Keith C. is a former client of HVAF who now volunteers here. He served our country from 1985 – 1995 and struggled with drug addiction after completing his service in 1995. He first heard of HVAF from an outreach coordinator at one of the homeless shelters he resided in. Thanks to HVAF’s residential, employment, substance abuse treatment (REST) program, Keith was able to sober up and turn his life around. Keith is going seven years strong in sobriety. “Without the REST program, I would probably be dead,” said Keith. As a thank you to HVAF for helping him regain control of his life, he now volunteers and helps others. “I have a passion for my brother veterans and this program,” said Keith. “They [HVAF] helped me know it was OK to open up and talk to people.” Keith volunteers once or twice a week filling the clothing orders that veterans request. When asked why he volunteers he said, “It gives me a sense of purpose.” We at HVAF are proud of Keith's recovery/sobriety, and find his passion for helping other veterans inspiring.
Matt Gaudin is our legal go-to guy here at HVAF, and will be celebrating his one year anniversary with us this September. He helps veterans maneuver the legal system and has been able to get their driver’s license back, expunge old criminal records and has provided fresh financial starts. “I enjoy being able to serve our veterans who have sacrificed immensely for our country,” said Gaudin. He has family ties to the military that inspired him to give back to veterans. His grandfather was in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the European Theatre, where he received a distinguished medal for his services. “I’m very proud of his service,” said Gaudin. One of Gaudin’s current clients, Schon Perkins, has expressed extreme gratitude for his services. “I don’t often praise people, but Matt is seriously one of the nicest guys,” said Perkins. “His phone line is always open.” Gaudin has helped Perkins expunge two things from his record, and is now coaching him through the filing process of bankruptcy. “I wouldn’t have gotten anything done without Matt,” said Perkins. “I call him all the time and he’s always willing to help.” These connections and the impact he makes in others’ lives are what keeps him coming back each day.
Eddie planned to go to college and play football after high school, but a combination of things quickly changed his mind. Edde instead joined the Marine Corps and served from 1982 – 1985 as a Marine Guard in Concord, CA. Several members of Eddie's family has served in the military, and when his best friend from high school told him he was joining the Marines, Eddie decided to meet with a recruiter. The recruiter won him over, and the rest is history. Eddie has always been very family oriented, and one of his favorite things about serving was the bonding he experienced. The men and women he served with became an extension of his family. “I really enjoy being able to protect my country,” said Eddie. “Which also means protecting my family.” When he finished his service, he stayed in California for some time and worked as a security guard. Eddie then moved back to Indiana, and received warehouse and factory jobs for several years. He says he got into some trouble with the law and served time in jail. Upon Eddie's release, he experienced difficulties finding work. “People are hesitant to hire those who have been in and out of jail,” adds Eddie. Without work, Eddie eventually lost everything. He was sleeping in his car that no longer worked and needed repairs, and found himself in one of the shelters downtown. Eddie first heard of HVAF in 2013 through a friend. He entered HVAF’s transitional housing program and
called the Donald W. Moreau, Sr. Veterans House home where he lived for over a year.
While
in transitional housing, Eddie met HVAF’s Employment Coordinator, Kevin
Hillman. Eddie had previous work experience in the kitchen of a couple
restaurants. He’s held every position in the kitchen from dishwasher to
manager. Kevin knew of an opportunity at Scotty’s Brewhouse in downtown Indianapolis
and contacted the General Manager. Within 15 minutes, Kevin received a response
asking Eddie to come in for an interview. Eddie was hired on the spot,
and started work the following day.
When asked where he would be without HVAF’s assistance Eddie said, “Homeless and still looking for a job at the same time.” He continued to say, “You guys have really helped me get back on my feet. I’m glad I found HVAF. Honestly, I wish I found it sooner.” .
On April 23, 1967, an 18-and-a-half-year-old
Eva Yackey came to America from Communist Hungary. She joined her
father, a WWII veteran, who had become a Hungarian Freedom Fighter in 1956. He
was sentenced to death for his resistance to the Communists in 1957,
and that’s when he knew he had to flee the country. Eva says “I have our United
States military veterans to thank for keeping this country safe, and providing me with the
opportunities I have as a citizen.” With her strong feelings toward U.S.
veterans, she decided to take action and give back to those who helped improve
her life.
Yackey first approached HVAF in January of 2016
on behalf of American Legion Post 145 whose previous representative had
passed away. She was given a tour of the facility and immediately knew she had
to replace the carpet to laminate flooring. She wanted to give back to HVAF and
started raising money for the organization. Eva discovered that the
local hospital was throwing away trucks filled with linens. She wanted the
linens to be repurposed and to be meaningful in a new way. She delivered the
linens to HVAF and started to further understand the needs of veterans. When
Eva found out HVAF was in need of bicycles for veterans, she took immediate
action. Eva and her husband, a Vietnam veteran, have collected and donated
over 20 bicycles to HVAF.
By marrying a veteran, Eva learned how terribly
some are treated after they return from service. “I have everything I need, but
they [veterans] don’t,” said Yackey. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t enjoy
the freedom and the wealth I have.” This is why she volunteers. Eva Yackey is
an incredible woman who continuously improves veterans’ lives. We at HVAF of
Indiana are blessed to have her as a member of our team. Without people like Eva, HVAF would not be able to assist as many veterans
as it does. Thank you, Eva! Watch this video to learn the impact volunteers have on HVAF.
Ronald didn’t
necessarily plan on joining the military. He received a football scholarship
from IU and enjoyed the party scene IU Bloomington offers. Ronald says he enjoyed
the party scene a little too much. As a result, he lost his scholarship and had
to move back home with his parents. Ronald’s father, who also served in the
military, was disappointed with his son’s actions. “He wanted me to focus,”
said Ronald. His father thought the Army would help him become more focused and
disciplined.
Ronald’s father encouraged
him to join the Army. “It’s the best thing he ever did,” said Ronald. He served
in the Army from 1979 – 1982, and was stationed in Fort Lee, VA. Ronald was a petroleum
supply specialist. A few of his responsibilities included checking for
contaminated fuel, issuing and dispensing fuels, and operating equipment that
uses petroleum. Ronald says that the Army did help him become a more focused
individual. After finishing his work with the military, he took on various
warehouse roles as well as conducting night audits at hotels for 10 years. In
2003, he says things took a turn for the worse.
Ronald and his wife
ended their marriage that year. Ronald says this lead him to become unfocused,
hanging out with the wrong crowd, and eventually becoming homeless. “I’ve heard
people always say, ‘You’re only one step away from homelessness,” said Ronald. “When
I became homeless it stunned me, and made me realize anyone can become
homeless.” After five years of on-again, off-again homelessness, Ronald turned
to HVAF for help. He met with HVAF’s Employment Specialist, Kevin Hillman, and
is now employed at IndyGo. “If it wasn’t for HVAF, I don’t know where I would
be,” said Ronald. “HVAF gave me the stability I needed.” Ronald currently lives
in one of HVAF’s housing properties, has a stable job, and is currently saving
to move into his own place. Watch this video and find out how Ronald improved his quality of life.
“I thought
it would be a good decision to serve. I was living in Michigan and they were
closing all the factories, and I couldn’t afford college,” said Jeffery F. The
military was a good experience for Jeffery. He traveled to Germany for two
years and worked as a combat engineer.
Jeffery
received an Army Honorable Discharge on August 10, 1988 and rode cross country
on his motorcycle from Michigan to Oregon where he started working. Later, he
returned to Michigan to study mechanical engineering at the University of
Michigan.
Last summer,
Jeffery’s apartment complex was under new management, and they evicted elderly
and disabled
people… he was one of those people. He was homeless for three months. Jeffery
slept outside a few nights at Pleasant Run Golf Course, while other nights he
stayed in a hotel.
He
heard about HVAF through his VA case manager. At HVAF, Jeffery met Employment
Specialist, Kiara Walker. Kiara and Jeffery had been looking for meaningful
employment for roughly five months before he gained a stable job at Scotty’s
Brewhouse. “He would meet with me every
Wednesday at 2:00 pm like clockwork. He never once missed an appointment. Our
luck finally changed one week when he was offered not one but two positions
that are both in his field of culinary. He was a cook in the military- sergeant
in the Army –Food service Specialist,” adds Kiara.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charity Chug is a non-profit organization that raises money for local organizations by creating social events. Cory Glowe, a founding member, said three coworkers at MOBI Wireless were trying to win a contest to see who could raise the most money within MOBI. They had huge success with Charity Chug, so they continued to do it. The 3rd annual Charity Chug event will be held on June 17, 2017 in Broad Ripple and the group has chosen to contribute half the proceeds raised to HVAF, while the other half goes to Growing Places Indy. Tickets are $15 each until May 1st where they will be $20. Charity Chug's goal is to have 300 participants this year. More details can be found at charitychug.org.
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.
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.
“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.
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...
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.
“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 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.
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.
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.
