THE LIN EDLICH AWARD WINNER FY23-24
Roxie Perryman
I’m Roxie Perryman and this is a true story and a prime example of a second chance in life. When all was said and done my journey wasn’t and hasn’t been so easy. I’ve never had anyone to stand by my side when things get tough and to show or prove that they cared about my wellbeing, or even to see me better myself to strive for the greater good. Not until I learned about an agency called “Virginia CARES” and the people who are behind this wonderful cause. I’ve never had that consistency in my life, and I didn’t think it existed until I was completely out of my good space and had lost myself back in 2022 wanting to die and could care less to live anymore for my 2 daughters that I live for and do right for since I became a mom in 2005. I’m 39 years old and for the first time I became a convicted felon when I was 38 years old. Me catching charges to losing it all on what I had in such a short amount of time, I knew GOD was trying to tell me something, and getting in trouble with the law and going to jail with NO ONE and nothing by my side but Him and my family. And through the worst time in my life, He brought people like Mr. Marshall Williams and Mrs. Chrissy Anglin of Virginia Cares. They helped me get the start back to my life when I first got out of jail and on probation trying to get all that I lost and needed to begin a fresh start. They showed compassion and honesty, and most of all kept their word to me on helping me in what they said they would help me with. I hold them near and dear to my heart and will always remember them and have a close but sincere professional bond with them as they are always commending me and checking up on me to see how I’m doing. They always make sure they keep in some type of contact with me if they go some time without contact with me. They genuinely care about “Roxie” without any kind of judgment or thinking negative about me. I have their support as I hope they know they have mine and will always recommend them to another person in need who could use their help. I can’t thank them enough for how they helped change my life for the better. I hope to continue to make them proud. As the saying goes If “I can do it, anyone can do it.” someone who has had EVERY LIFE STRUGGLE that has been thrown at them and getting knocked down to your lowest and thinking there is no coming back from it. I’m here to tell you that YOU CAN! Never give up, fight your way back to the person you want to be in life, and even if you feel you’re by yourself at the time you need someone the most. Just know you went through what you encountered in that part of your journey, to find those extra special and rare few people in this world, to be there to help you get back to where you want to be in your life.
THE ROSANA ANDERSON AWARD FY23-24
Christopher Snipes
My current role at People Inc. is Case Manager for VA CARES (Community Action Reentry System) program. I have been with People Inc. for 8 years. I assist formerly incarcerated individuals, try to help them overcome barriers to reentry into the community such as housing, employment, driver’s license, ID, family reunification, and restoration of rights. In 2001, hired by the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control as clerk and acting assistance manager. In 2004, received Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Who’s Who Among Students in Americas Junior Colleges, volunteered with local fire rescue and two town police departments. In 2005, hired as Detention Officer. Promotions to Team Lead, Corporal FTO, Sargent, DCJC General Instructor, OC Pepper Spray Instructor, Lieutenant and PREA Sexual Assault Investigator. In 2009, received Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and National Scholars Honor Society and two-time dean’s list, letter of recognition from Sheriff’s Department, letter of commendation from jail, and developed Employee Recognition Program. In 2016, I started work as an VA CARES Employment Specialist with People Inc. I would search for employers that were open to hiring formerly convicted individuals and if not, which charges they would not hire. Build relationships with potential employers, Educating and advocating benefits to hiring formerly incarcerated How to apply for job openings, and provide job readiness class. A short time later I was promoted to Case Manager. I have been trained in facilitation skills for ex-offenders, risk assessment, mental health and first aid, ROMA, volunteered for Employee Engagement Committee, Health and Safety Committee and representative to several reentry councils.
FY 21-22 The Cindy Martin Nominees
Kenneth Jackson
Mr. Kenneth Jackson enrolled in HRCAP’s VA CARES Program on Sept. 25, 2019 after being referred for services. He is originally from California and did not know what was available to him. He informed staff that he needed employment and housing assistance. He is also a veteran and was referred to HRCAP’s SSVF Program (Veterans Services Program) for additional services. Staff was able to connect with one of our landlords, Michelle Handy, then the VA CARES staff and SSVF staff collaborate on getting Mr. Jackson housed. Through wraparound services, VA CARES identified a landlord that had available housing, and because Mr. Jackson qualified for HRCAP’s SSVF program, he was able to secure a deposit and 1st months’ rent.
At the time that he was being housed, VA CARES staff was able to connect him with a job interview with Zaxby’s Restaurant as a dishwasher. Although Mr. Jackson knew that he had more skills and qualifications to do other work, he went to the interview and was hired on the spot as a parttime dishwasher.
He stayed in contact with our office on his days off to keep us updated on his progress, then the pandemic hit which jeopardized his employment and affected his ability to come in to our office on a regular basis. However, he was able to continue to work as much as he was allowed, so things got tight for a while, but the silver lining is that as the city began to slowly open back up, he started coming back into our office to talk and share his progress. The best news is he was now promoted to Assistance Manager at Zaxby’s and he is doing well. Whenever there are available positions, he does not hesitate to let us know so that we can let other participants know about those positions.
Mr. Jackson is completing his classes with probation and is expected to complete them by the end of the 2020. Although he is anticipating going back to California because that is where his support system is, he states that VA CARES has been a blessing for him. In return, staff feels that he has been a blessing to VA CARES because he is so computer savvy, he has been able to assist other participants on the computer.
Mr. Jackson came into the program not knowing much about VA CARES. He received assistance with housing and employment. Mr. Jackson was grateful for the services, the hand up, that he received that he extended his hand to reach back to help others in the program. He did this by assisting other VA CARES participants on how to use computers. Also when he was promoted to a supervisory position where he could make recommendation to hire, he ensured that the VA CARES staff knew so that they could let other participants looking for employment know of available jobs.
Mr. Jackson is an example of what the VA CARES program is about.
At the time that he was being housed, VA CARES staff was able to connect him with a job interview with Zaxby’s Restaurant as a dishwasher. Although Mr. Jackson knew that he had more skills and qualifications to do other work, he went to the interview and was hired on the spot as a parttime dishwasher.
He stayed in contact with our office on his days off to keep us updated on his progress, then the pandemic hit which jeopardized his employment and affected his ability to come in to our office on a regular basis. However, he was able to continue to work as much as he was allowed, so things got tight for a while, but the silver lining is that as the city began to slowly open back up, he started coming back into our office to talk and share his progress. The best news is he was now promoted to Assistance Manager at Zaxby’s and he is doing well. Whenever there are available positions, he does not hesitate to let us know so that we can let other participants know about those positions.
Mr. Jackson is completing his classes with probation and is expected to complete them by the end of the 2020. Although he is anticipating going back to California because that is where his support system is, he states that VA CARES has been a blessing for him. In return, staff feels that he has been a blessing to VA CARES because he is so computer savvy, he has been able to assist other participants on the computer.
Mr. Jackson came into the program not knowing much about VA CARES. He received assistance with housing and employment. Mr. Jackson was grateful for the services, the hand up, that he received that he extended his hand to reach back to help others in the program. He did this by assisting other VA CARES participants on how to use computers. Also when he was promoted to a supervisory position where he could make recommendation to hire, he ensured that the VA CARES staff knew so that they could let other participants looking for employment know of available jobs.
Mr. Jackson is an example of what the VA CARES program is about.
SUCCESS STORIES
FY-22-23
William Ortega, New River, Christianburg, VA
William had spent the last 7 years incarcerated on a simple drug possession charge and felt like once he got out, he would just end up right back in jail. William knew he needed to make some major changes in his life if he wanted to remain out of jail. During the last part of his incarceration, William met a pen pal via a website and formed a connection which would be the start of changing his life for the better. This pen pal helped William develop a plan of action upon his release that would allow him to return to college to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Once William was released, he applied for financial aid and began attending a local community college in his area. Classes started and William quickly realized that he would need additional assistance and guidance to remain in school, so he contacted his local VA Cares office for help. Staff were able to meet with him to determine what his needs were and to develop a case plan. Sobriety was an important piece of Williams plan, so we were able to set him up with an active peer recovery group to assist with his sobriety. Being newly released, William was very limited in his financial ability to purchase items needed for attending school. Partnering with the local NRCA emergency assistance office, staff were able to get William a book bag with supplies, hygiene products, and a computer to complete his online coursework with.
Once William had the proper tools and support, he began to flourish in school and continued to do well in his studies. William would like to complete his associate degree and then transfer to VT to pursue a bachelors degree in Computer Science. VA Cares staff will continue to work with him to work towards all his case plan goals and outcomes. We look forward to seeing the wonderful things he will do.
Once William had the proper tools and support, he began to flourish in school and continued to do well in his studies. William would like to complete his associate degree and then transfer to VT to pursue a bachelors degree in Computer Science. VA Cares staff will continue to work with him to work towards all his case plan goals and outcomes. We look forward to seeing the wonderful things he will do.
Brandon Fowlkes-New River Valley Community Action
Became a client in early December 2017. He heard about Virginia Cares while incarcerated at Dillwyn Correctional Center. Within a week of his release, he enrolled with the Cares Program. On Galen’s first attempt, he applied at a local grocery store and secured employment. He has been working full time at this location for the last seven months and has acquired two pay raises. He was able to save money and buy a used vehicle. He volunteers at the Lighthouse Community Center which helps pick up food. Galen volunteers in other areas at the Lighthouse including the food bank and helping with transportation for returning citizens and others who don’t have vehicles. Galen lives independently. His long-term goal for employment is to secure a job within the Railroad transportation industry. Galen credits the CARES resources for helping him transition back in society successfully.
Aaminy Williams TAP- WINGS Program, Roanoke, VA
The WINGS Program is proud to present Aaminy Williams as our Shining Star. Aaminy Williams became a WINGS Participant on July 18, 2022. Despite her circumstances, she has never stop fighting to reclaim her life. Aaminy is a working mother headed towards a great future. She will graduate from Virginia Western Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Aaminy plans to get her Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Services field. As Aaminy continues to navigate her life, she knows that she has the continued support of the WINGS Program.
Corey Banks
Is 32 year old “former” Marine who currently resides in Fredericksburg, Va. During the past decade; He has come face to face with many challenges that most won’t face during their entire lifetime. Thankfully, God in His infinite wisdom and grace, has walked beside him step by step, each step of the way, leading him to people whom He would use to express His kindness toward him. Virginia Cares has been a great conduit of God’s goodness in his life. Corey was a volunteer during his transition back as a returned citizen. Virginia Cares provided housing and a stable environment that allowed him to complete college and earn a bachelor’s of Theology. He will forever be indebted to all involved in the transformation of a life filled with tragedy into a life filled with hope and triumph.
Jason Pritchard
Jason Pritchard was our Cindy Martin Winner 2018
He came to the program unemployed, no license and living with his parents. Since enrollment in VA CARES program is has not only obtained employment with Olive Garden he has jump to one of the top spots in the kitchen and trains other new employees. He has worked with our Home owners program and got himself in good credit standing and now is a home owner. He also applied and interview with for VA CARES program (we could not get green light from probation for clearance at that time) He also works with a local nonresidential substance abuse program to help other returning citizens become successful. He has actively attending resource fairs with Department of Corrections to encourage others to succeed as he has done.
He has always had a positive attitude and is a really inspiring individual to be around.
Since 2019:
Jason Pritchard is a Recovery Program Manager who manages a program that was created through a diverse stream of grants for the Ballad Health Department of Population health. Mr. Pritchard has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Virginia Tech. He spent 16 years in active addiction and has now been in recovery for the last 9 years. Mr. Pritchard is also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist for both Virginia and Tennessee. He uses his life experiences to aid others in their pursuit of living a drug free life as a productive member of society. Mr. Pritchard is certified to train and supervise peer recovery specialists for Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Mr. Pritchard became an ordained Minister in March of 2020. Mr. Pritchard spent five years in incarceration and now has a heart for people who are battling the bondage of addiction. In 2018 he was recognized by the Virginia Cares program who awarded him the “Cindy R. Martin Special Achievement Award” for those who excel in society after being incarcerated. Mr. Pritchard has collaborated with community organizations in Southwest Virginia. His role at Ballad Health was to engage those existing organic grass root coalitions and the faith-based community in order to overcome this opioid epidemic that now ravages Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. In October of 2019 Mr. Pritchard was promoted to Recovery Program Manager to manage Ballad Health’s PEERhelp program. He now manages a team of 11 peer recovery specialists that serve both Tennessee and Virginia. In April of 2019 Mr. Pritchard was one of three individuals who created a Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Richmond, VA affiliate. Mr. Pritchard now serves on the Board of Directors for SAARA of Richmond, VA. and affiliate President for Far Southwest VA. In November of 2019 he was asked to join the Board of Directors for Red Legacy Recovery a program that serves ladies in recovery in Carter County, TN. Mr. Pritchard was voted onto the Board of Directors for People’s Incorporated. People’s Inc. is a community organization that provides opportunities for economically disadvantaged people to reach their goals in order to enhance their lives, their families, and their communities. Most Recently Mr. Pritchard was named as a Project Director on a federal Health Resource Service Administration(HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program(RCORP)-Psychostimulants grant.
Wali McFarlane
I am writing on behalf of Wali McFarlane. Mr. McFarlane was released from incarceration in 2017 and then he stayed in a halfway house for 90 days. He then enrolled in our Virginia Cares Program. The program provided him job skill training in the class room, job search opportunities, independent living and much more. I was initially impressed with Mr. McFarlane’s enthusiasm, communication skills and professional humble demeanor. He was always upbeat with a positive attitude.
He obtained employment in October 2017 with Shelia’s Restaurant as a dishwasher and food runner, where the owner was so impressed with him that he offered him partial ownership in the restaurant. He continued to work hard, his attendance was excellent as he never missed a day of work and was always on time. In June of 2018 he was offered full-time employment with (TAP) as a Floor Tech. Mr. McFarlane is now living in his own apartment and is saving money to purchase his first car. My congratulations to him for Following His Dream!!!
He obtained employment in October 2017 with Shelia’s Restaurant as a dishwasher and food runner, where the owner was so impressed with him that he offered him partial ownership in the restaurant. He continued to work hard, his attendance was excellent as he never missed a day of work and was always on time. In June of 2018 he was offered full-time employment with (TAP) as a Floor Tech. Mr. McFarlane is now living in his own apartment and is saving money to purchase his first car. My congratulations to him for Following His Dream!!!
Darren Scruggs
Darren enrolled in the Covington VA/CARES program on January 25th of 2017. I had already heard about him because he had been in the VA/CARES program once before. He was a very talented individual. But, it seems that Darren had some run-ins with the police and old charges as far back as 1994. Darren was charged with vehicular hit and run. The story is told that Darren was having a party and had a cookout for all the people in his neighborhood. When it had gotten late Darren and his lady was ready to turn in for the night when an individual refused to leave and proceeded to follow Darren into the house. The guy was told to leave because they were going to go get ready for bed. After the individual refused to leave, a fight broke out and Darren seemed to have gotten the worst of the ordeal, the attacking individual jump in his car and speed away. He drove so fast that he wrecks his automobile. Once Darren came to his senses, he ran out the house and drove after the guy. After being attacked in his own home and running on adrenaline, Darren actually ran his car into the wrecked attacker’s crashed vehicle. Needless to say when the police officer reached the scene he arrested Darren for running into fleeing attacker’s car and not the guy for the assault and battery on a now very badly bruised (from the fight) and confused Darren.
Darren has been very active since getting released. When he came to see me all he needed help with was a phone to contact potential customers. It seems that it was true what they said about him. He is a self-taught carpenter, plumber, electrician and residential renovator. He is also a motorcycle mechanic by trade. But, when he could not find work in that field, he put his building skills to work to pay the bills.
He has actually hired my grandson to help tear off and replace a roof. I was so impressed with some tiled bathrooms that he had done, that I contracted him to redo my daughter’s bathroom. He regularly contacts me and asks me to send him workers to help with jobs that he has contracted.
I am submitting him as a success story because he paid his debt to society. He got his contractor’s License, business insurance and is now employing other ex-offenders. Also he is enrolled in welding program supplied by a local business in Buena Vista, VA to get his welding certification. He continues to do things to help him become more successful in life. Darren Scruggs wanted me to use his full name because he feels like it will be good advertising.
Darren has been very active since getting released. When he came to see me all he needed help with was a phone to contact potential customers. It seems that it was true what they said about him. He is a self-taught carpenter, plumber, electrician and residential renovator. He is also a motorcycle mechanic by trade. But, when he could not find work in that field, he put his building skills to work to pay the bills.
He has actually hired my grandson to help tear off and replace a roof. I was so impressed with some tiled bathrooms that he had done, that I contracted him to redo my daughter’s bathroom. He regularly contacts me and asks me to send him workers to help with jobs that he has contracted.
I am submitting him as a success story because he paid his debt to society. He got his contractor’s License, business insurance and is now employing other ex-offenders. Also he is enrolled in welding program supplied by a local business in Buena Vista, VA to get his welding certification. He continues to do things to help him become more successful in life. Darren Scruggs wanted me to use his full name because he feels like it will be good advertising.
Chauvin Bailey
Chauvin Bailey has been a client of Virginia Cares since November 12, 2015. Mr. Bailey was introduced to the program through a Job Readiness workshop held at Riverside work release facility by Virginia Cares staff Audrey Taylor and Adrian lee out of Petersburg Virginia office.
During the workshop Mr. Bailey express to staff members that he would be coming home in two weeks and had no place to live, Virginia Cares staff members worked diligently to find Mr. Bailey a place to live once he was released from incarceration, because of the contacts staff have made with landlords private and professional, Virginia Cares staff was able to find Mr. Bailey a room to live in once he was released. Mr. Bailey was able to live there for as long as he chose, Virginia Cares continued to follow Mr. Bailey offering him support and any other resources that he would need to become a productive citizen.
Mr. Bailey took advantage of all job Readiness workshops, Support and peer groups determined that he would do better for himself and his community. Mr. Bailey is a full time Amazonian working for Amazon in Dinwiddie Va. He is still a client of Virginia Cares who has now become more independent and continues to strive for excellence.
Mr. Bailey in less than ninety days of being enrolled in the program has obtain his first apartment since being released from incarceration, Virginia Cares was able to help out with the deposit for this apartment, also Virginia Cares reached out to other resources that are available and willing to help Returning Citizens, and he was able to get funding for furniture and money to rent a vehicle to pick up furniture. Mr. Bailey’s fresh new start. Mr. Bailey continues to come to job readiness workshops as well as support group meetings, he has proven to be a very determined hard working young man who wants to take full advantage of his resources. Mr. Bailey has become a perfect example of what can happen if a returning citizen is ready and willing to make change by using their resources and enrolling in our program Virginia Cares.
The staff here at the Petersburg Virginia office are extremely proud to have such a success story such as Mr. Bailey’s it has been an honor to watch someone grow and strive for excellence knowing that your hard work has paid off.
During the workshop Mr. Bailey express to staff members that he would be coming home in two weeks and had no place to live, Virginia Cares staff members worked diligently to find Mr. Bailey a place to live once he was released from incarceration, because of the contacts staff have made with landlords private and professional, Virginia Cares staff was able to find Mr. Bailey a room to live in once he was released. Mr. Bailey was able to live there for as long as he chose, Virginia Cares continued to follow Mr. Bailey offering him support and any other resources that he would need to become a productive citizen.
Mr. Bailey took advantage of all job Readiness workshops, Support and peer groups determined that he would do better for himself and his community. Mr. Bailey is a full time Amazonian working for Amazon in Dinwiddie Va. He is still a client of Virginia Cares who has now become more independent and continues to strive for excellence.
Mr. Bailey in less than ninety days of being enrolled in the program has obtain his first apartment since being released from incarceration, Virginia Cares was able to help out with the deposit for this apartment, also Virginia Cares reached out to other resources that are available and willing to help Returning Citizens, and he was able to get funding for furniture and money to rent a vehicle to pick up furniture. Mr. Bailey’s fresh new start. Mr. Bailey continues to come to job readiness workshops as well as support group meetings, he has proven to be a very determined hard working young man who wants to take full advantage of his resources. Mr. Bailey has become a perfect example of what can happen if a returning citizen is ready and willing to make change by using their resources and enrolling in our program Virginia Cares.
The staff here at the Petersburg Virginia office are extremely proud to have such a success story such as Mr. Bailey’s it has been an honor to watch someone grow and strive for excellence knowing that your hard work has paid off.
Markus Champs
Markus has been in the Cares program since 12/29/2015. He was released from prison less than a year ago. He ended up in the Bristol area and was unfamiliar with the area, employers and resources. When he first arrived, Markus basically had nothing. I helped him with food and clothing and arranged living arraignments with the Salvation Army. We are in the process of trying to acquire his driver’s license back now. During this time I was able to get Markus some bus tokens to be able to get around town and pursue job leads. Markus struggled the first few weeks, but maintained a positive and persistent approach. I conducted several job readiness classes with Markus and helped with his resume. During this time, I referred Markus to local bakery and was able to assist in setting up an interview. Markus landed the job and has been maintaining his employment. He is saving his money and is dedicated to finding an apartment for himself.
Marcus and I have contacted other agencies in regards to trying to assist him financially in this quest. I feel Markus Champs is a great example of what the Cares program and a willing client can accomplish. I look forward to helping Markus achieve his goals. He deserves all the credit in the world. I am just happy to play a small role in this success story.
Marcus and I have contacted other agencies in regards to trying to assist him financially in this quest. I feel Markus Champs is a great example of what the Cares program and a willing client can accomplish. I look forward to helping Markus achieve his goals. He deserves all the credit in the world. I am just happy to play a small role in this success story.
Holland Davy
Prior to Holland’s release, I received an email from Emma Eaton who a Community Reentry Specialist with the Department of Corrections letting me know that Holland was scheduled to be released on 9-29-15 and would benefit from case management services immediately upon his release. Emma had known Holland for over 10 years and had first met Holland while serving as a Counselor at a prison. Emma was always impressed with Holland’s work ethics and positive attitude while incarcerated and wanted to see Holland succeed upon release.
After spending 12 years incarcerated, Holland was released to Montgomery County Virginia after being told he was not able to return to his home state of West Virginia, and he was forced to start his life without the anticipated family support he was counting on.
Once released, he was placed by Radford Probation and Parole in the boarding house in Christiansburg and given instructions to enroll in VA Cares to receive case management services. I first met Holland on October 5, 2015 and was immediately impressed with his willingness to open up and share some of the obstacles he was currently facing. Holland was anxious and nervous about how much things had changed in the 12 years he was gone. He had no family support locally and was afraid of what the future may hold.
Part of the stipulations of payment of rent for the boarding house included 20 hours of community service per month. Based on Holland’s job skills, staff decided that he would be a great addition to the office and Holland started volunteering immediately. Holland painted, cleaned and assisted with other maintenance needs at the Montgomery County office. During his time at the office, he worked closely with the VA Cares staff to make plans for long term needs such as housing and employment. Due to Holland’s excellent work skills, staff made a referral to the Goodwill program in hopes that they would be able to offer a paid internship work experience for Holland to get him started in the workforce. Holland started working at New River Community Action through our partnership with the Goodwill Workforce Innovation and opportunity Act of 1998. This program paid Holland a total of 150 hours to sharpen his work skills so that he would become more employable. Holland did a wonderful job at the Montgomery office and even traveled to the main office in Radford to help out when needed. This internship also allowed Holland to take the money he had earned along with financial assistance from VA Cares and MCEAP and secure his own apartment.
Upon completion of the internship, Holland set out to find full-time employment. Our employment specialist, Nikki, began working with Holland to search for jobs he may be qualified for. She had heard that Bills Used Auto Parts in Christiansburg was in need of help and quickly took Holland to apply. Once Holland’s application was submitted, he was contacted immediately for an interview. Holland started working for Bills Used Auto Parts on January 14, 2016 and is currently still employed at this time.
In a matter of 5 short months, Holland was able to build a strong foundation for himself. He continues to work hard and make plans for his future. At this time, Holland has made plans to pay his fines in full or make payment plans to each county in which he owes money. He has been in contact with WVA to take care of any outstanding debts he may have. He is currently studying to take his DMV knowledge exam and road test to obtain his drivers license. With continued motivation and a positive attitude we expect Holland to do great things in the future!
After spending 12 years incarcerated, Holland was released to Montgomery County Virginia after being told he was not able to return to his home state of West Virginia, and he was forced to start his life without the anticipated family support he was counting on.
Once released, he was placed by Radford Probation and Parole in the boarding house in Christiansburg and given instructions to enroll in VA Cares to receive case management services. I first met Holland on October 5, 2015 and was immediately impressed with his willingness to open up and share some of the obstacles he was currently facing. Holland was anxious and nervous about how much things had changed in the 12 years he was gone. He had no family support locally and was afraid of what the future may hold.
Part of the stipulations of payment of rent for the boarding house included 20 hours of community service per month. Based on Holland’s job skills, staff decided that he would be a great addition to the office and Holland started volunteering immediately. Holland painted, cleaned and assisted with other maintenance needs at the Montgomery County office. During his time at the office, he worked closely with the VA Cares staff to make plans for long term needs such as housing and employment. Due to Holland’s excellent work skills, staff made a referral to the Goodwill program in hopes that they would be able to offer a paid internship work experience for Holland to get him started in the workforce. Holland started working at New River Community Action through our partnership with the Goodwill Workforce Innovation and opportunity Act of 1998. This program paid Holland a total of 150 hours to sharpen his work skills so that he would become more employable. Holland did a wonderful job at the Montgomery office and even traveled to the main office in Radford to help out when needed. This internship also allowed Holland to take the money he had earned along with financial assistance from VA Cares and MCEAP and secure his own apartment.
Upon completion of the internship, Holland set out to find full-time employment. Our employment specialist, Nikki, began working with Holland to search for jobs he may be qualified for. She had heard that Bills Used Auto Parts in Christiansburg was in need of help and quickly took Holland to apply. Once Holland’s application was submitted, he was contacted immediately for an interview. Holland started working for Bills Used Auto Parts on January 14, 2016 and is currently still employed at this time.
In a matter of 5 short months, Holland was able to build a strong foundation for himself. He continues to work hard and make plans for his future. At this time, Holland has made plans to pay his fines in full or make payment plans to each county in which he owes money. He has been in contact with WVA to take care of any outstanding debts he may have. He is currently studying to take his DMV knowledge exam and road test to obtain his drivers license. With continued motivation and a positive attitude we expect Holland to do great things in the future!