A Homeless Veteran’s Real Independence Day
(SAVANNAH, GA) Christcell Grant joins Goodwill of the Coastal Empire as a permanent employee after participating in an evaluation, counseling and Work Adjustment Training provided by the local nonprofit.
In 1995, Grant was honorably discharged from his service obligations. Grant served in the United States Army and the Georgia Army National Guard for 11 years. His assignments included a combat tour in Southwest Asia (Iraq) during Operation Desert Storm.
Initially Grant was connected to the Veterans Administration for enrollment and services. He utilized his Montgomery G. I. Bill to finance his certification at truck driving school. After graduation, he was awarded a Georgia Commercial Driver’s License to enabling him to drive large shipping trucks.
Yet, the road to financial freedom did not come easy for Grant. He developed lower-back and knees problems due to the rigorous demands of being a dedicated driver. Grant began receiving treatment for his physical issues and was later diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of combat exposure.
It was at this juncture that Grant was referred to the Goodwill of the Coastal Empire for evaluation, counseling, and Work Adjustment Training to assist him with dealing with various barriers to reintegrating back into the workforce.
While at the Goodwill, Grant participated in a variety of occupational tasks. His excellent work ethic and personal integrity afforded him the opportunity to train in multiple disciplines, which command trust and consistency. Recently Grant was notified by the Goodwill eCommerce Manager, that as a result of his professionalism he will become a permanent Goodwill employee.
Grant has more than one reason to celebrate this Independence Day. This native Savannah resident has a place to call home. Goodwill’s partnership with the Veteran’s Administration enabled Grant to take advantage of the HUD-VASH program, which helped Grant to secure his own residence.
About Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing
The HUD-VASH Program is a joint effort between HUD and VA to move Veterans and their families out of homelessness and into permanent housing. HUD provides housing assistance through its Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) that allows homeless Veterans to rent privately owned housing. VA offers eligible homeless Veterans clinical and supportive services through its health care system across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.
ABOUT GOODWILL OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization with over 850 employees. In 2013, Goodwill provided services to 19,518 people and placed 1,672 into employment. Goodwill serves 33 counties in Georgia and South Carolina, operating 19 retail locations, and nine Job Connection Centers. Goodwill accepts tax deductible donations of clothing, household items, computers, and car donations, as well as operates an online store at www.shopgoodwill.com . For more information on Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, please visit www.goodwillsavannah.org . Find us on Facebook: Savannah Goodwill or follow us on Twitter: @SavGoodwill.
For more information, contact:
Jan Bass
Director of Marketing
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire
912.663.0685
jbass@goodwillsavannah.org
For Media inquiries:
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade PR, Inc.
912.844.9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com