One of our previous callers called the Florida Veteran Support Line (FVSL) to say he was doing great! It had been years since his previous call. He called to share his story and appreciation.
When he called years ago, he was homeless and in a hotel room and in his words “at his lowest” with thoughts of suicide and felt like he was empty and had no purpose in life. The veteran and FVSL Care Coordinator connected quickly. The veteran shared that the Care Coordinator provided him hope and reassurance and felt like he mattered. He also shared that he reminded him to go fishing and listen to gospel music because those were things that helped him. He appreciated the check-ins and the encouraging songs to listen to.
He shared that calling the FVSL was a pivotal moment in his life and began a series of events that turned things around for him. FVSL addressed his homelessness by connecting him with 90 Works Stability Service for Veterans and Families. He applied for VA disability to address his mental health. He said he finally addressed his mental health struggles with this help from the VA. He shared he needed that support and can now manage his PTSD daily with their assistance. After being diagnosed with PTSD, he is now receiving compensation. This led him to be accepted into the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. The veteran is currently going to school for Cybersecurity and his care coordinator is in awe of his progress. The vet and CC are currently working together to apply for a service dog to assist him further with this PTSD and to help him share his story.
The FVSL was the outside help and support that this veteran needed to turn things around. Through connection, providing hope, learning new coping strategies, and support, the path was changed for this veteran. At the end of the call, the veteran said that he now believes that “Every tunnel has a light.” We believe that too by letting veterans know that they matter and that they are not alone.
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