Veteran gets a new start

Schon P. began serving in the Navy in 1988. He always dreamed of traveling to different places and wanted to serve his country. One of Schon’s favorite experiences about being in the military was Basic Training in San Diego. “It was fun, he said. Kind of like mind games.” Being away from home was hard for Schon. He missed his friends and family and being in familiar places.

Schon had been sleeping on the streets in Evansville for two years. He says he was addicted to drugs and didn’t have a job, license or car. A friend of Schon’s paid another friend $120 to drive Schon up to Indianapolis where he would go to rehab. The friend bought him a nice dinner and paid for the hotel room that night. Schon was dropped off at Fairbanks Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment Center the next morning.

While in Indy, Schon started asking around about organizations that helped veterans and found HVAF. He is very thankful for everything HVAF has done. “I’ve come a long way since living on the streets.” He worked with Kevin Hillman, HVAF’s employment coordinator. Schon has been saving up money to buy a car. He believes he will be moving out of HVAF’s Moreau housing fairly soon and into his own place. In February 2017, Schon started working at 3M in Indianapolis. He is thankful for a fresh start.

Upcoming event - Volunteer to raise funds for HVAF

Join the Knights of Columbus Post #5290 and VFW Post # 7119 and #261 as they raise money and awareness for HVAF. PatriotFest will be held on June 17 at the VFW Post # 7119 on 6535 N. Lee Road from 2 p.m.- 12 a.m. There will be food, live music, activities and prizes - a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon. Also, a car show will take place from 12:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. If you want to show-off your car, registration is from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. People’s Choice Award will be given to the top five cars. The entry fee is $10 and non-perishable food items. For more information, call Micah Sutton (317) 829- 4258 or Danny Lesley (317) 701-7883.

Veteran makes strides through HVAF employment services

Lew at HVAF

Lew served in the Air Force from 1986-1990. As a young adult, he was looking for direction in his life and thought what better way than to serve his country. He was a part of the MAC Military Airlift Command. After finishing up his military duty, Lew worked to get his BA in Marketing and minored in Economics. After college, he worked for General Electric, Stuart Warner and a few other companies and found a “knack” for sales. After going through a rough time of divorcing his wife and losing his father, Lew turned to alcohol. He had three DUIs and eventually got into an accident in which, luckily, no one was hurt. He spent three years in prison. He reached out to HVAF in 2013, one of the lowest years of his life. 

“When I was going through the rocky 3 years [2013-2016] of my life, I needed a place to stay and I was trying to figure out how I’m going to do this. I have a good support system with family, but found strong support from HVAF,” Lew said.

Lew believes he would be in a day shelter if it wasn’t for the excellent staff at HVAF. HVAF Employment Specialist Kiara Walker assisted Lew in finding the job he has now. “Lew had a vision of where he wanted to work and the salary he felt would be a livable wage. He did not give up until he felt all of his needs were satisfied. I enjoyed working with Lew,” says Kiara. Lew currently works for Dickinson Fleet Services as the Purchasing Assistant in which he finds great purpose.

Homeless veteran finds permanent housing with help from HVAF

Tom, 59, served in the Air Force from 1977-81. The California native liked working on airplanes. On October 6, 2006, life as he knew it changed. Tom was hit by a bus on the streets of Indianapolis. He spent 6 months at the VA hospital and had 3 operations. He lost his left leg and is confined to a wheelchair. He spent 2 years in a nursing home. He couldn’t find work and he became homeless. HVAF’s Outreach Worker Rodney Jackson talked to him about the programs and services our organization has to offer. It took time to build trust.

Once Tom was ready to come in from the elements, we provided him a warm bed for the weekend.

“There was still hope in his eyes. He was crying because he had nowhere to go,” said Housing Specialist William Najera about his client, Tom. On Thursday, March 30, Tom ready to come in from off the streets but didn’t want to go into transitional housing. William talked Partners in Housing, who to advocate for Tom. The following Tuesday, Tom was moved in. His eyes watered a bit when signing the lease.  “Seeing Tom from beginning to end was a complete turnaround,” William said.

Tom still faces many battles and demons. The amputee still feels a lot of pain. Physical pain. Emotional pain. He can no longer work at a factory as a forklift operator which he enjoyed for over 3 decades. He struggles to find meaning and purpose in life. His pride is shattered. But for Tom, each day matters. You can hear happiness in his laughter.

Housing service provides relief for one homeless veteran

Frank S. at work

“If you are willing to help yourself, HVAF will help you,” Frank, 52, said. He served in the Marine Corps from June 1983- August 1987.  After serving in the military, he received his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees along with several certifications. Frank landed a job in TSA and traveled to various airports. He was stationed at the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL acting as a Screening Manager. Years later, Frank found himself relocating to Indianapolis. In August 2016 after Frank’s car had been repossessed, he lost his job and began receiving unemployment. Frank says he was unemployed because he was overqualified for the jobs he was applying for. Frank was living in a motel off of Post Road in Indianapolis at the time of researching veteran assistance programs. He discovered HVAF and his life changed. Kalisha Hayes, his housing specialist, helped him with whatever he needed including housing, food and employment assistance. HVAF helped him enroll for VA insurance and now he has proper medical care. He is employed at Caito Foods Services as a Production Supervisor. He lives in HVAF’s Carson Apartments with a goal to move out within 90 days.

Case Manager links veteran to resources

Tony M. couldn’t find a job out of high school so he turned to the Marines. He served from 1983-1987.  “To be honest, Rambo was hot, and I wanted to carry a pack and shoot a gun,” Tony said. He faced many physical challenges such as staying in shape and the stress of the job got to him emotionally.  After serving, Tony turned to alcohol to solve his problems. His mother, who he was living with at the time, had terminal cancer. After she passed away, the property was sold, and Tony knew he had to do something. He contacted the VA who referred him to HVAF. Tony couldn’t say enough nice things about HVAF, especially about the people who worked with him. His case manager, Brian Andree, encouraged him to stay on track and directed him to the help. “After finding HVAF, there was a tiny light at the end of the tunnel—something I hadn’t seen in a long time,” Tony expressed. HVAF has given Tony time to reflect and think about his life. Tony lives in Carson Apartments and works at the Walmart Distribution Center in Plainfield. He is a true success story.

The Difficult Transition from Military to Civilian Life

James B. at HVAF

James B. served in the Air Force from the mid 1980s to early 1990s. James wanted to travel the world and fly, and he did just that. He’s been all over the world including Great Britain, Germany and Scotland. The actual war part of being in the military was hardest for James. “I always had to be ready to go,” he said. After serving, James also struggled with homelessness.  He was stressed and unable to cope mentally with coming back to the real world. A friend of his searched for veteran programs and came across HVAF. James contacted HVAF in July 2015 and was provided services within the week. He remembers the first day he came to HVAF. “It was raining, and all I had was a bicycle with a red cart on it. It had all of my things in it,” he said.  James now credits his turn around to his Case Manager. Brian Andree is constantly reaching to James to make sure he is okay. He helped James become a more positive person and change his life. James didn’t have a backup plan, but Andree helped him reach his goal. James thanks HVAF for making him more optimistic and resilient. He moved out of Carson Apartments in March and into his apartment and works for AT&T Directv.

Veteran turns vulnerabilities into strengths

Rashaun served in the Air Force in Korea (2008-2009), Iraq (2009-2010), Turkey (2011) and Afghanistan (2013). While serving, “getting used to wearing your weaknesses out in the open was hard to deal with,” he said. He focused on his vulnerabilities and turned them into strengths. Adjusting back to civilian life was hard for Rashaun. He picked up hobbies such as working out and volunteering. He also had a loving support system along the way to help him adjust. Still, Rashaun felt misunderstood when he came back. He was struggling with alcohol abuse when he reached out to HVAF. “They helped me, took care of me and got me housing,” he said.  Kascha Koelling, his case manager, was a sounding board. She provide the veteran with necessities. Kascha and Rashaun established goals together, and she made sure he stayed on top of those goals. Rashaun also says HVAF Outreach Coordinator Rodney Jackson helped him along the way in getting his life back on track with supporting words of wisdom. Without HVAF, Rashaun believes he would still be on the streets. HVAF gave him a chance to get acclimated and helped him feel settled.

Bike donation helps homeless veteran at HVAF

When C.W. was asked about receiving his bike, his eyes lit up. The Army veteran rides his bike to and from Denison Parking where he works. The bike has given C.W. more than he could have ever imagined: freedom and health. C.W. finally feels a freedom he hasn’t felt in a long time. “I’m able to go wherever I want, whenever I want,” he explained. The bike helps him get to his destination more quickly and efficiently. His new ride is a Genesis Bike with all the bells and whistles. With the help of this bike, C.W. is moving forward and working toward his goal, which is taking on more responsibility and taking action every day to better his lifestyle. C.W. also mentioned the health benefits of riding his bicycle. Prior to HVAF, C.W. was an alcoholic, and the bike helps him sweat out any tendencies he is feeling.  He’s getting back into shape by working different muscles. He feels like an overall healthier person.  

HVAF Case Manager connects veteran with services

“I’ve always been the type of person who wanted acceptance to make sure people were taken care of,” Ellen M. said. She served in the Army from 1990- 2013. Ellen wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself—the military.  She was looking for a purpose in life.  Her story about choosing the Army is interesting. Originally, Ellen wanted to join the Air Force. She went to Danville, IL to the recruiting station and the Air Force recruiters were off to lunch. An Army recruiter approached her and the rest is history. Ellen appreciated the cohesiveness of the Army. She faced many challenges, especially after she started to have kids. The military helped her learn research skills, which lead to her research veteran support organizations. Since Ellen started having trouble paying her rent last November, she turned to the Military Family Relief Fund and other resources to help her out. The Military Family Relief Fund referred her to HVAF.  Although Ellen was never homeless, she believes she would be homeless without HVAF’s efforts. Adam Velazquez, her case manager, went above and beyond to help Ellen out. “He connected with me and got me help right away,” she said. Ellen currently works at Aspire/InteCare and Great Clips on the weekends.

Homeless veteran lands job with help from HVAF

Jared, a 31-year-old Army veteran, finds employment with help from HVAF. He came to HVAF in November 2016 in need of housing and recovery. Listen to his story here...

Near homeless veteran turns to law school for fresh start

Anthony, 53, served in the Navy from 1982-1983 on the USS Mount Baker. There is a long-standing family history of joining the military. His dad, brother and son have all been enlisted. One of the biggest joys of joining the Navy was visiting 15 countries. The military molded Anthony into the person he is today. He strives to reach a standard of excellence, discipline, and uniformity. Anthony was near homeless and was in need of assistance after he had taken in and supported his three grandchildren. HVAF helped him move into permanent housing, provided him a washer and dryer, and made sure his grandkids were provided for at Christmas. “HVAF lifted the weight and continue to care about me. They went well beyond what I ever imagined,” he said. Currently, Anthony is a law student at U of Indy and looks back at HVAF as the cornerstone of his current success.

Army veteran finds hope at HVAF through housing assistance

“Serving for your country is honorable,” said Mark, 54. He served in the Army from November 1985- May 1987. Mark, who is from Gary, Indiana, knew the economy was stagnant and felt like his best option was to go into the military. The military taught Mark life skills that made him able to support himself.  He came across HVAF when he learned of our services through the VA. He was unemployed for intermittent times in his life and worked odd jobs including warehouse work. Mark says HVAF provided him a roof over his head and a warm bed. He received meals and other living essentials at the Carson Apartments where he stayed for one year. HVAF also helped him qualify for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program which allowed him to receive rental assistance as he transitioned out of supportive housing and into permanent housing. “HVAF’s housing program basically saved my life,” says Mark. Mark is a true success story. He tries to stay positive and takes one minute at a time each day.

Face-Off For the Forces, a philanthropic student-led group raises money for HVAF

Face-Off For the Forces raised $35,000 for HVAF through a lacrosse tournament held April 15 at Indiana University. The tournament brought together eight fraternities on campus.

Founded in 2014 and run by a team of philanthropic leaders within the Indiana University student body, their mission is to support and raise awareness for organizations that support veterans.

Aaron Hackett, VP of Operations of "Face-Off for the Forces" spearheaded the event. Aaron's brother was in the Air Force and his family wanted to give back to a veteran organization in Indianapolis. Aaron's family has also donated clothing and food to HVAF.

YMCA raises funds for HVAF

On your mark, get set, go! Pike YMCA “Heroes, Health, Hope 5K Race” benefiting veterans was held on November 12, 2016 at the Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis. This family-friendly event was to bring awareness to veterans, and Pike YMCA chose HVAF as one of the organizations to sponsor. “There was very high energy that day,” Marvin said. There was a lot of excitement surrounding the race and the cause. There were 104 participants in which 23 were veterans. Pike YMCA fundraised $1,000 for HVAF.

Homeless veteran moves into his own home

Eric B. was in the United States Army Reserves from 1983- 1987. He worked as a combat engineer doing construction type projects. Eric lost his apartment and couch surfed at family members’ homes for 8 months.  He was addicted to cocaine and completed the detox treatment at The Salvation Army Harbor Light and was sober for a little over a year. His rock bottom point was when he experienced suicidal tendencies. The VA hospital took him in for several days and referred him to HVAF. Eric started the program in March 2016 and finished up in January 2017. HVAF helped set the foundation for Eric’s recovery. He feels mentally, physically and spiritually better than he has in a long time. HVAF transformed his life and brought him closer to God, according to Eric. Eric currently works for My City Transportation in Indianapolis 6 days a week. He resides at Lucille Raines, a sober living environment, where he attends three to four meetings a week. 

Volunteer uses life struggles to give back to homeless veterans

After volunteering in HVAF's clothing pantry, Karen Thomas, an Army veteran, saw the need to raise the clothing racks higher off the ground to allow for more clothes to be stacked. She asked her husband, Bill, for help her with the project and together they purchased the materials needed. 

Karen began volunteering at HVAF in January. Every Tuesday and Thursday she sorts and stocks donations and makes sure the pantry is organized. 

After her divorce, she faced some financial uncertainties. “I faced poverty for a brief period of time, and realized it can happen to anyone in any circumstance.” She feels as though anyone who serves our country should not have to face homelessness. 

Karen served our country for two years in the Army and five years in the National Guard. She knows her heart is in the right place to serve those in need. 

Homeless veteran serves others

Cindy was based at Coronado Island from 1978-1982 while serving in the US Army. She has been volunteering at HVAF for five months. She enjoys passing out food and hygiene items to the veterans we serve. Cindy would feel depressed and sad if it wasn’t for the volunteer opportunities at HVAF.  She gets to greet veterans who have it worse than her, which makes her appreciate her life. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life,” she said about volunteering at HVAF. Cindy also mentioned how great the staff is at HVAF. She had kind words to say, especially about how “awesome” Robin is. Cindy lives at the Moreau House, one of the 13 HVAF properties.  

Ex-offender finds new purpose through HVAF employment assistance

“I knew I was gonna join up and serve my country,” said Jeremy J. His grandfathers were both in the military, so he knew he was meant to serve. Jeremy joined the Army in 1993 and enjoyed the training and discipline the Army had to offer.  He attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama after his career ended in 1996.  Jeremy faced challenges such as alcoholism and drug abuse that eventually led to his incarceration at the Putnamville Correctional Facility. While serving time, he met James Miller, a HVAF peer mentor. Jeremy found a new beginning after serving his sentence time. Kiara Walker, a HVAF employment specialist, helped Jeremy during his time at HVAF. Jeremy explained that Kiara helped him create the best résumé and cover letter he ever had. “I am eternally grateful for this organization,” he said. She would also text daily and meet with him once a week to find job opportunities. Jeremy was never afraid of the stigma that came with being incarcerated and finding a job. He had a positive attitude and kept pressing forward. Jeremy now works at Central Indiana Hardware in Indianapolis. 

Rolls Royce serves up for those who served

Back in December, Chris Cholerton and eight members of the Defense Leadership Team for Rolls Royce took time out of their meeting schedule in Indy to undertake a community service project.  

The Team chose to help HVAF and prepared a meal for the residents of the Residential, Employment and Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) program.  The Team also dined with the residents and met with the leaders of HVAF to learn about their services and programs to help veterans in Central Indiana.

During the visit they presented HVAF with a check for nearly $5,800, comprising the funds collected by teams at our Operations and Meridian Center facilities during the week of Veterans Day plus an additional matching contribution from Rolls-Royce.

DLT member and US Army veteran Adam Riddle said “It was a truly rewarding and humbling experience for all of us. Organizations like the HVAF do great work helping veterans who have fallen on hard times to get back on their feet.”

“I think we all enjoyed being able to put something back into the community in which Rolls-Royce plays an integral role and also found it a great way of strengthening our team dynamic.”