HVAF BLOG

Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.

 
March 30, 2021

How HVAF virtually serves veterans

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

Vietnam Veterans Day: Watch Vietnam Vet receive special jacket

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

COVID-19 AT HVAF: 1 YEAR LATER

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

Meet Team HVAF: Employment Specialist Alberta

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

Message from VP for Strategy: Women’s History Month

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 […]
February 25, 2021

HVAF named Best Place to Work in Indiana

HVAF – Helping Veterans And Families – was named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. The annual statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor participating employers in Indiana with […]
February 24, 2021

Desert Storm’s 30th Anniversary: Arne Pedersen

Thirty years ago, 24-year-old Arne Pedersen led his Tank Platoon into what would later be known as Desert Storm. Today, as a HVAF Board Member, he shares his perspective on the four-day war on his 30th anniversary:   DESERT STORM | DAY ONE: “We were […]
February 24, 2021

Ntl Guard veteran appreciates HVAF’s pantry & case managers for 14 years

Fourteen years ago, Army National Guard veteran Wiloner and her son moved to Indianapolis. They came so her son, 16-year-old Michael, could play football for Ben Davis High School. After realizing it would not work to live with her brother, Wiloner became homeless. As they […]
February 24, 2021

HVAF receives 700 hygiene kits thanks to CNO & Clean the World

Hygiene items are an absolute necessity for homeless veterans. “We always need hygiene items 24/7, 365,” HVAF’s Outreach Coordinator Rodney Jackson said.   Every day, Navy veteran Rodney Jackson serves veterans in Indianapolis’ homeless camps. Because of this, Rodney understand the needs of our veterans. […]
February 10, 2021

A Message From the President & CEO: February 2021

Below are sentiments from our President & CEO, Brian Copes, during a time of unprecedented growth and change for HVAF : 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 […]
February 10, 2021

HVAF’s VP for Personnel receives certification + additional role

For more than 12 years, Sammy Mitchell has played a vital role in HVAF’s mission. She started out at HVAF as an Executive Administrative Assistant in 2008. Over the years, Sammy has received many promotions here – and currently serves as Vice President for Personnel. […]