Volunteer spotlight

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.

Volunteer spotlight

“Years ago, [we] saw a need to help the homeless veterans, and we wanted to share the wealth and help them. We knew we could not help them every day but around holidays when life may get lonely,” said Mary Aurtrey. Mary is the Network Director of NAFE/ Women in Networking (WIN) and she strives to make sure her organization is philanthropic. Veteran organizations, like HVAF, are highly regarded to the organization she says. Mary, herself, served in the US Army from 1969-1991. NAFE/WIN has provided meals by Cracker Barrel and served them to HVAF veterans around Easter and Thanksgiving time. They have also participated in clothing drives. NAFE/ WIN believes the benefits of helping veterans are seeing those same veterans eventually help themselves. The organization likes to see the results of what the veterans do with their lives after they leave HVAF. Sharing stories is a way of changing a person’s life. “HVAF has been dear to my heart. Not only because I’m a veteran, but because I enjoy helping others who cannot help themselves. My goals are to prevent homelessness and hunger,” said Mary.

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.  

Students volunteer at HVAF

Students from IUPUI and Ivy Tech joined forces to paint the women’s clothing pantry at HVAF. The fresh coat of paint brightens up the room which is used to store, sort, and distribute clothing. Ten percent of the veterans HVAF serves are women.

On any given night in the United States, nearly 40,000 veterans are homeless. That's according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. A 2014 study from Disabled American Veterans found that eight percent of those homeless veterans are women.

Students from IUPUI

Volunteers worked all day in the women’s clothing pantry which is bustling during HVAF’s outreach hours held every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-3:30pm. During outreach voluntees help fill orders of clothing requests from the veterans.  

Once homeless veteran maneuvers the job market

Leah T., a previously homeless U.S. Army veteran, came to HVAF for housing in 2014. She had hopes of finding a job as a medical assistant, but she lacked experience. She also faced medical issues and was recovering from years of mental abuse.

“It was a long 4 years of homelessness simply because I was stubborn,” says Leah. “If I would have not focused so hard on finding a medical assistant position I would have done something else.”

At HVAF, Leah met with employment specialists who helped open her eyes to other employment opportunities.  Employment specialists helped her improve her resume and attend job fairs. In July, Leah secured full-time permanent employment at Amazon Fulfillment Center. She is working 40 hours per week and moved into her own permanent housing.

“I am looking forward to getting my first paycheck,” says Leah. “It has been a long time coming.”

Leah has not given up on her dream of becoming a medical assistant. She plans to take certification classes and learning everything she can as well as to continue visiting those who helped her at HVAF.

“I have worked with Leah for several years and it is great to see the transformation that has taken place,” says Employment Coordinator Chasiti Herring. “She is motivated and goes the extra mile to attend hiring fairs and submit applications. Leah has come a long way.”

Leah will also be giving back to HVAF by volunteering each Thursday sorting and stocking donations that come into the food and clothing pantry.

Seventh graders step up to learn, help veterans

It was through a simple Google search that Triton Central Middle School language arts teacher Tiffany Almond discovered HVAF. Her motivation for consulting the search engine was a discussion with her seventh grade students that came up regarding the homeless veteran crisis. After talking about the problem of homelessness among our nation’s heroes, Almond’s students insisted on learning more about the issue and what they could do to help.

After finding HVAF online, Almond connected with Volunteer Coordinator Robin Close and scheduled a visit on April 7 for her seventh grade students to come to HVAF.

During the visit, the students observed what goes on during any given day within an HVAF facility. The students saw the food pantry and the clothing pantry on their tour, and they recognized that HVAF was low on many supplies. The students also had the opportunity to eat lunch with several HVAF clients in the Residential, Employment, Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) program and hear their stories about overcoming substance abuse and re-integrating into daily life after their service.

“One of the veterans told me that seeing us kids touring and wanting to help made his day. That made my heart smile,” said Triton Central student Bella.

On the bus ride back to school after their day at HVAF, the Triton Central Middle School students began formulating plans to serve HVAF in its mission of helping homeless veterans. Later that week, the students launched a canned food drive and a hygiene item drive at their school to collect items to replenish HVAF’s supplies.

On May 18, Almond’s class returned to HVAF, bringing the food and hygiene supplies that they had collected with them. After dropping off the supplies, the class caravanned over to the Warman property, where they planted the five flats of flowers that they had raised money to purchase for HVAF. In addition to planting the flowers, the students worked outside at the property for three hours pulling weeds and mulching.

Because of a single Google search, Almond’s students were connected with HVAF, where they saw a need among their heroes and decided to do what they could to meet it. Because of their willingness to help, they made a lasting impact on the lives of the veterans that HVAF serves.

Volunteer provides essential items for the homeless

HVAF of Indiana is fortunate to receive donations which make a real difference for homeless veterans.  Eva Yackey is a member of the American Legion Post 145 Auxiliary and first approached HVAF of Indiana in January 2016. Her friend from the Legion asked her if HVAF would like to receive some towels and sheets. Her friend then reached out to Hendricks Regional Health and Eva connected with HVAF to see if we could use the items.

The hospital provided sheets, blankets, medical scrubs and towels. Eva’s efforts did not stop there. She became aware of the need to fill our food pantry. She is currently holding a food drive for HVAF.

Eva was born in Communist Hungary and came here as a teenager. She appreciates the opportunities in the United States in a way that only someone born in a dictatorship can. This is part of her continued efforts to give back to the county.

When asked why she volunteers, Eva responded: “You simply do not understand the value of this country if you do not pay it forward!”

Volunteer impact is far-reaching

Eight volunteers spent the afternoon of January 27 in the food pantry at HVAF. When the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters Accounting Team arrived, there were bags and boxes of new food and hygiene donations lining the hallway, with more in the pantry. The donations needed to be sorted, checked for expiration dates, labeled, and organized on the shelves.  

“Our Compliance Accountant was particularly enthusiastic about organizing the donations which were already on the shelves to better utilize the limited spacing,” says Carmela Garcia Accounting Grants Coordinator, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters. “Meanwhile, half of us were in charge of sorting and labeling new donations, while the other half were putting these away neatly on the shelves. All new donations were labeled and organized on the food pantry shelves within a couple hours.”

Several members of the Accounting team have family members who served in the Army, Air Force, and Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars and more. One of the team members’ father was a 20-year veteran for the Colombian Army as well.

“For years, the national headquarters staff of the American Legion Auxiliary has been aware that HVAF meets a huge need for our Indiana veterans,” adds Carmela. “As a veteran-focused non-profit ourselves, we share a common mission of serving our veterans.”

The group collects donations in the office year-round and make trips downtown to drop them off. They stay up-to-date with HVAF news and needs through the HVAF newsletter.

“Occasionally, it’s nice to get out of the office for a few hours and do something mission-focused,” says Carmela. “Staff members of the American Legion Auxiliary have visited HVAF a few times before to tour and/or volunteer during lunchtime and each time is rewarding.”

Carmela adds that serving HVAF’s veterans has boosted their team’s comradery and sense of mission.

“It can be easy to get tunnel-focused on the minutia of daily duties—to live in a vortex of spreadsheets, financial reports, this data and that data. I mean, we love that stuff! But it’s really a wonderful experience to break away every now and then and re-center ourselves in the greater mission of what we’re doing. Through giving back, we are reminded that all of those little details that fill each work day are for the benefit of our veterans and their families, in the spirit of service, not self,” Carmela Garcia, Grants Coordinator. 

Comedy fundraiser benefits veterans in recovery

When Marti MacGibbon isn’t speaking to inspire and encourage behavioral health and medical professionals, or working on her second book or traveling between California and Indiana, you will find her raising awareness and funds for HVAF and other recovery housing programs in Indy. The addiction treatment professional first learned about HVAF from a colleague, an LCSW at the Veterans Administration. 

She is giving back to those who served our country.

In 2011 Marti and her husband, Chris Fitzhugh, created Laff-Aholics Standup Comedy Benefit for Recovery,  an annual event in Indianapolis that features nationally headlining comedians. All profits from the show go to local organizations, like HVAF, that provide transitional housing and access to treatment for recovering addicts and alcoholics.

HVAF was at the top of her mind for her charity of choice to support through a comedy fundraiser in 2015. Veterans have been near and dear to her heart.  Marti’s father was a WWII veteran and her cousin was a Vietnam veteran who passed away before he turned 40.

Laff-Aholics at HVAF

On October 10, 2015, Marti and her team at Laff-Aholics held a comedy fundraiser at the Indianapolis Museum of Art for HVAF’s Residential, Substance Abuse, Treatment (recovery) program, and another beneficiary, Foundation for Court Promoted Recovery. The show raised $11,450 in all, and HVAF's split totaled $5,775.00. Up to twenty-two veterans are enrolled in REST program at one time and receive intensive case management as they go through the 12-step recovery program.

Marti says that hope, healing and courage have helped her to overcome her own life challenges. In 1986 and 1987, Marti was homeless in California, sleeping under bridges and in abandoned houses. Today, she's an advocate for people who are currently homeless, and as a speaker, she works to dispel stigma surrounding homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. 

“I was a professional standup comic, with a Tonight Show appearance scheduled, when I went into a downward spiral. For nearly ten years, I struggled with addiction and severe PTSD, but when I got into recovery, I turned my life around. Recovery is the key! I returned to professional standup and traveled the U.S., performing in clubs, and at colleges and universities. Now I am a nationally known humorous motivational speaker, and a nationally award-winning author.” says Marti.

Now with a mix of hope and humor Marti is putting her experiences and passion toward helping others. Since its inception in 2011, Laff-Aholics has raised nearly $40,000 for beneficiaries.

Volunteer spotlight

BidPal employees volunteer at HVAF

On a bright Thursday morning in November, volunteers from BidPal rolled up their sleeves to paint the Manchester apartments, one of HVAF’s 13 transitional housing properties.

The fifty-one-unit apartment provides housing for veterans who are in need of help. The apartments are provided by HVAF, which offers case management and support.

"We identified a population that our staff could help create a positive impact on" said Joshua Meyer, Director of Marketing at BidPal. "These men and women end up homeless sooner than we think, it was important to our team to do something to help.”

Each year, BidPal, an Indianapolis based fundraising software company, chooses a charity to contribute to through their PhilantroPal Day. Nineteen volunteers took time out of their work schedule to volunteer at HVAF.

"We think this kind of work is really important," he said. "We see more and more homeless people on the street, and this is a really good cause and all of us at BidPal are glad to be part of the change in improving the lives of homeless veterans," says Joshua.

Communities donate over $2,700 to help homeless veterans at HVAF

Zionsville Library Hope for Heroes

The Eta Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) collected over $2,700 in donated goods and cash to benefit homeless veterans at HVAF. The effort was part of the group's 7th annual Winter Warm-Up for Homeless Veterans and involved its various community partners.

The drive, which ran from November 11 through December 17, collected items at Akard True-Value Hardware and Hussey Mayfield Library which are both located in Zionsville.

The community collected clothing and toiletries for homeless and at-risk men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. 

In addition to the collection in Zionsville, the Omega Chi chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha hosted a collection at the Chick-fil-A in Plainfield. 

Additionally, members of the Zionsville Lions Club, which has been an annual partner in the project, supported the project with donations of goods and cash totaling over $840. 

Boy Scouts Hope for Heroes

Boy Scouts of America Den 14 Pack 358 of Pleasant View Elementary, Zionsville, also collected items. The boys, who are second graders learned about the project at the Hussey-Mayfield Library which has a bin for collections as part of their Hero Tree Project which honors veterans. 

Aden Guerrero, one of the boys in the scout group, sold toys he was no longer playing with to earn money to purchase items for homeless veterans.

“I'm so proud of these boys and what they were able to accomplish," said Stephanie Leman, leader of the group. "My heart is full.”

Akard Hardware Hope for Heroes

At Akard True-Value hardware, Barbara Wood, a real estate agent and resident of Zionsville, left 9 carefully prepared bags in honor of Roger Seals, a Veteran and beloved client who passed away earlier this year. The bags each contained flannel pants, gloves, socks, and a hat as well as toiletries. Barbara, who had been seeking a way to give to a good cause this Christmas as well as an opportunity to honor Mr. Seals, found the Hope for Heroes collection to be a great way to do both. 

In addition to the efforts of Eta Pi chapter, the Omega Chi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, hosted a collection as their first Hope for Heroes project as a newly formed chapter. The Chapter collected around 100 items, valued at just under $400 at the Plainfield Chick-fil-A.

Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) International is a leadership and service organization where members develop friendship, find their passion for community service, and continue on the path of lifelong learning. Through ESA, men and women of all ages, backgrounds and interests are united by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Activities for ESA’s Hope for Heroes program take place around the country year-round. Individual members and chapters often partner with other veterans’ organizations, military support groups, and military hospitals to provide a variety of materials for families, returning soldiers, and wounded warriors. All of ESA's efforts are intended to assist in meeting the needs of the individual recipients, but also to lift their spirits and feel the gratitude that ESA members feel for their service.

Volunteer spotlight – Jacob Collins gives back at HVAF

Jacob Collins

On an average morning Jacob Collins writes a paper, works on a biology lesson and emails family and friends. His afternoons are just as busy as he juggles classes and a volunteer internship at HVAF. Ask him why he does it and he’ll tell you that the veterans he has helped – and hopes to help – keep him going. Collins, a senior at Franklin College, is volunteering at HVAF twice a week for the semester sorting donations and doing whatever is most needed.

During Collins’ time as a student at the Franklin College, he realized that what meant the most to him was giving back.

“I had three uncles who served in the military as well as cousins. I remember looking at photos and hearing stories of my family members serving in the military,” says Jacob. “I have a greater appreciation and understanding of the sacrifices our veterans make and I’m really excited about helping out at HVAF,” Jacob says.

Although his internship is in the early stages, Jacob hopes to engage with the veterans during his time here. On stressful days, Jacob thinks about his family of “heroes” and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms today.

“A lot of times we, as students, don’t necessarily see the importance in believing in something greater than yourself and so the sacrifices made to make our country great should not be taken for granted,” adds Jacob.

Volunteer Spotlight

Boxes filled with canned meat, vegetables, pasta, hygiene items and clothing were a welcomed sight. In August, Phyllis Cooper, Service for Veterans Liaison for went into action when she heard that HVAF’s food pantry was desperately low in August. Phyllis was introduced to HVAF four years ago. Her husband, Archie, served 30 years in U.S. Army from 1957-63 and then joined the Army National Guard in 1976. Archie retired in 2000. His support system was strong and says his return home to the life he left was a smooth one but the Cooper’s understand how difficult it can be for returning veterans and that motivates them to help veterans who rely on HVAF.

“Whether a veteran has been in combat or not, the fact that they joined the military means that they are willing to serve and protect our country and I have the highest honor, admiration and respect for all who serve.”

Phyllis’ church members at Family of God rallied behind her and collected canned food items. Additionally, The Cooper’s daughter, Michelle, her husband, and three grandsons are doing what they can to also help raise awareness for projects that are dear to their heart. Items donated by the Cooper’s filled the once empty food and hygiene pantry shelves for homeless and near homeless veterans and are handed out during outreach each Tuesday and Thursday.

Your donation goes a long way. View HVAF’s wish list here and find out how you can make a meaningful contribution. 

Phyllis Cooper at HVAF

Mission trip for teens leaves lasting impact on homeless veterans

Throughout the month of July volunteers from all across the country volunteered at HVAF through the organization known as “Week of Hope.” Week of Hope is a youth mission trip that teaches students Christ-like empathy and compassion for others as they serve the needs of local communities. Groups raked leaves, landscaped, washed windows cleaned floors and completed other projects at several HVAF housing properties.

The week of July 20, students from Iowa and Michigan embarked on their week-long mission trip. Janet Hanson from Bondurant, Iowa, was an adult chaperone.

“We have a servant heart and we strive to teach our kids to be in the hands of God in our world,” says Janet. “Our kids are truly blessed. We want them to see how they can serve others.”

Hannah Struck, 18, recently graduated from Manistee High School in Michigan.

“I am learning how to help people and am seeing firsthand the difference we can make. My Dad is here with us so that is special in that I am sharing their experience with him.”

HVAF is appreciative of all its volunteers. If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities go to hvaf.org.

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.”

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.

Enterprise Indiana volunteers at HVAF to help homeless veterans

Enterprise Indiana sent out a crew of 17 interns and 3 staff members to volunteer inside HVAF’s warehouse on June 11. The team jumped in to help move pallets and re-organize the warehouse to ensure the supplies fit.

Volunteers with Enterprise Indiana volunteer at HVAF of Indiana

Enterprise has a long-standing tradition of helping local communities, partnering with United Way agencies like HVAF and other charitable organizations. The company chose to support HVAF because of its long military heritage. (The company was founded in 1957 by World War II Veteran Jack Taylor based on lessons he learned while serving in the Navy).

“We actually had not heard about HVAF prior to our service day there,” says Heather Kahl, PHR, talent acquisition manager. “When reaching out to the United Way to schedule our volunteer day, we asked them for more than one option for volunteering so we could choose what would be most meaningful to us, and it was a no brainer when we knew we would be assisting veterans.”

HVAF Board Member raises awareness of HVAF

HVAF Board Member Louise Loyd (left) with
Randen Miller of HVAF and Rita Sullivan (right)

A surprise visit made by HVAF Board Member Louise Loyd and her friend, Rita Sullivan, who had been collecting donations, couldn’t have come at a better time. The women delivered a truck filled with hygiene items just as our warehouse was running low on things like soap and tooth brushes.

Rita worked with Belterra Casino and Resort in Florence, Indiana to secure the 2-thousand dollars in hygiene items.

“All of these items will be put to good use by families in our community,” said Debra Des Vignes, VP of Marketing for HVAF. “We are grateful to all of the people at Belterra Casino and Resort for their time, effort and donations.”

Three weeks after the hygiene items delivery, Louise presented HVAF with a check for $1,000 from Bethel United Methodist Church at HVAF’s Annual Meeting. The church held its 3rd annual community service program recently and Louise’s friends, John and Dee Decaris, selected HVAF as the program recipient again this year.

Fundraiser to benefit homeless veterans

Judy Holmes, with Carmel American Legion Post 155, never misses an opportunity to support HVAF.

At the beginning of each year Judy along with her team calls us and coordinates a Summer Car Wash fundraiser to benefit HVAF’s recovery program. Along with this 4th annual car wash fundraiser held on June 28, she also held a cook-out for the veterans that same day.

“Our Auxiliary and Post feel it is the least we can do to help the men and women who have given so much from their lives to protect our country and freedom,” says Judy. “I couldn't do it without the team at the Auxiliary...and it makes our hearts fill with pride and joy to be able to help in our small way.”

2013 Car Wash Fundraiser to benefit HVAF

The group has previously collected donations ranging from personal items, food, cleaning supplies and clothing as well as raised much-needed funds for housing improvements.

Last year, the Post purchased air purifiers and fire extinguishers for HVAF properties and bus passes for our veterans. All of these donated items allow HVAF to use its existing resources in other crucial areas.

Judy’s Auxiliary was formed out of a committee four years ago with the sole purpose of helping HVAF. Judy works alongside 7 women who are equally passionate.

Judy’s husband is a Vietnam veteran and her father served in WWII. Her thought on volunteering with veterans is that the act should never be done for praise, recognition or any type of reward.

“The reward of gratitude, appreciation and love that you get when volunteering or giving back is enormous,” says Judy. “I can say that I and my fellow committee members have been teary-eyed on a number of occasions when we’ve connected with the veterans at HVAF. These veterans always have a smile for us.”

Car Wash information:
852 W. Main Street, Carmel 46032 
Saturday, June 28 from 10-2 p.m. 

Dow AgroSciences on giving back to veterans

On May 10, volunteers with Dow AgroSciences’ Veterans Action Group created an herb garden at HVAF’s Manchester property. The group, made up of current and former service members, also trimmed hedges at HVAF’s headquarters and placed large planters outside the front door filled with colorful flowers.

Dow AgroSciences is an agricultural company that supports community initiatives as well as sustainable agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education.

Dow AgroSciences with veterans at HVAF

“We felt that a beautification project along with a vegetable garden fit well into these areas,” says Bradley Hemmick, operations on-boarding specialist at Dow AgroSciences. “The vegetable garden along with a class on horticulture will give some of the clients at HVAF new skills and hopefully a new passion for gardening, which we hope that they can enjoy and put to good use.”

The group’s volunteer work allowed maintenance staff at HVAF to use their resources in other areas.

“We are fortunate for their efforts,” says HVAF’s Director of Maintenance Randen Miller. “Their work left a lasting impression while giving new life to our building and adding a spring touch to our properties.”