Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be difficult, and for Chris, it was his lowest point. Asking for help was more challenging than facing his problems alone. Despite living in his car, Chris continued to deal with his situation rather than seek the support he needed.
“My transition out of the military was easily one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to face,” Chris noted. “It was a lot easier for me to just accept reality than it was for me to reach my hand out and ask for help.”
As a former National Guardsman, Chris discovered that Easterseals NH Veterans Count could help him get back on his feet and support his family. We ensure the health, dignity, and overall well-being of service members, Veterans, and their families so no one stands alone when they need help.
“Our approach is to meet individuals where they’re at and help them work toward the goals that they establish for themselves,” explained Andrea Chrisstoffels, Director of Easterseals NH Veterans Count.
“It is enriching to be able to provide for my family the way I used to.”
Chris, U.S. Veteran
With our support, Chris reached his goals: finding employment, securing housing, and getting his children the resources they needed. Our campaign, Mission Fortify, aims to bring assistance for the military community’s needs, including financial assistance, mental health support, therapeutic services, outpatient substance use disorder treatment, and recreation, within reach for all who have served.
“It is enriching to be able to provide for my family the way I used to,” said Chris, grateful that other Veterans and their families can get the assistance they need to live their best lives.
“Knowing that there are civilian organizations in America that are willing to help its Veterans and go above and beyond the call is the most meaningful thing to me,” Chris added, “and to know that they’re still doing it for other people and they’re going to continue to do it.”