U.S. Army Veteran Ron has a joyful smile and a hearty laugh. He shares joy with everyone he meets. Today, he’s going to school to fulfill his dream. But two years ago, Ron was in a very different place. He struggled with the disease of addiction for many years, until he reached his breaking point.

U.S. Army Veteran Rhonda has a gentle demeanor and a strong voice. And if there’s one thing she’s passionate about, it’s standing up for others.

Amani carried her suffering inside for far too long in an attempt to hide from her PTSD. Her mental health suffered, and she became homeless. Her memories tormented her until she realized there was no escape. But when she needed help, your hand was there to lift her up.

Andrew’s life has been anything but easy. He’s felt the cold suffering that comes from great loss. He experienced a time when veterans returning home from war were not greeted as heroes. He’s been weighed down by the depression of losing a child and found drugs and alcohol as the answers to his pain. He didn’t realize it at the time, but Andrew was on a lifelong journey to find hope and restore his faith in God.

Judge Sara J. Harper is a woman who exemplifies what it means to live a purposeful life, dedicated to making a difference in the world. At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, we believe this so much so that we named a housing community dedicated to serving women veterans after her. We’d like to share with you why she is so special. “People would tell me, ‘Oh you can’t do that.’ So, I did it anyway. Away from them.” The Honorable Judge Sara J. Harper Judge Sara J. Harper was born on August 10, 1926, and grew up in Cleveland…

Each year, we honor our nation’s veterans on November 11th, Veterans Day. It’s a time to take a step back and reflect on the sacrifices these men and women have made to keep us safe. It’s a time to honor them, celebrate them, and thank them. We can never be grateful enough for their service, but we can try! Make sure you take a moment this week to do something special for the veterans in your life. Whether it’s buying a cup of coffee, taking them to lunch, or a simple text message – your words will go a long…

In June, we recognize PTSD Awareness Month. People living with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, have experienced or witnessed a life-threatening or terrifying event. It’s a mental health condition that can cause flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Not just this month, but every month, it’s important to understand how to support and care for those living with PTSD.

I grew up fast in my six years in the Navy. There were parts of being a sailor that I absolutely loved. I loved traveling the world and seeing places I never imagined I would. I was proud that I had chosen to dedicate my life to serve others. The work I did was fulfilling. I felt like I was helping my country.

My name is Michael and I am a U.S. Army veteran. When I think about Volunteers of America, and my time at the Domiciliary, I think about how much I have changed. I also think about how much I have learned too.
Let me back up for a minute.
In late 2015, I lost my cab. After I lost my cab, I lost my home.

He loved the service. “With the good came some bad,” he said. And what was bad for him changed his life forever. “It’s personal, and not something that I want to share. I was humiliated and even today I can’t talk about it.” Lawrence experienced a moment of extreme abuse in the military, and that’s all he’s willing to explain.