HVAF BLOG
Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.
June 3, 2021
According to Veterans Affairs, 1.7 million Veterans received treatment in a VA mental health specialty program in 2018. And we know many of the veterans we serve here in Indianapolis battle mental health challenges every single day. At HVAF, we are making strides to address […]
June 1, 2021
When our veterans come to HVAF‘s pantry, they are bound to see a familiar face or two. That’s because we are so blessed to have several dedicated volunteers who have helped in our pantry for years. Two of those volunteers are 13-year volunteer, Becky, and […]
May 10, 2021
Earlier this year, we received the good news of being named one of Indiana’s Best Places to Work! All companies that participated in the 2021 Best Places to Work program receive an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. We are especially […]
April 28, 2021
Thanks to a local attorney and the American Legion Department of Indiana, one of our veterans received a FREE car! Indianapolis attorney Kevin Alerding reached out to the Legion and asked about a veteran who needs a means of transportation. After asking HVAF, case manager […]
April 21, 2021
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. […]
April 19, 2021
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 19, 2021
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 5, 2021
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 1, 2021
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 […]
March 31, 2021
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 […]
March 30, 2021
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 29, 2021
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 19, 2021
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 17, 2021
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 9, 2021
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 […]