Thomas Gasta, Author at HVAF

August 31, 2015

Volunteer Spotlight

Boxes filled with canned meat, vegetables, pasta, hygiene items and clothing were a welcomed sight. In August, Phyllis Cooper, Service for Veterans Liaison for went into action when she heard that HVAF’s food pantry was desperately low in August. Phyllis was introduced to HVAF four […]

August 31, 2015

Fundraiser update – Crossing Iowa for a cause

Jack Wickes raised $3,700 for HVAF through his fundraising efforts while participating in RAGBRAI – the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride. On July 19, he completed 7 days of cycling more than 462 miles across the state of Iowa. He started training in […]

August 31, 2015

Fundraiser update – Crossing Iowa for a cause

Jack Wickes raised $3,700 for HVAF through his fundraising efforts while participating in RAGBRAI – the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride. On July 19, he completed 7 days of cycling more than 462 miles across the state of Iowa. He started training in […]

September 18, 2015

Veteran spotlight

If you’ve walked through People’s Park in Bloomington in the past ten years, you might have noticed Stan Staples. Or not. The weary veteran may have seemed invisible in the rush of commuters grabbing coffee from the coffee shop across the street each morning, or passers-by picking out clothing from a nearby boutique. Stan had no home. Using […]

September 18, 2015

Indy Star and NUVO Magazine highlight ‘Stand Down’

An event aimed to help homeless veterans stand up helped 489 veterans. At AMVETS Post 99, 231 volunteers rushed to unfold extra chairs for the 11th annual Stand Down event held Sept. 10. Post 99 was lined with tables, each serving as a station to offer free goods, […]

September 18, 2015

Indy Star and NUVO Magazine highlight ‘Stand Down’

An event aimed to help homeless veterans stand up helped 489 veterans. At AMVETS Post 99, 231 volunteers rushed to unfold extra chairs for the 11th annual Stand Down event held Sept. 10. Post 99 was lined with tables, each serving as a station to offer free goods, […]

September 18, 2015

Recovery Day for HVAF veterans

HVAF along with the Residential, Employment, Substance Abuse, Treatment (REST) program held its 11th Annual Recovery Day on Sept. 19. Each September, in support of National Recovery Month, HVAF holds an event to reflect on the recovery efforts of individuals, families and communities affected by […]

September 18, 2015

Employee Spotlight – Kayla Jackson

This month, we recognize Kayla Jackson who just celebrated two years with HVAF last month and is one of seven Case Managers with the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Kayla’s contributions to the nonprofit sector began 7 years ago in Hendricks County where she worked one-on-one helping families. Then, she worked in Marion County and helped elementary school children with skills […]

November 1, 2015

Employee spotlight – Curtis Wiliamson

Each veteran who walks through the doors of the Residential, Employment, Substance Abuse Treatment program known as REST opens up to share a part of his past with Social Worker Curtis Williamson. Whether they have experienced bouts of joblessness, untreated illnesses, or addiction, they all have experienced chronic homelessness. Curtis Williamson (left) with HVAF clients With the support of Curtis […]