Meet TJ, a local Veteran who relied on Easterseals MA's Veterans Program for guidance in establishing financial security for his family after circumstances arose that had made it difficult to stick to budget. Read TJ's story to learn how ESMA helped him overcome obstacles, accomplished goals, and ultimately created a brighter future for himself & his family.
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Tracey Greene served in the United States Navy from 1984–1985, but when she was discharged early things went downhill, ultimately leaving Tracey homeless, an issue that unfortunately afflicts many Veterans, females in particular. In fact, the rate of homelessness in female veterans rose 7% from 2016–2017, compared with just 1% of their male counterparts. With little family support, Tracey said she was beginning to lose hope about getting back on her feet until she was referred to the Easterseals Massachusetts Veterans Program by another agency, Veterans Incorporated.
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Sharon Hendrickson served in the United States military for 8 years, but at the end of her service she was left with a debilitating back injury. After coming home, Sharon struggled to adjust to a "normal" life and was unclear about what benefits were available to her. After being referred to the Easterseals Veterans Program, she finally began to receive the guidance she needed. Click to read her full story.
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"When I started the process of utilizing my veterans benefits, I met a few deterring challenges with the other institutions that were providers. Applying for compensation and pension for my hearing loss was very difficult, and I often felt that I was not being heard and even dismissed.”
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After serving in the United States Navy, Kelly received a Battle E Ribbon, Letter of Commendation and Honorable discharge, along with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety. But her challenges didn't stop there. Returning home as a veteran proved to be even more difficult than expected because she felt as though no services were offered on job assistance or job placement, and she received no contact in regards to joining the active reserves or maintain her income.
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Meet Adam Costello, Worcester native, Army Veteran and Care Coordinator for Easterseals Massachusetts' newly launched Military and Veterans Services. Adam served in the United States Army as an Armored Vehicle Crewmember and a Medic from 2005 until 2012. He now helps Veterans and their families by giving them a hand up, not a hand out. Click to read more about Adam's work with the Easterseals Veterans Program.
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C.K. served in the United States Marine Corps from 1998-2001, but after experiencing military sexual trauma, which resulted in PTSD, she was given an other than honorable discharge for smoking marijuana to ease her symptoms. Upon returning home from her service, C.K. faced many barriers to getting the help she needed, but after a friend referred her to the Easterseals Veterans Program, things finally started to look up. Click to read her full story.
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