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 workforce development program to equip and train veterans experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness to obtain and maintain good and promising jobs in Central Indiana.

So far, they have officially enrolled seven veterans into the program – and that number is sure to keep increasing! One veteran is set to be a Resident Assistant at HVAF’s Moreau Veterans Villa another veteran is going to work alongside our I.T. Coordinator. We cannot wait to continue sharing the stories that come out of this amazing program – but for now, take a moment to meet the team!

Meet the VetWorks Team:

Kiara | Veterans Workforce Development Director

How long have you worked at HVAF?

5 years

How are you specifically helping the VetWorks program?

I oversee the budget and I work directly with Kristin (Coordinator of VetWorks) on all operation procedures. Teamwork makes the dream work!

What are you most excited about for the VetWorks program?

I am excited about the opportunity and different possibilities this will provide our veterans.

Why do you like serving our veterans?

It is a personal passion of mine to serve those who have served!

When you are not working at HVAF, where can we find you?

Playing NBA2k on the PlayStation 5! 😊

Anything else you want to share?

I love the work I do, and it is truly a joy to work for team HVAF and to work alongside the best team anyone could ask for. When you do what you love it does not feel like work. 😊

Kristin | VetWorks Coordinator

How long have you worked at HVAF?

Almost 2 years – I was recently promoted to VetWorks Coordinator.

How are you specifically helping the VetWorks program?

I have the privilege of managing this program and the amazing people working on it. They are very passionate about working with our Veterans and go above and beyond.

What are you most excited about for the VetWorks program?

This is a real game changer for Veterans, it provides a holistic approach to employment to break cycles our Veterans may face such as homelessness or underemployment. This is a three-phase grant funded by the Lilly Endowment Initiative, that works to up skill our veterans. In the first phase, they will be gaining on the job training skills while working on career assessment, important soft skills, money management and job readiness skills. The second phase focuses on internships, training, certifications, or other educational avenues to gain appropriate skills to fit the Veterans goals as well as labor market needs. Finally, the third phase focuses on achieving that good and promising job which we are here to assist with; this grant did a fantastic job of aligning community partners in all facets of this program.

Why do you like serving our veterans?

I have been very fortunate to have been surrounded by some pretty incredible Veterans throughout my life. I feel extremely honored to work with Veterans in any way needed to assist in making their lives better.

When you are not working at HVAF, where can we find you?

Outside, listening to music or watching sports!

Anything else you want to share?

Hmmmm…… I think positivity goes a long way as well as humor!

Alberta | VetWorks Employment Specialist

How long have you worked at HVAF?

It will be 5 years on Sept 19^th.

How are you specifically helping the VetWorks program?

My role is focused on Phase III and involves the placement of veterans in either a full-time job (at $18 or more per hr.), or in a Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunity.

What are you most excited about for the VetWorks program?

Honestly, I have been excited since the very beginning of VetWorks being developed! It will be exciting to see our veterans complete each phase, which is individualized and tailored to fit the veteran. This program is so special & unique and to be able to offer internships and certifications all while providing a stipend is wonderful!  I am excited to be able to see the positive impact on our veterans!

Why do you like serving our veterans?

I love being able to work with our veterans and help them to conquer any obstacles or barriers to finding good sustainable employment. Everyone deserves to be able to have a good paying job and do what they enjoy.

When you are not working at HVAF, where can we find you?

Outside of HVAF, you can find me shopping, at nature parks, or spending time with my husband and our two boys having cook outs on our back porch. I also love spending time with my fur-babies, Charlie & Sasha, as well.

Roxane | VetWorks Employment Specialist

How long have you worked at HVAF?

It will be 3 years in September.

How are you specifically helping the VetWorks program?

Right now, we are doing a little bit of everything since the first people are just entering Phase 1. Moving forward, I will be administering all the career assessments for each veteran, including personality profiles, and advising and guiding, with their input, good career choices based on their personal preferences.  Additionally, I will be looking for new internship opportunities and enrolling veterans in education and training programs that align with their career goals.

What are you most excited about for the VetWorks program?

I am most excited to have the opportunity to really assist our Veterans go through the ABC’s of work: Any job, better job, career and help them in making a sustainable wages for their future and the future of their families.

Why do you like serving our veterans?

It feels good to help people and assist them in living their best life. Especially so for Veterans who work for all in keeping us safe and free.  We owe it to them.

When you are not working at HVAF, where can we find you?

My husband and I love car shows, motorcycles and vacationing!

Anything else you want to share?

I like to drive fast, when I am able to…

Raven | VetWorks Employment Specialist

How long have you worked at HVAF?

5 years in October

How are you specifically helping the VetWorks program?

I am currently completing assessments to determine whether a veteran’s employment-related needs would be best served in either the VetWorks program or our Employment Services program. I’m also working with veterans who are completing their Phase I internship at HVAF to help them develop/enhance soft skills as well as apply what they’ve learned in our resume, interview, Get a Job Keep a Job, and financial literacy workshops.

What are you most excited about for the VetWorks program?

I am excited to see Veterans get the opportunity to develop soft skills in a safe environment, acquire vocational and/or educational training and obtain livable wages. In my time working at HVAF, I’ve numerous veterans have wished that they could have the opportunity to do apprenticeships/on-the-job trainings, get further help with career exploration, and/or have funding to help them obtain certain certifications or licensures. I am glad HVAF is now able to offer those experiences to the veterans we serve.

Why do you like serving our veterans?

I am passionate about assisting people in improving their quality of life. HVAF’s primary focus is on veteran housing, but stable/permanent housing cannot be obtained or maintained without having good income and/or funding.

When you are not working at HVAF, where can we find you?

I am most likely walking my dog somewhere in different parks and trails enjoying nature. However, I don’t want you to find me…I’m off the clock! 😊

Cole | VetWorks Employment Specialist

How long have you worked at HVAF?

2 months! I started last May after graduating from Butler University.

How are you specifically helping the VetWorks program?

My role is focused on Phase I of VetWorks. I work alongside veterans in the Street Ambassador program at Downtown Indy, Inc. as they develop essential soft skills, explore different career paths that play to their strengths & interests, and complete a series of workshops on resumes, interviewing, and financial literacy.

What are you most excited about for the VetWorks program?

VetWorks is truly a special program because it offers an individualized approach to helping veterans break the cycle of unemployment and homelessness while also addressing the growing shortage of labor in some of Indianapolis’s most in-demand fields. After a difficult year in the pandemic, I am excited to see the positive impact VetWorks will have on our veterans and on the greater Indianapolis community.

Why do you like serving our veterans?

I enjoy serving veterans through HVAF employment services because I believe everyone ought to have a job that honors a person’s dignity. Connecting veterans to opportunities that they have a genuine interest in and that offers stability is something I’m proud to be part of.

When you are not working at HVAF, where can we find you?

Outside of HVAF, you can find me visiting museums, parks, local bookstores, or the movie theater with my beautiful girlfriend, Julissa.