

Space is limited. Tickets: $12 per person or $20 for 2. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit HVAF. Purchase tickets online at http://uniquehomesolutions.org/unique-home-solutions-commitment-to-us-veterans.

HVAF of Indiana, Inc. competes for $250,000 in Home Depot Foundation Contest

This month HVAF of Indiana, Inc. is participating in a national competition that could earn us $25-thousand dollars to renovate a Newton House, a facility that is home to four previously homeless veterans. Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation’s Aprons in Action, winning the monthly contest hosted on Facebook would make HVAF eligible to win a one-time grand prize award – an additional $250-thousand dollars to renovate even more of its properties!

The Home Depot Foundation’s Aprons in Action on Facebook spotlights the volunteer efforts of Home Depot employees and the local community organizations they partner with to serve U.S. military veterans and programs that support them. Fans of the work cast their votes for their favorite charity work each month.

“The Newton House is in need of updating and with the winning prize HVAF would be able to renovate the property that serves as many as four veterans, says Ron Shelly, HVAF Chief Operating Officer.  “That’s four people who bravely served our county who would have a new and up-to-date place to call home because of supporters like you.”

HVAF has been fortunate over the past four years to partner with Indianapolis-area Home Depot stores where employees have volunteered their time and talents to renovate several HVAF properties, including the LaFever House. Home Depot also awarded a grant to HVAF last year to install blinds, closet dividers and other fixtures at its newest housing property, the Manchester Apartments, which is home to 51 previously homeless veterans.

The chance to vote for HVAF of Indiana, Inc. begins 9 a.m. EST on Saturday, September 1 and ends at 12 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 30, 2012. You can vote once a day every day on Home Depot Foundation’s Facebook page.

“We are glad that our partner nonprofit organization, HVAF, will be participating in our company’s Aprons in Action program,” says Home Depot District Manager Bob Blake. “Only four organizations across the country have been selected to compete in the September, 2012, Facebook contest, and it gives us an opportunity to continue to showcase the good work that HVAF of Indiana, Inc. does on a daily basis in improving lives of veterans in Central Indiana.”

Here’s how it works:

Voting begins 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1 and ends at 12 p.m. Sunday, September 30 EST. Each person can vote once a day every day. You must have a Facebook account to vote. Go to Home Depot Foundation’s Facebook page.

1. “Like” the page facebook.com/homedepotfoundation
2. Click on “Aprons in Action” - top right icon next to the number of likes
3. Place your vote for HVAF of Indiana, Inc.