Growing up, Brandon knew he wanted to serve his country – just like his parents, grandparents, and brother did. Unfortunately, during basic training in the Army, he suffered an injury that led to discharge.

The disappointment of not being able to serve in the Army for long led to years of depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, and eventually homelessness.

“I was really on a downward spiral to self-sabotage and was not thinking clearly,” Brandon said. “I was miserable.”

After 15 years, Brandon had finally had enough of his substance use, and sought out recovery. In the last few years, he’s connected with HVAF and received housing and employment assistance.

HVAF was able to place him in a hotel while he and his housing case manager found him an affordable apartment.

HVAF also helped Brandon launch a new career! HVAF covered the costs of the classes, exam, and membership fees for him to become a Certified Peer Mentor. After working hard with his employment specialist to improve his resume, write cover letters, and apply for jobs – he recently started a new career as a Peer Recovery Coach and House Manager with Synergy Recovery Network!

Brandon said because of HVAF’s services, he is truly living his best life today!

“I feel privileged and grateful that the opportunity that you offered me was there,” Brandon said. “It’s been difficult for me trying to piece back together life on my own and so to have that opportunity there to really catapult me forward, it’s tremendous.”