Lauren Carpenter, Author at HVAF

February 28, 2021

Desert Storm’s 30th Anniversary: Mark Gladfelter

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 […]

March 9, 2021

Message from VP for Strategy: Women’s History Month

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 […]

March 17, 2021

Meet Team HVAF: Employment Specialist Alberta

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 19, 2021

COVID-19 AT HVAF: 1 YEAR LATER

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 29, 2021

Vietnam Veterans Day: Watch Vietnam Vet receive special jacket

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 30, 2021

How HVAF virtually serves veterans

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 31, 2021

Remembering the life & legacy of Cindy Thomas

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 […]

April 1, 2021

HVAF receives $4.7 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant for Employment Program

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 […]

April 5, 2021

Sisters volunteer at a veterans organization in honor of father

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 19, 2021

Husband & wife veterans volunteer at HVAF together

Husband and wife Diane and Mike Norton are current HVAF volunteers and former veterans. Diane, a Navy veteran, and Mike, an Air Force veteran, met on a blind date while stationed in Las Vegas. “We hit it off, and we’ve been married for almost 34 […]

April 19, 2021

“Make HVAF one of your stops!” -JaMarlon to his fellow vets

Starting over In the beginning of 2020, Army National Guard veteran JaMarlon found himself starting his life over. After being incarcerated for all of 2019, he needed help finding a home and a job. While in jail, he first heard about HVAF as a resource […]

April 21, 2021

HVAF’s Social Worker earns LCSW!

Introducing Kascha, LCSW! Being part of Team HVAF The day after she officially became a Licensed Social Worker, Kascha received a job offer for HVAF. Six years later, she still loves being a part of Team HVAF! Working for veterans means a lot to Kascha. […]