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.

Scott's Story - HVAF veteran impact

A grassy spot along Shadeland Avenue and 38^th Street was once home to Scott S. until a concerned passerby decided to give the veteran a needed hand up. Before the help, he bounced around, staying at hotels and on the streets after his service in the U.S. Navy ended in 1978. Scott, a welder by trade, was also a trained firefighter in the Navy.

Scott in permanent housing

“I came from a large family and I wanted to form my own identify and so I joined the Navy in hopes of traveling the world and experiencing a different way of life,” adds Scott.

After his discharge he married and had kids, but put college on hold and found work. He worked several odd jobs. As a civilian, Scott found jobs that seemed to end too soon. The factory where he worked for 10 years had been a consistent in his life, but when Scott suffered an off-the-job injury it ended up in job loss. He couldn’t afford rent. Scott did not know where to turn or how to get the help that he needed. A friend suggested he call HVAF of Indiana and in October 2014 he did just that.

“I was down and out at the time and didn’t have a place to stay or a job and since I was a veteran, I applied for HVAF housing and thankfully they had an opening at the Carson property,” adds Scott.

HVAF houses more than 200 homeless veterans each night.

“Consistency is one of the most important elements in searching for employment and Scott never gave up! He continued to actively submit applications, attend job fairs, and meet with his Employment Specialist on a regular basis,” says Chasiti Herring, MSW coordinator, veteran employment services.

At HVAF, Scott received additional help with getting back on his feet. He received help with employment services. Employment specialists helped create a resume detailing his skills which showed his prior commitment and dedication to the roles he served. In January, he was hired on as a property manager where he is now in charge of responding to maintenance calls as well as manning cameras at the property. Scott credits HVAF for helping him achieve employment.

Employment services offer new opportunities for veterans at HVAF

February 18 at 7:30am was a noteworthy date for Mark B., 51, a native of Houston, Texas. He returned back to work after 10 years of intermittent homelessness, job loss and countless setbacks. Mark currently calls Wheeler Mission home and is an electrician by trade.

A veteran of the Navy, he joined served in 1983 and was stationed in Houston, Texas. After he fulfilled his duty, Mark was lured to Colorado for its varied natural landscapes.

But, after several years of working odd jobs, Mark packed his bags. He had set his sights on Indianapolis to live with his sister. In Indianapolis, his living situation crumbled and Mark says he was left to live on the streets. He called HVAF for help with employment services in December 2015.

Employment specialists at HVAF helped Mark create a resume as well as provided him with the tools needed to apply for jobs he was not only interested in but qualified for. Employment specialists work daily on meeting the needs of Hoosier veterans. Last year, we served a total of 325 clients of which 225 clients secured gainful employment.

Whether it’s building resumes, serving as a resource for job leads, or transporting veterans to and from job fairs, it’s a resource that is life-changing.

At HVAF, Mark met Employment Specialist and Navy veteran Rodney Jackson. There is a shared brotherhood between the two men and Rodney does not take his role at HVAF lightly and feels he is making a difference in the lives of the veterans he helps each day.

“Mark is not a quitter, that’s for sure,” adds Rodney. “It’s been amazing to watch his self-esteem soar through the process.”

Mark is indeed a fighter. He does not give up.

On February 18 at 7:30am, he began working at LGC Associates at a concession in the Indiana Convention Center and is currently looking for permanent housing.

Job fair at HVAF helps dozens of veterans

On November 1, HVAF hosted its 5th job fair. A total of 65 veteran job seekers and 17 employers were in attendance. Domino’s pizza donated 30 pizzas for the job fair. Several veterans received interviews and job offers. HVAF thanks this list of employers for their commitment in hiring veterans.

Employers

1. OHL

2. Spherion Staffing

3. Manpower

4. Domino’s

5. City of Indianapolis

6. State of Indiana

7. FedEx

8. Starbucks

9. Finish Line

10. G2 Secure Staff

11. G4s Secure Solutions

12. Camacho Janitorial

13. Home Depot

14. St. Frances Hospital

15. VA Hospital

16. Prologistix

17. CVS Distribution Center

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Veteran Success Story

James Ballard

James Ballard grew up in upstate New York on his parents’ dairy farm surrounded by 25,000 apple trees and 5,000 hogs. His family raised chickens and sold the eggs to the local grocery store and markets in the area. After living on the farm for 10 years James was ready to escape small-town life. The U.S. Army was his ticket out and gave him a chance to see the country and what could be a better adventure he thought. He enlisted in the Army at 16. By the time his unit deployed to Korea in 1985, he quickly became homesick after leaving his girlfriend behind. 

“I served at the height of the war on drugs,” says James. 

The Reagan and Bush administrations were calling for an escalation in fighting drugs. In fact, the 1980's was a remarkable decade in international events: the Cold War was coming to an end, and the U.S. military-industrial complex was facing spending cuts, with myriad economic ramifications. 

James served in the military for 3 years and once back at home he struggled to find work. 

“I felt like employers at the time were not receptive in hiring veterans and I felt like I did not have a lot to offer,” says James who was unemployed for several months before moving to New Jersey where he worked in construction building and remodeling homes from 1989-2010.

Then in 2010 he traveled to Indianapolis to take care of his ailing mother. After his mother passed, James was homeless. In March 2015, he learned about the services and programs at HVAF. He moved in to supportive housing at Warman Woods Apartments. There he met with employment specialists who helped him with resume and interviewing skills as well as encouraged him to attend a job fair hosted by HVAF. Within a month he was hired at FedEx. 

At FedEx he was nominated for ‘Employee of the Month’ and also won the annual safety slogan award after submitting the winning company slogan: Safety is simple as ABC: Always Be Careful.

“Safety is the most important thing with what I do and I am proud to be employed at FedEx. They gave me a nice winter jacket and they took my photo with the slogan in the background,” adds James.

In the winter months, James will be busy de-icing the fleet of FedEx airplanes. He remembers the life lessons he learned growing up as a kid on the dairy farm that has helped him in the military and later in life.

“Be responsible,” he says. “With all the work I had to do on the farm I always strived to be responsible. Leadership is another trait I gained at a young age. When I went into the military I was groomed to lead because I had once managed migrant workers as part of my responsibilities on the farm.

Jason's Story

Army veteran Jason K. has held a lot of jobs in his life – oil technician, construction worker, pipeline inspector and security. But the 26-year-old father of two said he "was tired of living paycheck to paycheck."

Jason at HVAF

“It’s just good to finally have help,” says Jason. For years he faced uncertainty of finding stable work. He then traveled in 2014 to work on the oil fields but the price of oil crashed and he began working as a gas station attendant. It was during those times that he relied on skills developed in the military: perseverance and patience to get him through tough times and bouts of loneliness. In March 2015, he turned to HVAF for help with employment.

“I sort of put all my eggs in one basket. Once my wife told me about HVAF I drove up to Indy to find work and called HVAF and it paid off,” says Jason.

HVAF helped him get familiar with some of the resources and organizations in Indy to help him and his family who were still living out-of-state. His main goal was employment. Employment Specialist, Robin Close, looked for a veteran-friendly company with a quick hiring process. Allied Barton streamlines the job interview and gets their employees hired quickly and with full uniforms, so Robin told him if he applied online she would send a note to the HR Manager, recommending him for the job.  He applied for the job using HVAF’s computer lab and ultimately landed the interview and got the job. He was working within a few days of coming to HVAF.

“This is a common trend where some of the younger Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans don’t have the same job waiting on them when they come home, so they’re possibly staying with someone and job searching at the same time, and sometimes even in a new town or city,” says Robin. “Where it gets difficult is if the home doesn’t have an extra computer and/or internet; they can’t search for resources or jobs.”

That’s when our computer lab here at HVAF has come in handy.  Any job-seeking veteran can use our computers during office hours to apply for jobs online. HVAF has several community partners who want to hire veterans. Still, companies require that everyone apply online.

Distance no longer stands between Jason and his family and he no longer worries when his next paycheck will be.

“If it had not been for HVAF’s help there is no telling where I would be. I am very grateful for HVAF’s programs and services for veterans.”

More about HVAF’s Employment Services
HVAF has three designated employment specialists who help veterans overcome barriers to regular employment. The emphasis on helping homeless veterans secure employment is enhanced coordination with various veterans' service programs. Since hiring additional staff in this department, HVAF has tripled its reach from 2013 and now plans to serve 300 veterans through the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. It provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on providing education and/or training for individuals to obtain gainful employment.

More information about HVAF’s programs and services is available at http://www.hvafofindiana.org/what-we-do/programs-services/. 

Two homeless veterans share special friendship

Jim and Paul (From left to right)

A single day's work can be transformative for any veteran, especially one fighting his way back from homelessness. Paul M., 52, knows this because he is a veteran and was once in need of not only a well-paying job but a safe place to live. He found both with the help of HVAF but he also gained a friend whom he has mentored. This is the story of how two veterans never imagined homelessness would bring them together and how they have found happiness again.

Paul’s journey out of homelessness was not easy. For 2 1/2 months the veteran of the Army reserves was homeless. Connections to family frayed. He was homeless, living in a shelter. Time after time, he vowed to do better but couldn't break the cycle. He entered HVAF housing in April 2014 with only $7 in his pocket.

First, his housing needs were met after he met with Case Manager Sarah Reed who helped him get back on his feet. Paul lived at the Keltner House and it was where he first met fellow veteran Jim R. Then, his job search began in earnest.

Both Paul and Jim received help with resume building as well as transportation to and from job fairs. Employment Specialist Robin Close helped both veterans improve their resumes and Paul was able to find a job at a landscaping company. The job proved to be too physically demanding so he began looking for another job.

“I’m a natural reactor,” says Paul and my HVAF case manager has helped me out a lot with that. I think about things and weigh the pros and cons now before I react. Sarah advised me that if I am going to quit I should have a plan first. I accepted a job with Sunshine Painting before I left my old job.”

Jim, 52, also an Army veteran, came to HVAF in May 2014, and was first housed at HVAF’s Manchester Apartments and then moved to the Keltner House. During this time of transition, Jim’s wife passed away. He was heartbroken.

Paul was there to help.

Both painters by trade, Paul helped Jim find employment at Sunshine Construction.

They both ride two buses each day for 1 ½ hours. They talk about music (both love 80’s rock) as well as reflect on good and bad times together.

“Paul’s friendship has helped me tremendously. I don’t know where I would be now if it wasn’t for him. He also has helped me overcome an anxiety to crowds. Before meeting Paul I would suffer from panic attacks. I have been off medication for 3 months and I am feeling great.

“HVAF as well as my friendship with Paul has helped me in many ways especially during my toughest times,” says Jim. “The staff at HVAF has been a tremendous force to my success.”

The Result

With help from HVAF, Paul and Jim overcame homelessness and are successfully employed. They also qualified for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program and received assistance as they transitioned into their own home in Fountain Square. They also received a car which will cut down on travel time to and from work.

“I am forever thankful for HVAF and having met everyone who has challenged us and ultimately changed our lives for the better,” echoes Paul and Jim.

HVAF employment services make strides in finding jobs for veterans

From January 2015 - July 2015, one hundred and fourteen veterans who rely on HVAF services and programs were hired by fifteen employers. These employers are committed to hiring veterans.

                     

Robert H., a retired United States Army veteran with 20 years of service was hired by G2 Secure Staff on February 25. He came to HVAF for help after he became unemployed. When he pulled in the parking lot at HVAF, he was not aware of the services offered but he was determined to learn more.

He first met with a staff member from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program who helped him get his rent and electric payments paid and also met with an Employment Specialist.  Robin Close, a Employment Specialist at HVAF, sent Robert a job lead about open interview dates at G2 Secure Staff at the Indianapolis Airport. At G2 Secure Staff, Robert was hired to work at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Two months after being hired, Robert landed a promotion and is now a flight coordinator for G2 Secure Staff.  For a full list of companies who have recently hired a veteran from HVAF click here.

Reluctant veteran embraces help to end his homelessness - Billy’s story

The Challenge

Billy A., 34, is one of a dozen veterans at HVAF participating in a new 4-part series budgeting class held by Corrine Harvey, a licensed clinical social worker along with MSW Intern MacKenzie Maloney. Topics ranged from money management to avoiding pitfalls veterans face as they transition home.

Budgeting Class at HVAF

During his transition home, the Indianapolis-area veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard had fallen on hard times. For 2 years, he was homeless. When he first learned about services offered to veterans through HVAF he was reluctant at first. Like so many homeless veterans who have lived for years on the streets, Billy had come to feel ashamed and resisted taking the difficult steps to come in from the outside.

HVAF recovery program staff encounter such resistance each day in their work to reach and serve veterans like Billy. They empathized with him. Billy agreed to enter HVAF’s recovery program (REST) and was determined to change his life around for the better.

“I am hopeful that the clients that walk away from the budgeting class will start to feel like they have more control over their lives and their money,” says Corrine Harvey, LCSW. “The premise is self-sufficiency but the overall purpose is empowerment.”  

“I was in denial,” says Billy. “I know my spending habits had gotten out of control and what money I did have was spent on drugs and so I had very little and knew I needed some help. I was feeding my addiction,” adds Billy.

Fred Young, HVAF’s REST Coordinator, has noticed improvements in Billy as far as his ability to adjust to change.

The Result

Billy’s steps in seeking help at HVAF has enabled him to trust others again. He has embraced his circumstances and is making progress in the recovery program. He also has reconnected with his family which has brought both joyful and painful memories in which he is working through. Billy is excited about a fresh start; one that includes employment one day soon.

“I am learning ways to manage my money. I don’t want to end up back on the streets,” adds Billy.

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.

Save the Date - Veterans Job Fair

An upcoming Veterans Job Fair will help dozens of out-of-work veterans connect to area employers who are actively hiring. The Fair will be held from 1pm-4pm on Thursday, May 7 at HVAF of Indiana Inc. located at 964 N. Pennsylvania Street. 

Companies in attendance include FedEx, Allied Barton Security, Lowe’s, Interactions Corporation, Angie’s List, Covance, Bright House Networks, Unique Home Solutions, PME Enterprises, and many more.

For additional information, please contact HVAF Employment Specialist Chasiti Herring at 317-951-0688.

Resume preparation workshop for veterans at HVAF

Veterans or military spouses have worlds of knowledge and experience, but may need practice depicting these skills in a resume. On March 12, HVAF held its second resume preparation workshop at its Moreau property and veterans gathered to learn how they can improve their resume. The veterans were given a presentation by Mark Bucherl of Roche Diagnostics Business Intelligence on the basics of resume creation.

“I'd heard of the work of HVAF and wanted to help somehow. I found out that veterans needed help with resume and interview skills and those are special strengths I've acquired,” says Mark Bucherl Marketing Manager, Analytics and Reporting at Roche Diagnostics Business Intelligence.

Workshops will be held at least twice a month alternating between Moreau and HVAF. Various speakers from companies from across Central Indiana will attend and share tips on creating effective resumes. Workshop lessons include professional experience in drafting and editing resumes, reviewing sample resumes and interview techniques.

“So far, we have had nine Veterans attend our two Resume Workshops that started just a few weeks ago. This is a service we are beginning to offer, but are very proud of it,” says HVAF’s Programs and Services Director, Bryan Dysert. “The goal of these workshops is to help the Veteran develop, improve, and/or polish a resume which will help the Veteran with their job hunting experience.”

Veterans and military spouses have specific skills and qualities - that benefit the employer and workforce, such as loyalty, maturity, leadership, integrity, focus, project and crisis management, solution-oriented approaches, motivation, initiative, respect, team attitude.

“There are many causes for homelessness, and we should look after and assist our fellow men and women where we are able,” adds Mark. “I feel strongly that we as Americans owe a special debt to veterans whose experience in military service may have been a factor in their homelessness. My father was in the army and was affected by what he experienced.”

Veterans at HVAF benefit from company meet and greet

Lowe's Meet and Greet at HVAF

Five Lowe’s Home Improvement Store call center employees visited HVAF on Friday, March 13, for a meet and greet with veterans who are interested in working for the company at its new call center located on the west side of Indianapolis.

The meet and greet provided an opportunity for veterans and employers to meet face-to-face to discuss available positions.

Four of the five Lowe’s employees in attendance are veterans and talked about their own personal experiences and what Lowe’s has to offer.

Employer ‘Meet and Greets’ are an opportunities for employers to share information to a group of veteran candidates regarding job openings, pay rates, benefits, training, etc. It’s a chance for interested candidates to meet one on one with recruiters and learn more about the employment opportunities at that particular company. The Employer Meet and Greet lasts for an hour.

“This opportunity provides a great value for our veterans who are exploring employment by linking them up with employers that are actively hiring,” says HVAF Employment Specialist Chasiti Herring. Veterans had the ability to network and learn about a company to better determine whether or not the position is a good fit. “Having recruiters come in made the experience very relatable for fellow veteran job seekers. Our veterans were able to learn how their military skills could translate to the employment opportunities that Lowe’s has available.”

HVAF is planning its next Meet and Greet for April.

Veterans succeed at HVAF through employment: More than just landing a job

George at HVAF

More than fifteen years after his service in the U.S. Army and repeated bouts of homelessness, George, 48, turned to HVAF for help with housing. Case Manager Sarah Reed began the process of assessing his job barriers, first by looking at any disabilities he might have. He was assessed by psychologists obtained with the help of Easter Seals Crossroads which helps meet the needs with people with disabilities. To further his goal of becoming employed, he qualified for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), a program of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) which provides quality individualized services to enhance and support people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment.

And it came to pass, that in process of meetings with his case manager and psychologists, after the end of two years George found a job that he enjoys.

“It brings meaning to my life and has helped build my self-esteem because now I am being held accountable,” says George. “I begin my workday with purpose and I want to be self-sufficient and make enough money to pay my bills, save for the future, as well as buy a few model trains which is my hobby.”

Walmart is one of many companies that value a veteran workforce. The company values George’s work each day. The company is committed to hiring 100,000 veterans by 2018.

George is thankful to have a job. Indiana ranks as one of the worst states for veteran unemployment according to Consumer Credit.com and only 50% of military respondents surveyed reported that they had set aside funds sufficient to cover expenses for three months in case of emergency.

George’s future includes planning and saving.

He is enrolled in HVAF’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and has been working with Tom Tuttle since January. George is applying for apartments, and when he decides which apartment he would like to live in, SSVF will be assisting financially.

George will receive case management while enrolled in SSVF to help with the transition into permanent housing.

First HVAF job fair for veterans

Representatives from 10 companies across Central Indiana convened at HVAF of Indiana on July 24 for the nonprofit’s first ever job fair for veterans. Seventy-one veterans and nine employers attended the event.

Veterans bring valuable skills and experience from their military service to the workforce.

Tucker at HVAF's Job Fair

“I’m just putting feelers out to see about getting back into the job market and wanted to get a sense of what it’s going to be like," says Tucker M., US Army veteran and HVAF client.

“I have been out of work for over a year and I was able to meet with multiple companies like the JW Marriott to see if my skills would be a good fit,” says Leah T. a US Army veteran who relies on HVAF’s services and programs.

A 2012 report from the Center for a New American Security CNAS) offers insight into how business leaders perceive veterans — and makes a compelling case to employers that hiring a veteran is good for the bottom line.

“One challenge for job-seeking vets is translating the versatility of their skills to employers, said HVAF Employment Specialist Chasiti Herring."

Job Fair at HVAF

Veterans, according to business leaders interviewed for the report, offer versatility: They’re accustomed to uniform policies and structure, but can adapt to dynamic workplace situations. Vets tend to boast leadership and teamwork skills that outpace those of their civilian counterparts, and they’re often more loyal as well. “Veterans are committed to the organizations they work for,” the report notes, “which can translate into longer tenure.”

Veterans Job Fair at HVAF

Veterans! Indiana companies want to hire you, and HVAF of Indiana is helping you connect.

Date:        Thursday, July 24^th 2014

                 1pm-4pm    

           

Address:   HVAF of Indiana Inc.

                  964 North Pennsylvania Street

                 Indianapolis, IN 46204

                  Home Depot Multipurpose Conference Room

Companies in attendance:

Bell Techlogix, FedEx, Walmart, BRI Staffing, Home Depot, TKO Graphix, and many more

These Companies are Actively Hiring. Please bring your resume!

For more information contact Employment Specialist Chasiti Herring at 317-951-0688 cherring@hvaf.org.

Easier job access for veterans

While the country is climbing out of recession, there are a disproportionate number of military veterans still looking for jobs. HVAF has partnered with GTECH Indiana to give formally homeless veterans new and powerful tools as they seek new jobs and opportunities to return to self-sufficiency.

GTECH Indiana, in partnership with the Hoosier Lottery and Microsoft, will cut the ribbon for the second GTECH Indiana Computer Lab at an HVAF property on February 25 at the Donald W. Moreau, Sr., Veterans House where 39 veterans call home.

The Technology Lab will benefit veterans and their families by providing them a means to conduct job searches, apply for employment online, complete online courses, and contact the Veterans Hospital and Veterans Administration sites for assistance.

Tyrone F.

The new technology lab will help veterans like 51-year-old Tyrone F., a 6-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves who came to HVAF in February of 2013 with an addiction to alcohol but a willingness to beat homelessness. Access to the first GTECH lab at HVAF helped Tyrone recently secure a job with the Westin Hotel Indianapolis.

“I used the computer lab for a number of different reasons in addition to job search,” says Tyrone, who was hired as a security officer. “I have my renewed my license, birth certificate, and completed the online process to receive my high school diploma. And I was able to create a new email account to get in touch with employees, use a flash drive and update my resume.”

“I was able to tap into so much having easier access to the Internet and it’s also helped me stay focused on my sobriety,” Tyrone says.

GTECH Indiana, in partnership with the Hoosier Lottery, launched its first GTECH Indiana Technology Lab at HVAF in August 2013.

For more information on the ribbon cutting, please RSVP to Debra Des Vignes, VP of marketing and communications at 317-333-8976 or ddesvignes@hvaf.org.

HVAF Employee Spotlight

Abby Hardin escorted soldiers through the deserts of the Middle East. In war zones, she was entrusted with guarding ammunition and weapons.

But when the 30-year-old Navy veteran returned from duty, she applied for 53 jobs and had little luck.

"I applied for waitress jobs, McDonald's, gas stations," the Indianapolis native says. "I went online and applied for entry-level positions with companies. It was anything I could get my hands on, but I was either overqualified or under qualified.”

Abby would ultimately return to school and earn her BSW in Social Work at Indiana University East. In February 2012, she was hired at HVAF as a Social Worker.

Here’s more about Abby in her own words.

Abby, what do you enjoy most about working at HVAF?

I love being able to help the guys and being able to connect them with the resources they need to start a new beginning, and I like being able to put a smile on their face when they are looking for a job.

What did she learn from serving in the military?

I learned a lot about punctuality and recognizing how to be assertive, stand up for myself. It made me stronger and taught me life lessons.

How do you enjoy spending your time?

I enjoy playing with my 9 year old son, Joseph. He keeps me youthful.

HVAF Case Manager featured in Indy Star story

HVAF Case Manager Abby Hardin escorted soldiers through the deserts of the Middle East. She guarded ammunition and bombs. She handled lethal weapons. But finding a job was a new battle.

On Sunday, July 7, Indianapolis Star reporter Laura Newberry interviewed Abby for a story on the struggles Indiana veterans face in finding employment.

Several agencies were quoted in the story including Jim Brown, director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs; Jason Hansman, senior program manager at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Jim Bauerle, legislative chairman for the Military Veterans Coalition of Indiana; Charlie McBride, program director at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Doug Gibbens, chairman for the Indiana chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Read the full story here:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013307070017&nclick_check=1