Message from the CEO: HVAF Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
May 7, 2024
Roger That Ep 16: Military Spouse Appreciation Month
May 21, 2024Air Force veteran is getting a second chance at life!
After serving in the United States Air Force for 8 years, Darian came back to his home state of Indiana and reconnected with his high school friends.
He knew about HVAF and its resources for veterans but felt too prideful to ask for help.
However, one day, he realized he wanted to better his life and his friends were not helping with that. He knew HVAF could give him the tools he needed for a new start in life.
“I realized I had to take a step back and focus on myself,” Darian said. “I saw coming to HVAF as an opportunity to move away from a lot of the mess I was around.”
He turned to HVAF for help in 2023 and has since been receiving wrap-around services to help him achieve his new start.
He moved into one of our transitional houses on the Near Westside of Indianapolis.
He enrolled in our VetWorks Workforce Development program, where he’s getting the training, education, and certification needed to start a new career in project management.
He visits the food pantry a few times a month, where he is especially thankful for the various canned food options available.
And he started receiving mental health support by regularly meeting with our in-house therapist, Kascha.
Kascha has been helping Darian become more open and vulnerable, and helping him learn how to set boundaries with others and how to not worry what others think of him.
“It’s been nice to be at a place like HVAF where people are willing to listen and help,” Darian said. “And I want to thank the donors for their donations as it’s given me a second chance at my life.”
Last year, 73% of the veterans served through all HVAF programs reported a mental health diagnosis or substance use issues. So far this year, nearly 80% report the same. Data from our therapy program reveals that the most frequent issues veterans are seeking to address are trauma, dealing with transitions in life, and alcoholism.
Thanks to the financial support from the community, including the Indianapolis Colts Kicking the Stigma Initiative, therapy services are available to all veterans receiving assistance from HVAF.