Celebrating Military Appreciation Month

Dear Friends,

I have seen firsthand the deep wounds that service members like Ray carry long after their time in uniform ends.

As an Army veteran, including deployments to Kosovo and Afghanistan, I am honored to be part of an organization that is committed to helping such veterans get through these challenges, begin to heal, and realize their potential.

“I am grateful to everyone who helped me and believed in me at a time when I really didn’t believe in myself.” - Ray/Veteran

When Ray left the Marines and re-entered civilian life, he secured a good job, a nice apartment and a new truck that he loved. At 26, his future looked limitless.

But the residue of war would catch up with Ray, leading to substance use and homelessness.

Later diagnosed as PTSD, Ray went into a dark spiral. He began self-medicating, which led to addiction. He lost his job, then his apartment. Ray still had his truck, which is where he slept most nights. Eventually, he lost that too.

I hit rock bottom. It was freezing outside and I had nowhere to go. I knew things needed to change.

Ray reached out to Harbor Care for help. He entered treatment, accessed important mental health care and our Veterans FIRST programs.

For the first time in four years, Ray found hope. He moved into an apartment at Dalianis House, one of Harbor Care’s three transitional housing residences for veterans. His team helped Ray create a plan to achieve independence, and re-enter the workforce. Meanwhile, he continued to access mental health counseling and treatment services at our health & wellness center.

Ray worked with our employment services team to develop a resume that showcased his military training and skills to pursue work with a potential career path. Three months later, Ray secured full-time employment with a large New England construction firm. Our employment team helped outfit Ray with the proper work attire and equipment to start his new job with confidence.

I am grateful to everyone who helped me and believed in me at a time when I really didn’t believe in myself.

Ray eventually moved into a place of his own where he lives today. Three years sober, gainfully employed as a logistics manager at the same construction firm, and in a serious relationship, ready to start a family. Ray’s future is bright.

There was a time when I thought I had no future. Today, I can’t wait for what lies ahead.

Thanks to your support, our employment service team helps veterans, like Ray, to get back into the workforce. This includes providing coaching, training and certification to strengthen their skillsets and earning potential, plus outfitting a veteran with work clothing, tools and equipment once hired.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, honoring the service and sacrifices of those who have served, please consider making a gift to Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program. Your donation will provide veterans, like Ray, with the tools (literally) they need to achieve success, and change their lives.

With gratitude,

Henry J. Och

President & CEO