Joining the Army

Growing up Tiniya looked up to her big brother. After seeing his decision to serve his country, she decided she would enlist in the Army.

“No one talked to me about college, nobody talked to me about basic necessities of life so I had to figure it out,” Tiniya said. “I was a kid, and a lot of things I did were just trying to follow my older brother’s footsteps.”

A few years ago, she lived in a house with her mother. Last year, her mother caused several conflicts that led to Tiniya being forced to move out. She had nowhere to go. And that’s when HVAF stepped in to save the day!

HVAF’s help

“HVAF had a hotel ready, and I stayed there for about three weeks. Then I moved over to (HVAF’s Transitional Housing apartments) Manchester and I stayed over there for about three months,” Tiniya said. “Then, they got a house for me.”

As the largest nonprofit provider for veterans in the state, HVAF is proud to offer wrap-around services for veterans like Tiniya. Not only did she receive housing assistance – but she also has a case manager to rely on and is going through the Workforce Development’s VetWorks program.

She has loved working with her housing case manager, Bobby, or who she refers to as her “ace boon coon.”

“He’s cool. He checks on me regularly,” Tiniya said. “If I call him and I tell him what the situation is he makes sure everything is A-OK.”

Career goals

VetWorks – Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills – is an intensive 3 phase work, learn and earn program designed to skill up our veterans to achieve their earning potential. Veterans complete on-the-job training, have access to education/certifications and receive assistance with obtaining a good and promising job.

Tiniya started in the VetWorks program last summer and first received training in the pantry and IT department. Working with IT Coordinator Dewayne, she said he serves as a mentor for her. She has graduated Phase 1 and is in Phase 2 as she is going to school for cyber security. Next is Phase Three where HVAF’s Employment Specialists will place her in a long lasting career.

A huge goal in Tiniya’s life is to earn a degree and for her children to be proud of her. HVAF is happy to do ALL of that for her.

“It’s unbelievable. I get emotional at times because I didn’t know there were resources out here like this,” Tiniya said. “This program is just outstanding.”

YOU can ensure veterans like Tiniya can achieve their dreams and inspire others. Consider making a financial gift to HVAF today!

DONATE TODAY