Lauren Carpenter, Author at HVAF

July 14, 2021

A Message from the President & CEO: July 2021

Below are sentiments from our President & CEO, Brian Copes: 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 to remind (and comfort) us that change is inevitable, constant, often […]

July 19, 2021

3 Veterans win $100 Kroger gift cards!

Three lucky veterans walked away from HVAF’s food, clothing, and hygiene pantry with more than just their essential items last week. Army veteran Michael, Navy veteran Larry, and Army veteran Andrea won $100 Kroger gift cards – thanks to The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the […]

July 21, 2021

Meet Team HVAF: VetWorks Team!

A few months ago, HVAF received a $4.7 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. for the Veteran Workforce Development Team. The grant is being used to launch a workforce development program dubbed VetWorks: Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills. It serves as a multi-phase, collaborative […]

July 23, 2021

HVAF Board Member serves Indy’s veterans through Veterans Court

Every Friday morning, you can find HVAF Board Member David Certo at Marion County Superior Court 12 in Indianapolis. In 2015, Judge Certo established a Veterans Court in Indianapolis. According to the Indianapolis Government website: IVC provides a specialized court docket that focuses on veterans’ […]

August 10, 2021

3rd HVAF veteran receives Habitat home!

For the third time since 2019, one of HVAF’s veterans has had the opportunity to become a first-time homeowner. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity! A long time coming This time, the opportunity came for Marine Corps veteran Troy. We first met Troy in 2008 – […]

August 10, 2021

A Message from the President & CEO: August 2021

WHAT ABOUT AUGUST? I’m an almanac and astronomy guy and so I know we’re in “the dog days of summer” but… why are they called that? Well… since you asked, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac (Dog Days: What Are the Dog Days of Summer? […]

August 17, 2021

A Message from the President & CEO: The Situation in Afghanistan

The following is a message from HVAF President & CEO Brian Copes (who served in Afghanistan): My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow veterans and service members who served in Afghanistan. I want to affirm for our veterans and service members; and their families, […]

August 18, 2021

Meet Team HVAF: Andrea Carlile

My name is Andrea Carlile and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator at HVAF. I connect community organizations, corporations, and individuals, striving to develop partnerships and continued support. I also raise awareness about the needs veterans face and how HVAF provides programs and services to […]

August 24, 2021

“Working with Kiara is like working with a friend.”

Where it all began Two years ago, HVAF Veteran Workforce Development Director Kiara met Army National Guard veteran Geraldine (Gerrie). After hearing her story, Kiara knew HVAF’s Workforce Development department could help her. One week later, they met in her office and talked through Gerrie’s […]

August 31, 2021

New data shows increase in homelessness among Indy’s Veterans

Below are thoughts from HVAF’s VP for Strategy, Emmy Hildebrand, regarding the annual Point In Time (PIT) Count results: Many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were immediately known in March of 2020… Lockdown. Lost jobs. Schools closed. Many more are only now coming into focus—including […]

September 7, 2021

A Message from the President & CEO: September 2021

SOME THOUGHTS on AUGUST 31, 2021. I want to say the remarks which follow are more practical than political as it’s not my place to advocate or argue beyond what’s best for the veterans we serve but… this moment seems a bit different and so […]

September 7, 2021

Marine Vet needed a job… 2 days later – he was hired!

In November 2020, Marine Corps veteran Bill reached his lowest point. He didn’t have electricity, water, or gas in his house. And he didn’t want to continue living. After spending a few days at the VA Hospital, they encouraged to receive support at HVAF. He […]