A female veteran came into our office after being referred by Primary Health Care Services (SSVF) in Des Moines, Iowa. During the intake, the Employment Specialist (ES) learned that the veteran had just recently moved to Iowa within the last year.

Once in Iowa she moved in with her brother’s wife’s family and a few disputes with her brothers in laws found herself homeless and seeking refuge. The veteran is 31 years old who served in the Marine Corps for approximately two years during the Gulf War II Era. She is now here in Iowa with no support as her mother currently resides in Mexico with her two children.

On her own volition, the veteran reached out to Primary Health Care soon after she became homeless to see what options she had Primary Health Care assisted her with SSVF housing/rental assistance where she currently resides at CISS Shelter.

This veteran has faced many struggles since becoming homeless but her strong will and desire to persevere has allowed her to push through all her obstacles. Her main goal currently is to make enough money to bring her family to the states.

During the beginning of the intake, the veteran was very apprehensive as she has a past criminal history so she was unsure whether she could even be hired anywhere. The VRSI ES sat and spoke with her about the charges. After intake she became more confident and accepted an on-the-job-training position within the homeless shelter in the greenhouse where she takes care of the plants around the facility.

The veteran has had great success and fulfillment in this part-time position which she started less than a week after being enrolled into the HVRP, and the shelter staff always comment on how respectful she is and always very helpful.

Within two weeks after intake was completed, the veteran obtained another FT job at McDonalds working opposite the hours that she works in the greenhouse. VRSI assisted her with gaining the self-confidence she needed in order for her to take the first step and get that first job.

The ES continues to contact the veteran weekly to check in and see how she is doing and how the organization may be able to best assist her with. Currently VRSI is supplying the veterans need for extra work attire for her job at the shelter and reaching out to her weekly to see if there is any other type of assistance the veteran may need.

The veteran has expressed the significance of her feelings from there being “someone in her corner”, as part of the reason she has developed the confidence she currently has. Ongoing collaboration with her case manager and check ins just to see how she is doing is beneficial for her as she has no other support here.

VRSI has helped provide this much needed sense of support. The veteran is continuing to overcome obstacles on a daily basis and has set attainable goals for herself. This veterans story is just one of the many successes the VRSI program has and we expect many more to come.

The veteran is a 58-year-old Marine Corps veteran with 2 ½ years of service. His transition to civilian life was fraught with challenges. After struggling with homelessness for five years and relocating from Kansas City to Omaha without familial support, the veteran found himself at a local homeless shelter. Though lacking access to VA benefits due to his discharge status, the shelter helped him qualify for Section 8 housing.

Concerned about his financial stability, a case worker reached out to VRSI on the veteran’s behalf. When they first met, the veteran was mired in depression and hopelessness. Together, they completed his intake and identified his needs.

Emphasizing the importance of job opportunities within walking distance due to transportation and financial constraints, the veteran and the VRSI representative crafted a resume that highlighted his skills and experiences, filling him with pride and optimism. To bolster the veteran’s confidence for job interviews, the ES conducted mock interviews using the STAR method.

Despite initial setbacks, the veteran persevered through multiple interviews, receiving feedback and encouragement from VRSI. When he finally secured a job, the veteran expressed concerns about transportation, prompting a referral to Moving Vets Forward, a program providing bicycles to veterans. His excitement upon receiving a bike was palpable, marking a significant step towards his reintegration into society.

VRSI also provided practical assistance, such as acquiring specific work-related items like a pair of shoes, which filled the veteran with joy and a sense of belonging. With steady employment as a Warehouse Associate making $16 an hour the veteran shifted his focus to financial stability, including budgeting and opening a checking account. His next goal? Obtaining a car.

VRSI referred him to Chariots4Hope, offering classes on vehicle ownership and financial assistance to help him achieve this milestone. The veteran’s journey reflects resilience and the transformative power of support and resources in rebuilding a life after hardship.

A 32 year old Veteran who served in the US Navy honorably for approximately 10 years. He was an electronics technician onboard the USS San Antonio, and received the Navy Marine Corp Achievement Medal. He was also awarded the GWOT Service Medal, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

After discharging somewhat suddenly, the veteran was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and reports not having any plans for success. He knew he wanted to start a career in the IT field, but was unsure where to start. He briefly drove for Uber, while taking classes in TLG Learning to earn IT credentials. During this time, he experienced difficulty living with his family and made the decision to move out of his parents’ house and into a long-term stay hotel. Around then, the veteran met with the local DVOP to familiarize himself with what help may exist, and was then referred to VRSI to enroll in our program.

When we first met the veteran, he was living on his savings and reports being ‘extremely stressed’. His money was quickly running out, and he knew he would not be able to stay at the hotel indefinitely. On a systemic level, the veteran encountered an issue that we often see with Veterans – not knowing how to translate his military training and certifications into the civilian world.

On our first contact with him, our team provided information and a referral for the VA Homeless Program, Grant per Diem Transitional Housing program (‘Porchlight’), resources for SNAP Food Share program, local food pantries, and the Dry Hootch Veteran drop-in center. Over the following weeks, we enrolled him in Go Skills training program, and encouraged him to finish his TLG Learning IT courses. Our team worked with him to strengthen his resume, coached him through the interview process, and sent him regular job leads. One issue the veteran reported having was lack of funds for transportation to get to interviews. Our team addressed this by making him a ‘participant’ – based on the initiative he had shown – and provided him a gas card.

As the weeks went on, and no job offers emerged, the veteran reported feeling increasingly discouraged. At this same time, our office had an open position for an Employment Specialist. Our team met to discuss the possibility of offering this Veteran the job. We proposed the idea to him to gauge his interest, then offered him an interview.

Soon the veteran was the newest employee at VRSI. This decision highlights our program’s efforts to lean into ‘word of mouth’ and ‘hiring from within’, to give our Veteran participants the first opportunity at open positions within our ranks.

Through his time at VRSI, the veteran reached a turning point and started feeling hope about his life again. He went through the training to become an Employment Specialist, and quickly began contributing to the value and mission of our team. Being a homeless Veteran himself, the veteran found he was able to connect with and relate to our participants in a more meaningful way.

The next step in the veterans journey was to secure housing. Now that he had stable income, he rolled up his sleeves and began applying to apartments in earnest. Although it took longer than he would have liked, the veteran was eventually offered housing, and signed a lease for his new home in April 2024.

Throughout his time at VRSI, the veteran continued to make healthy decisions for his life, and didn’t let go of his dream to get into the IT field. In May 2024, one of the companies he applied to some time ago, called him back and offered him an interview. Although our team was sad to see the possibility of him leaving, we actively encouraged him to practice for and give as strong an interview as possible. Because the veteran remained a participant in our program, our team continued to work with him to improve his job readiness, interviewing skills, and how to highlight his military training as it relates to the job he applied to. The veteran engaged with us along these lines, gave a great interview and was offered the job. The veteran reports that his experience working at VRSI helped give him confidence and reduce his stress levels to take the next step. The veteran’s story highlights our team’s commitment to helping Veterans pursue their own goals – even if it means losing a great employee – by putting the Veteran first.

The veteran now has stable housing, was able to get his pets back from his parents’ house, has moved into his preferred career field, and is socializing again. He reports that VRSI helped to motivate him and move him out of a stuck place to start achieving his goals. The veteran’s story illustrates how our program takes a nuanced approach to service-delivery, meets Veterans where they are, and supports them in achieving their goals.

Veteran is 36 years of age, Army Veteran with 4 years of service. For the past few years’ veteran had some real-life struggles. Veteran had joined the military for school and to better his life. Veteran had to move to his parent’s house because he lost his place of living. Veteran lives with his parents and his family of two children along his brother and his family of four. Veteran is homeless. Veteran was given a week to move out of parent’s house with no employment or money to get own place.

Veteran is married with two children and had to move back to living with his parents, with a full house. Things were not going well and his father asked Veteran to leave and only gave him a week to do so.  Veteran had not been working because of personal issues. Veteran had no job, no money or a place to take his family. Veteran went in to a panic mode because he did not want to have his children homeless and living on the streets. Veteran was lost with no support at all. Veteran had no knowledge of the Veteran services available to him like VRSI or Temporary Housing. Veteran was going from staying with parents to Homelessness.

Veteran was desperate applying for jobs and going to businesses to obtain an opportunity for a job. After multiple failures Veteran saw our ad on Facebook and decided to call VRSI for help. VRSI brought Veteran in for an appointment, provided services and got Veteran qualified for our program. Veteran was in a very panic stage and was very desperate to get a job. Multiple times veteran stated he did not want his family to be living on the streets. VRSI provided housing resources so the Veteran and his family would not be in the street and then enrolled veteran in a training curriculum to improve skills that would increase his employability. VRSI provided training with mock interviews that included positive body language and professional speaking skills. Next, we assisted the veteran with interview clothing so that he would be dressed for success. VRSI then provided Veteran some direct job leads.

It was within 3 days the Veteran landed a job and he was able to obtain housing. Veteran was grateful for all the assistance VRSI provided. VRSI’s help to the Veteran was crucial, VRSI reacted fast and saved the Veteran from living on the streets. Many Veterans don’t have the opportunity to get the proper help. Many of our veterans are not aware of the services they can get. Luckily VRSI was here to assist this particular veteran.

VRSI was able to provide the Veteran assistance due to the continuous networking with other resources and employers in the community. VRSI brought resources, services and training to the Veteran and was able to assist him getting employed. Many supportive services were used like Transitional Housing in Bakersfield and CVAF. There is a huge difference in the Veteran from our first meeting until now. VRSI played an important part in changing this Veteran’s life.

Veteran was faced with immediate adversity and was facing homelessness with his family. Veteran went from being in a panic mode to having a job and a place to live with his family. Veteran is happy now and is making progress to one day owning his own home. Veteran has a stable income and financial security.

VRSI ES asked the Veteran to share his story about the resources and the help he obtained from VRSI with other Veterans.

Veteran is super grateful for all the help given to him by VRSI. Veteran states that without VRSI he would be in the streets with his family – homeless and jobless. Veteran has learned that there is always hope and not giving up is the key to success.

This great success story will be shared with future veterans to motivate them. Veterans need to know that is never too late to obtain assistance to better yourself and the situation. For the most part, it is very hard for a Veteran to ask for help. Ask our Veterans if they are doing good. Support our Veterans. Let’s not let the services they provided to this great Nation be forgotten.   

read more Real Life Struggles

Our Good News spotlight for this Quarter is an Army National Guard, and Navy Reserves Veteran with almost 10 years in the service.  We will call her Sue.  She is now 29 years old, enjoys being active with sports indoor and outdoors and has recently become interested in surfing now that she lives in California.  She moved here just recently to start a new business but issues stemming from PTSD and a dangerous domestic abuse situation has set her behind on her goals.

Sue moved to California shortly after separating from the military last year, with the intentions of starting a business with a long-time friend of hers.  Shortly after their arrival in California, our Veteran began to have serious issues with her business partner.  They were sharing a home in Marina, but their mission had devolved into simple survival after drugs and alcohol became the priority for them both.  Our Veteran was forced to leave the home and live on the streets to escape the substance abuse temptations.  While it was a wise decision, she was without resources, family or friends.  She was having difficulty finding employment due to the substance abuse, and lack of permanent residence.  At the same time, she was suffering the additional hurdles that come with PTSD and military service.

Struggling to cope with the depression and feelings of hopelessness, while fighting off the demons of her substance abuse was beginning to weigh on Sue.  She wasn’t aware of the services offered to Veterans or even how to investigate the options to use all available benefits due to her for her military service.  She was unemployed at the time, and while she had an idea for her business and the skills to make it happen, she was having difficulty finding clients to build the business.  Our Veteran lacked the financial resources to secure new housing, and the cost of living in California was making the task even more difficult.  Without family or friends to rely on, Sue wasn’t even sure where to go or who to ask to start digging her way out of the situation in which she had found herself.

While scouring town and turning in random applications for employment, Sue happened to meet another Veteran who was enrolled in VRSI’s services.  They had a brief conversation, and the Veteran passed her one of our business cards, hoping she would reach out and get some assistance.  Several days went by before Sue reached out to us and had a phone conversation with a Marina Employment Specialist.  During that conversation, the Veteran outlined her situation, expressing dire need for assistance with employment and housing, as well as admitting that she had no means of providing herself with food or clothing.  We outlined the services offered by VRSI, highlighting our ability to assist financially with interview clothing and food.  Additionally, we discussed developing an online training curriculum, so she could update her skills and employability.  The Veteran and ES set a meeting for the next day with the local Veteran’s transitional housing, so she could begin the intake procedures to receive a roof and bed under their program.

ES and Veteran met the next day at VTC to enroll Sue under VRSI’s services.  The Veteran was hopeful but in obvious mental/emotional distress.  She spoke of how difficult it was to reach out and ask for help, but even more difficult admitting to herself that she did need a hand.  Both ES’ expressed that they had been in similar situations in life, and both had utilized VRSI services in the past.  We shared our stories, our trauma, our mistakes, and made sure the Veteran was aware that they were not alone; brothers and sisters in arms for life.  Immediately afterward, we assisted the Veteran in enrolling under the VTC so that she could receive a temporary home under their program.

In the days and weeks to follow, we had regular meetings with this Veteran.  VRSI provided training to update the Veteran’s familiarity with computers (online self-paced video training) and link her with a quality substance abuse meeting each week.  We introduced her to several peer organizations that specialize in assisting marginalized women in today’s economy, notably Gathering for Women and HERS (Helping Empower Reentry Services) to provide positive, healthy role models as the Veteran moves forward on her journey to success.  Sue was able to promote and market her business, which provides massage and trauma therapy, to a broader base of Veterans and civilians due to the networking assistance provided by the VTC and VRSI employees.  While building her new business, VRSI provided a referral to a new business in the community, The Brass Tap and arranged an interview where the Veteran was hired on the spot.  Veteran is now working full-time with that company making $17 an hour, as well as continuing to enhance and grow her clients for the business she owns.

During our time with this Veteran, she has blossomed and is now a regular participant in community events for Veterans.   Sue discovered an interest in golfing and surfing and is pursuing both with the fellowship of other Veterans in monthly outings arranged by peer organizations (VTC, Vets 4 Vets, Veteran’s Surf Alliance).  She is still living at the VTC but is involved now with HUD-VASH and is just waiting to receive a housing voucher so that she can secure a more private residence and regain her independence.  The Veteran is now drug and alcohol-free and is interested in someday mentoring or sponsoring another Veteran suffering the same pitfalls she has experienced.  Sue recently contacted VRSI with the interest of offering discounted/free trauma-work massage services to the Veterans involved and enrolled under our program, feeling that the assistance and compassion she received from the Veteran community must be paid forward.

Sue is a shining example of the success Veterans will always find if they are provided the tools and resources that they need and deserve.  This Veteran cooperated and participated with VRSI to create a partnership, where she was able to lift herself back into the light and begin living her life to the fullest again.

This quarter’s selected Veteran was introduced to VRSI by a fellow veteran who is currently in our program. He is 26 years old and has served in the United States Air Force for six years, he was honorably discharged in December of 2023. Once discharged, the Veteran had no stable, permanent housing to go to. The veteran was experiencing economic hardship and had been couch-surfing between friends and family for several months while trying to gain stability. The identified barriers are PTSD, no formal work experience, homelessness, and transportation. The Veteran has a high school diploma and has completed postsecondary in the aerospace technical field. The veteran reported he has received some college credits and was transferring them to Fox Valley Technical College to enroll in their Aerospace program. Es gave the veteran the contact information for the enrollment counselor at FVTC to assist him in getting enrolled for classes at FVTC in fall 2024.

The Veteran reached out to VRSI for assistance in December of 2023. The veteran was looking for resources for housing, continued education, and full-time employment to become financially stable. The ES worked with the veteran assisting him with setting up an Individual Employment Plan which included training curriculum, employment goals, and returning to college to complete a degree in an Aerospace program. The Es provided employment-adjusted services, Job searches which included job links and assistance with applications, and Job readiness services which included mock interviews, do’s and don’ts’s when in an interview, and soft skills that will help the veteran become successful. They referred the veteran to HUD-VASH, local CVSO, CVI, NewCap, and other Veteran organizations that VRSI partners with to help with housing, food, and transportation assistance.

At the time the veteran had signed up for services with VRSI he had no formal work experience due to going into the United States Air Force right after High School. Since being discharged from the Air Force he had been trying to find employment. One of the biggest issues the veteran was running into while looking for employment was because he had no experience, employers didn’t want to hire him. Once the veteran signed up for services with VRSI, his Es helped him with a resume where he incorporated his skills and experience for the Air Force to Civilian skills used to gain employment.

On March 25th the veteran started working full-time with MBA Wausau LLC 40 hr/wk at $20/hr. How Exciting, the veteran had been looking for employment for months and by partnering with VRSI, the veteran overcame a few of his barriers such as finding full-time employment and is now back in temporary shelter as well. The veteran is on a positive path to become financially stable and continue his future growth as a civilian.

A veteran in need of support was referred to the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. (VRSI) by the VA, while seeking assistance with housing and employment through HUDVASH. He expressed a desire to work as a security guard but lacked direction on where to begin.

Initially facing homelessness after being evicted and residing in a storage unit, the veteran found hope through the dedicated efforts of Employment Specialists (ES) at VRSI. They promptly connected him with the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) for urgent housing assistance. Meanwhile, ES identified barriers to employment and enrolled him in VRSI’s program.

Despite the challenges, the veteran remained determined. With support from ES, he secured approval for security training and diligently attended classes at the Police Science Institute, funded by VRSI. To broaden his job prospects, ES referred veteran to the Central California Veterans Employment Committee (CCVEC) and invited him to the Strategic Veteran Hiring Event organized by the CCVEC. The CCVEC assisted veteran with professional interview attire for the event and future interviews.

At the event, the veteran impressed several employers during interviews, positioning himself as a strong candidate. Meanwhile, he received news that SSVF had secured housing and food assistance for him, providing much-needed stability. The transition to a new home marked a significant improvement in his living conditions.

Throughout this period, ES continued to refine his resume, interview skills, and support his job search efforts. The veteran’s perseverance paid off when he was offered a security position with a local company after successfully completing interviews and passing required tests. He started his new job promptly at $16.00 an hour working full-time, signaling a new chapter in his life.

Reflecting on his journey, the veteran expressed profound gratitude to VRSI and SSVF for their unwavering assistance. Their collective efforts not only provided essential resources but also restored his confidence and hope for the future, by assisting the veteran with starting on the right path and following through with the services they provide and supporting him on his journey. Now settled in his new role, the veteran is poised to build upon his successes and contribute positively to his community.

Introduction to the Veteran

Veteran is 36 years of age, Army Veteran with 4 years of service. For the past few years’ veteran had some real-life struggles. Veteran had joined the military for school and to better his life. Veteran had to move to his parent’s house because he lost his place of living. Veteran lives with his parents and his family of two children along his brother and his family of four. Veteran is homeless. Veteran was given a week to move out of parent’s house with no employment or money to get own place.

Veteran is married with two children and had to move back to living with his parents, with a full house. Things were not going well and his father asked Veteran to leave and only gave him a week to do so.  Veteran had not been working because of personal issues. Veteran had no job, no money or a place to take his family. Veteran went in to a panic mode because he did not want to have his children homeless and living on the streets. Veteran was lost with no support at all. Veteran had no knowledge of the Veteran services available to him like VRSI or Temporary Housing. Veteran was going from staying with parents to Homelessness.

Veteran was desperate applying for jobs and going to businesses to obtain an opportunity for a job. After multiple failures Veteran saw our ad on Facebook and decided to call VRSI for help. VRSI brought Veteran in for an appointment, provided services and got Veteran qualified for our program. Veteran was in a very panic stage and was very desperate to get a job. Multiple times veteran stated he did not want his family to be living on the streets. VRSI provided housing resources so the Veteran and his family would not be in the street and then enrolled veteran in a training curriculum to improve skills that would increase his employability. VRSI provided training with mock interviews that included positive body language and professional speaking skills. Next, we assisted the veteran with interview clothing so that he would be dressed for success. VRSI then provided Veteran some direct job leads.

It was within 3 days the Veteran landed a job and he was able to obtain housing. Veteran was grateful for all the assistance VRSI provided. VRSI’s help to the Veteran was crucial, VRSI reacted fast and saved the Veteran from living on the streets. Many Veterans don’t have the opportunity to get the proper help. Many of our veterans are not aware of the services they can get. Luckily VRSI was here to assist this particular veteran.

VRSI was able to provide the Veteran assistance due to the continuous networking with other resources and employers in the community. VRSI brought resources, services and training to the Veteran and was able to assist him getting employed. Many supportive services were used like Transitional Housing in Bakersfield and CVAF. There is a huge difference in the Veteran from our first meeting until now. VRSI played an important part in changing this Veteran’s life.

Veteran was faced with immediate adversity and was facing homelessness with his family. Veteran went from being in a panic mode to having a job and a place to live with his family. Veteran is happy now and is making progress to one day owning his own home. Veteran has a stable income and financial security.

VRSI ES asked the Veteran to share his story about the resources and the help he obtained from VRSI with other Veterans.

Veteran is super grateful for all the help given to him by VRSI. Veteran states that without VRSI he would be in the streets with his family – homeless and jobless. Veteran has learned that there is always hope and not giving up is the key to success.

This great success story will be shared with future veterans to motivate them. Veterans need to know that is never too late to obtain assistance to better yourself and the situation. For the most part, it is very hard for a Veteran to ask for help. Ask our Veterans if they are doing good. Support our Veterans. Let’s not let the services they provided to this great Nation be forgotten.