A New Direction
Army veteran Benjamin served our country for four years including a combat deployment to Iraq in 2009. After his discharge, Benjamin and his family settled in southern California where he worked for the steel industry. His wife stayed home to care for their two young children and life was good. But last year a layoff changed things dramatically for the family, sending their finances into a tailspin and forcing them to make some tough decisions. After much discussion, Benjamin decided to move to Dallas, Texas to attend HVAC trade school through Boot Campaign partner Retail Ready Career Centers. It was difficult to leave his wife and kids back in California, but important to get the family back on its feet. Benjamin completed training and took at job as a counselor at the center, picking up side jobs and volunteering with at-risk youth in addition to working more than full time. He’s re-building his life and making great progress, and it’s time for his family to get back together.
Boot Campaign’s Military Recovery Fund provided Benjamin with a grant to help him secure a stable future for his new life in Texas. He was able to rent a house just right for his family that will even give him the opportunity to carpool to work with a neighbor, reducing costs while they get settled. It’s a privilege and an honor to help Benjamin and veterans like him as they transition to civilian life.
“Thank you and your team at Boot Campaign so much. I literally don’t know what I would do if it weren’t for receiving this grant. Boot Campaign is truly a godsend and I have nothing but good things to say. Again, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” ~Benjamin
