For Navy veteran James, who goes by Al, life has been a series of immense highs and challenging lows. From a promising swimming career to facing addictions and homelessness, his path has been anything but straightforward. Yet, through it all, his resilience and the timely support from HVAF have helped him navigate the toughest waters. This is the story of his journey toward mental wellness and the vital role HVAF’s mental health programs played in his transformation.

Al served in the Navy for 18 months before an early discharge shifted the course of his life. For years, he grappled with addictions and the instability that often follows. In 2019, his life took a critical turn when his house went into foreclosure. He was sick, and the goal of homeownership he had worked so hard to achieve was slipping away. “I was beside myself, losing my home,” Al recalls.

Fortunately, he still had a business card from an HVAF outreach specialist he met years prior. That single call was a lifeline. Within two weeks, HVAF provided him with housing. “Without them, I don’t know where I’d be… It’d been really hard to make it.”

While housing provided stability, Al’s journey was far from over. After losing his job in 2022, he found himself struggling again. On the recommendation of a former supervisor, he decided to seek therapy. It was during this time that he serendipitously connected with Kascha, HVAF’s Mental Health Therapist.

Al and his HVAF Mental Health Clinician, Kascha.

“The universe works in funny ways,” Al says about their first meeting. He had just finished an appointment at HVAF and felt an immediate pull to speak with her. That instinct marked the beginning of a transformative therapeutic relationship.

Working with Kascha has helped Al find his footing again. He admits to having a tendency to overbook and overextend himself, but Kascha has provided him with the guidance to slow down and be more intentional. “She has really helped me slow down and think about choices, next steps, make out a plan, and stick to that,” he explains. This structure has been instrumental in helping him regain the sense of accomplishment he once felt as a competitive swimmer.

For Al, the non-judgmental and honest nature of their sessions has been the most crucial element. “She’s never lied to me, I’ve never lied to her,” he shares. “It’s a comfortable relationship.” This trust has created a safe space for him to open up, share his struggles, and find a sounding board.

When asked what he would say to another veteran considering mental health support, Al’s answer is clear: “Definitely. Talking to somebody else… having that sounding board, it’s so important.” He emphasizes the importance of having someone to speak to, without judgment, and realizing “you are not the center of the universe,” a perspective that has brought him immense relief.

Al’s therapy sessions with Kacha were made possible in part by the critical funding provided through the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This generous support enabled HVAF to provide Al with the consistent, compassionate mental health care he needed to start building a brighter future. Access to therapy was a lifeline for Al, helping him work through the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and cope with the burdens he carried. Stories like Al’s underscore the importance of mental health services for veterans—because every veteran deserves a chance to heal, grow, and thrive.

Al’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that accessible, compassionate mental health care can have on a veteran’s life. It’s not just about providing services; it’s about building trusting relationships that empower veterans to heal and move forward.

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