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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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.

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.

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.”

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.