HVAF BLOG
Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.
April 5, 2021
When deciding where to volunteer, sisters Jen and Carolyn knew they wanted to volunteer at a veterans organization. Carolyn looked through an e-mail that listed volunteer opportunities, and one organization caught her eye: Helping Veterans And Families. The reason to volunteer for a veterans organization […]
April 1, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Indianapolis – HVAF – Helping Veterans And Families – has received a grant of $4.7 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Enhancing Opportunity in Indianapolis. The grant will support HVAF’s Employment Program and will partner with Downtown Indy. HVAF is […]
March 31, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cindy Thomas. Cindy served on team HVAF from 2001 until 2018, most recently as the Executive Vice President for Programs. She was a vital part of our growth over the years and was known […]
March 30, 2021
COVID isn’t stopping HVAF Despite all of COVID-19’s challenges, HVAF’s Employment Team hasn’t slowed down. “We didn’t stop, we didn’t slow down,” Employment Coordinator Kiara said. “We were still able to get people placed, and get people employed and give them the assistance that they […]
March 29, 2021
Today is National Vietnam Veteran Day! Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago. […]
March 19, 2021
2020 was one of the toughest years in our lifetime… …due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So many experienced job loss, food insecurity, homelessness, sickness, and mental health challenges. For Central Indiana homeless and near-homeless veterans, HVAF was there. As an essential human service agency during […]
March 17, 2021
Alberta Platt is one of our five Employment Specialists at HVAF. She has worked on the Employment Team since 2016. Each Employment Specialist helps the veterans with interview prep, resume help, and job application assistance. Last year, HVAF’s Employment Specialists helped 190 veterans receive gainful […]
March 9, 2021
Below are thoughts from HVAF’s VP for Strategy, Emmy Hildebrand, regarding Women’s History Month – as a female VP and military wife: Welcome to March 2021! We are now a full year into the COVID-19 global health crisis, and with new COVID diagnoses decreasing and […]
February 28, 2021
Joining the Army National Guard At 23 years old, Mark found himself in trouble with the law. When talking to the judge in court, they agreed he would do well in the military. Soon after, Mark started basic training for the Army National Guard. On […]
February 25, 2021
HVAF – Helping Veterans And Families – was named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. The annual statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor participating employers in Indiana with […]
February 24, 2021
Thirty years ago, 24-year-old Arne Pedersen led his Tank Platoon into what would later be known as Desert Storm. Today, as a HVAF Board Member, he shares his perspective on the four-day war on his 30th anniversary: DESERT STORM | DAY ONE: “We were […]
February 24, 2021
Fourteen years ago, Army National Guard veteran Wiloner and her son moved to Indianapolis. They came so her son, 16-year-old Michael, could play football for Ben Davis High School. After realizing it would not work to live with her brother, Wiloner became homeless. As they […]
February 24, 2021
Hygiene items are an absolute necessity for homeless veterans. “We always need hygiene items 24/7, 365,” HVAF’s Outreach Coordinator Rodney Jackson said. Every day, Navy veteran Rodney Jackson serves veterans in Indianapolis’ homeless camps. Because of this, Rodney understand the needs of our veterans. […]
February 17, 2021
Meet Elayne Lewis: One of HVAF’s Peer Mentors. Elayne & HVAF We have been thankful to have Elayne on our team since 2008! She has spent 13 years serving Indianapolis’ homeless and at-risk veterans. As Peer Mentor, Elayne said she is honored to help […]
February 10, 2021
Below are sentiments from our President & CEO, Brian Copes, during a time of unprecedented growth and change for HVAF : There is a saying among old Soldiers, “The Army never changes and… the Army is always changing.” It was a tongue-in-cheek bit of wisdom […]