Lauren Carpenter, Author at HVAF

January 8, 2021

OA Sponsor Shoutout: EdChoice

Written by EdChoice At EdChoice, we work each day to make sure all families have access to the K-12 schooling options that work best for their students. That includes tens of thousands of military families who sacrifice so much to defend our nation from […]

January 13, 2021

HVAF helps find employment for veterans – like Army veteran Robert

A fresh start… Army veteran Robert came to HVAF because he needed to find a place that helped find employment for veterans. But he didn’t only need a job – he needed clothes, food, and a home. After getting out of jail a few days […]

January 26, 2021

HVAF has shown up for Army vet 9+ years

Anthony served in the United States Army from 1977-1979 as a clerk. He described military life as an interesting experience for him, and how life has been hard since then. “(Life after the military) was a struggle, and it is still a struggle,” Anthony […]

February 3, 2021

Meet Team HVAF: Danny Park

Meet Danny Park: HVAF’s Permanent Housing Coordinator. He oversees 3 of our housing programs: Community Permanent Housing, Transition in Place, and Permanent Supportive Housing. As if that wasn’t enough – Danny also has his own caseload of veterans to serve through the Transition in Place […]

February 10, 2021

HVAF’s VP for Personnel receives certification + additional role

For more than 12 years, Sammy Mitchell has played a vital role in HVAF’s mission. She started out at HVAF as an Executive Administrative Assistant in 2008. Over the years, Sammy has received many promotions here – and currently serves as Vice President for Personnel. […]

February 10, 2021

Robert J: It’s never too late to ask for help!

Serving in the 70’s In 1977, Robert J. graduated from high school in Indianapolis and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. When he left for basic training in June, it was his first time leaving the state. “That was the best moment of my […]

February 10, 2021

A Message From the President & CEO: February 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 […]

February 17, 2021

Meet Team HVAF: Elayne Lewis

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 24, 2021

HVAF receives 700 hygiene kits thanks to CNO & Clean the World

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 24, 2021

Ntl Guard veteran appreciates HVAF’s pantry & case managers for 14 years

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

Desert Storm’s 30th Anniversary: Arne Pedersen

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 25, 2021

HVAF named Best Place to Work in Indiana

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 […]