2021-2022
Annual Report VETERAN SERVICES
Veteran’s Future Is Brighter After Much Darkness Dwight was born and raised in New Orleans. Upon graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served for 12 years. After being honorably discharged, he settled in Atlanta and built a life for himself. But as the only male child in his family, he made sure to visit his mother back in New Orleans from time to time. Then, a few years ago, Dwight’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, and she needed her “blessed son” to be by her side and care for her. This was a difficult decision. Dwight’s work and friends were all in Atlanta, coming back to his childhood home meant leaving them all behind. Even so, Dwight knew how much his mother had sacrificed for her family during his childhood. He had no choice but to come back home. For six months, Dwight devoted all his time to care for his mother. Whether it was in the hospital, or in the end, at home by her bedside, Dwight was with her. When she passed, Dwight was devastated and fell into a deep depression. To numb the pain, he started using drugs. His drug use prevented him from finding work, and he ended up homeless and in a dark place. He had come to New Orleans to help his mother but what would she think of him now? With nowhere to turn, Dwight contacted the Veterans Administration, where he met Mrs. Lindsey, whom he calls his “Angel,” who directed him to Volunteers of America’s Veterans Services at the Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Pavilion. Upon entering the facility on Napoleon Street, he was met by “Chief,” the Director of the Veteran Services program. He instantly felt at home. “I have a lot of respect for ‘Chief.’ He’s strict, but respectful of all the residents. That was exactly what I Veterans account for 11% of homeless needed in my life at that time. He saved my life.” adults in the US. Dwight stopped using drugs and his depression lifted. “Volunteers of America was They need a a positive force in my life. It got me the services I needed to get myself straightened coordinated effort out and I got my confidence back. This program also helped me get a job. Now, I that provides secure have my own apartment. I’m ready for God’s will and will accept God’s plan.” housing, mental health counseling, and empowerment.