Ohio Community Action Helps a Struggling Veteran

Community Action Helps a Struggling Veteran
AUGUST 3, 2012

A veteran from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan (Gulf War-era II) was sentenced to attend the Fathers Matter program at the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties as part of an alternative sentence after violating his probation for his charge of failing to pay child support. During the sessions that provide parenting skills and encourage increased involvement with the participants' children, the program facilitator thought he might be able to offer additional help to this struggling veteran.

As a member of the Army, Program Facilitator Alex Norris observed behavior from the father that he thought showed signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He took the veteran to the Veterans Service Commission, located in the same building, to receive an assessment from the VA Post Traumatic Stress counselor. Because of Mr. Norris' advocacy for the veteran, within a week the man received an assessment and determined that he was in fact suffering from PTSD. After working with him for a period of time and encouraging him to get help with his emotional problems, he has been released from jail, and was able to gain employment and stable housing. He continues to attend the Fathers Matter classes and is learning other life skills.

The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) has launched the Ohio Vocation, Education, Training & Services (Ohio VETS) program at six pilot Community Action Agencies in Ohio, including CACEHR, to aid veterans at 200 percent of the federal poverty level and below (i.e. $22,340 for a single person, $30,260 for a couple, $38,180 for a family of three, $46,100 for a family of four).

As the name indicates, the program will offer education and training to assist veterans in finding meaningful employment at a living wage, and provide them and their families with other supportive services to help them attain self-sufficiency.
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