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recovery can’t always dive into work. Gina explains that at Mary Hall Freedom Village, “We have a substance abuse program. Once they have completed the programs, they transition to the employment aspect of things, which is TROOPS. We handle the employment once they are ready to work.” And not just a job. A career, and resources. “ We match them with certain jobs to create an income and provide them with job training, whether in IT, medical, or whatever they choose. We get them connected to the VA for mental health services, and we make sure they are connected with their benefits.” Gina shares a story about a client—a veteran who desired to be a bus driver but needed a CDL license to do so. Due to past substance abuse, this was a problem. “She went through our program, and we were able to find her the training she needed. She worked at Kroger while in training. When she was finished, she was able to get her CDL license to drive buses and vans. She had a positive attitude throughout the whole program. She lived in our housing, then got HUD housing and was able to get her own place. Those who stick with it want better and work hard to get better, and they get rewarded for that.” It’s clear that Gina has a huge heart. Previously, she worked with nonprofits for Catholic charities assisting homeless veterans. Now she’s been at Mary Hall Freedom Village for almost three years, still doing what she does best, helping veterans in need.
TROOPS : Training, Reintegration, Outreach and Opportunity Program Services
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