Great Nonprofits

Pittsburgh, PA USA

This letter is a sincere thanks for all the help the Veterans Leadership Program and its fine staff have give me. This help has enabled me to reestablish my place in the Pittsburgh community. Struggling with psychological and addiction problems, I became homeless after several nervous breakdowns. After being remanded to the Allegheny County Jail for unusual disruptive behavior, I attended the Dual AD Program at Mercy Hospital I was diagnosed with debilitating depression and anxiety disorders compounded by alcohol use. At this point after having worked all my life, the greater part as a degreed Professional, I was homeless and was not sure how to proceed. I completed the program at Mercy and landed up in a very unsatisfactory and somewhat dangerous place to live. My only income was a small stipend from the Pennsylvania Welfare System. At this point I discovered the Veterans Leadership Program of WPA and requested their help in turning my life back around. I joined the program and attended meetings and clinics. These services included drug testing that was helpful in keeping me on track toward regaining my independence. With guidance and positive reinforcement from the many case managers and counselors at the VLP, I was able to establish my Veterans disability eligibility and Social Security eligibility for my disability. I am now on full disability through the Social Security Administration and although it is not recommended that I return to stressful work, I am certainly able to be financially independent and content. Thanks to the VLP Housing Program assistance I now have a very nice, quiet, and safe place to live. I have been able to maintain a paid for automobile and pay my bills. Thanks to the VLP Living Assistance program, I received basic necessities when I could not afford them myself. With the recommendations of VLP staff, I entered the Veterans Health Care system and with there thorough testing identified a severe heart problem, received hearing aids, an eye exam, and based on my situation most of this care is at no cost. As an older Navy Veteran (1969 – 75) I truly appreciate all the assistance rendered by the VLP. I especially thank Dan Pacura - Liberty Case Manager/Valor Case Manager for his guidance and assistance in housing matters. He helped me through some very difficult situations. To all your staff, I express my gratitude and hope I live well and meet your expectations of me. Sincerely, Bob Adams