Page 9 - 2021-Donor-Impact-Report
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   “This is something I’ve never been able to do, so to be able to have that chance is amazing,” Jennifer said, “It’s doing logistics, like what I did in the military.”
According to her case manager, Ashley, Jennifer was able to save her money during this time to be able to purchase her own car. Now she has a reliable means of transportation for getting to work and necessary appointments.
“Jennifer was super communicative,” Ashley said. “She was very open and honest about what she was using her money for. It’s rewarding when veterans share how they use their finances in a proactive way.”
Jennifer is so thankful for HVAF as she believes she wouldn’t be where she is today without the case managers’ constant support.
“When you come into HVAF’s building, there’s a support network here,” Jennifer said. “There’s just something that feels like home when you’re here.”
You can WATCH Jennifer share her story on HVAF’s YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/HVAFVeterans
WHAT IS ?
In 2015, Judge (and HVAF Board Member) David Certo established a Veterans Court in Indianapolis. According to the Indianapolis Government website:
IVC provides a specialized court docket that focuses on veterans’ and active duty military members’ unique needs. It also creates a therapeutic environment where structured treatment, close court supervision, and supportive interventions address impairments that can lead to criminal activity.
When Judge Certo started working at the Indianapolis Community Court, he learned there wasn’t an established Veterans Court. He knew this would be a necessary addition to the city in order to make it a better community for everyone.
“Veterans typically aren’t dangerous once they leave the service. Their job is to become great civilians, but the military doesn’t do that because that’s not their mission,” Judge Certo said. “Our job as a community is to help veterans get their feet under them again and help them find their way in this big free world that can be really disorienting especially if you’re used to structure and a schedule.”
HVAF works alongside IVC in several different ways. IVC connects their veterans to HVAF to receive case management, essential items, hous- ing, employment, and other necessary resources. We also allow the veterans who need to complete community service the opportunity to vol- unteer in the community center.
“Really the community has rallied to help. HVAF is an enormous help for us – especially for housing resources or things like volunteering, food from the pantry, and understanding and connecting with benefits,” Judge Certo said. “And that’s really great.”
VET
 COURT
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