For many veterans, the return to civilian life is a battle of its own. Cierra, who joined the Army in 2003 as a nutrition specialist, faced this challenge firsthand. After leaving the military, she grappled with undiagnosed depression and substance abuse, struggles she wasn’t prepared for. Without a stable income or support system, her path became uncertain.

Adjusting to life after the Army was overwhelming for Cierra. “I had some issues with substance abuse… mental struggles, that I wasn’t really prepared for,” she recalls. The financial strain was immediate and unforgiving. “I didn’t have money to fall back on when I came out, and then I got denied unemployment on top of that.”

For years, Cierra worked odd jobs in restaurants, but without stability, she found herself couch-surfing, staying in hotels, or even sleeping in her car. It was a cycle that made it nearly impossible to move forward.

During this time, Cierra was also determined to get sober, but the lack of support and stability made the process even more challenging. Without a place to call home and steady employment, focusing on recovery felt nearly impossible, and the weight of her situation became too much to bear alone.

Cierra reached a point where she knew she needed help. “I was just at my wits’ end,” she said.

 “Everything had become too much for me to handle alone.”

Determined to find a way forward, she started calling around, searching for a lifeline.

Her search brought her to HVAF, where she was met with an immediate and heartfelt response. “They were so kind,” Cierra recalls warmly. Following a swift intake process, she received life-changing news from her new case manager, Ginny: “We have a place for you!” Soon after, she was officially enrolled in HVAF’s transitional housing program!

“From that moment on, everything changed.”

For the first time in years, Cierra had a safe and stable place to call home. This newfound security provided her with the foundation she needed to continue to focus on her sobriety and begin planning for the future. With her sights set on building a stable life, the next step in her journey was pursuing employment. Her case manager, Ginny, encouraged her to join HVAF’s VetWorks program, an initiative dedicated to equipping veterans with the skills and tools necessary to transition successfully into the civilian workforce. Eager to move forward, Cierra embraced the opportunity and began her VetWorks internship, taking another significant step toward rebuilding her life.

Cierra soon began that ten-week internship, primarily working in HVAF’s pantry, an experience she found deeply rewarding. “It’s so rewarding, you know that what you’re doing is helping another veteran’s life,” she explains. “You get to make a difference in the world.” The program gave her the structure and guidance she needed to rebuild her confidence and skills.

The change in Cierra’s life has been profound, both inside and out. “I looked at pictures yesterday, from when I first moved in until now,” she shares. “Today, I look healthier. I smile more. People tell me that I’m glowing more.”

Her newfound stability has had a ripple effect on every part of her life. “I’m attracting healthier, better things into my life. My relationships with my family have grown… it’s just a complete 360,” she says. With her sobriety intact and a support system behind her, Cierra is now working toward securing a full-time job.

Cierra’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of our veterans and the critical importance of community support. Her story shows that with a stable foundation and the right resources, veterans can overcome immense challenges and build brighter futures.

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