News

MassLive.com | Jeanette DeForge | September 16, 2016

Soldier On opens housing for homeless veterans in Chicopee’s former Chapin School

CHICOPEE – After two years of crashing on a lumpy couch at a friend’s house, disabled Marine veteran Ferris Shelton finally has a home of his own.

“It is a slice of heaven,” he told Chicopee Mayor Richard J. Kos, who shook his hand and welcomed him to the city. “I’m sleeping on a mattress.”

It isn’t only having a real bed, a bathroom , a kitchen and a spot to teach himself how to play the keyboard that is special. Moving into the new Soldier On complex at the old Chapin School is giving Shelton and other down-on-their-luck veterans a chance to get back on their feet.

Thursday, Soldier On held an open house to show off the nearly 120-year-old building that has been converted from a vacant elementary school to a 43-apartment home for homeless veterans.

Construction was completed in late summer and the first 16 men have moved in over the past two weeks.

Each apartment is a little different and Shelton had his choice of units. He selected a corner apartment because he figured he could open the windows and get a cross breeze. His is one of the apartments that still has one of the original blackboards hanging on the wall.

Life wasn’t always so hard for Shelton. He served active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years and after being honorably discharged he married, had children and worked at Milton Bradley for 16 years. But after a divorce, his life went into a tailspin.

“I lost my way with drinking and debauchery,” he said.

Eventually he found Soldier On, which started him on a road to recovery. He attends Alcohol Anonymous meetings, reads a lot and is teaching himself to play piano. Once he settles in more, Shelton said he hopes to start looking for a job and also talked to Kos about volunteer opportunities with veterans groups.

“It’s tough when you get shot at and then you have to live your life,” he said, declining to give many details about his military service. “Now I have to be persistent and consistent with my recovery.”

Even in the short period of time he said he has found that the residents are becoming friends and supporting each other.

“We have one thing in common. We took an oath to protect the country and not everyone did that,” he said.

The $7.3 million rehabilitation was done in a partnership with O’Connell Development Group of Holyoke and was funded with a variety of different sources including affordable housing grants and historic tax credits and City of Chicopee contributions. Western Builders renovated the building, said Bruce Buckley, chief financial officer for Soldier On.

“It was a great partnership. It was a pleasure to work with everyone,” he said.

The complex is set up as a housing cooperative. The residents must be veterans and earn no more than the federal low-income requirements of about $28,000 a year. Each first pays $2,500 for a share in the cooperative, and then pays a monthly rent that is 30 percent of their income. Every tenant is different, some have veterans’ benefits, others have social security and some work, he said.

The most any resident pays is $883 a month, but rarely does a veteran pay the full amount. Some residents pay as little as $50 a month, Buckley said.

While the $2,500 seems like an insurmountable amount for the veterans, who were either homeless or at risk of being homeless, local banks and other organizations have donated money to Soldier On, to be gifted to anyone who cannot come up with the money to pay the initial fee, Buckley said.

To manage the building, residents and Soldier On employees form a board, similar to a condominium association. They oversee finances and set rules for the tenants, he said.

Soldier On also continues to provide services to tenants including counseling, transportation, job help and anything else they may need. Counselors will come to Chapin Housing to meet residents in their own homes and there are also a few small offices in the building where they can talk, Buckley said.

“We bring the services to them,” he said.

Currently about 55 people have applied for the 43 apartments. Soldier On officials are still sorting through the applications to select the remaining residents of the Chapin project.

Those who are not selected may have a chance to be placed in Agawam, sinceSoldier On is renovating the former Western Massachusetts Regional Police Academy and building 52 apartments there.

Kos toured the old school and said he was mayor and School Committee chairman when the board made the difficult decision to close Chapin in 2003 as an elementary school because of budget cuts. For two years it was used as an alternative school before it was shuttered in 2005.

“This is a positive use of a former school,” he said, thanking the City Council, local veterans agencies and department heads for their support for the project.

Among those who toured the school were a number of former teachers and the retired principal John Coach and his wife, Joanne Coach, who worked as vice principal at nearby Gen. John Stefanik School.

“I can’t believe how bright it is. We did not realize how dark it was at the time,” said Donna Dinsbach Valliere , who taught kindergarten at Chapin.

She and Linda Low, also a kindergarten teacher, pointed out the hallway in the basement saying that is where children had physical education classes.

“What a great idea for veterans. What would we do without veterans?” Lowe said.

As a condition of receiving historic tax credits, some of the school features had to remain, including the wide hallways. Some apartments also have the original blackboards, Casey DiCicco, communications director for Soldier On, said.

Each unit, which measures about 500 square feet, has a bedroom, a bathroom and a living area and kitchenette complete with stovetop and microwave oven. Each is furnished with a new double bed, a recliner, a dresser and small table with two chairs, she said.

James Baer, a case manager at Soldier On, is one of the veterans who has applied for an apartment at Chapin. Baer, who currently rents an apartment in Haydenville, said he was living in a homeless shelter in Worcester and was such a desperate alcoholic that he drank mouthwash when he couldn’t buy liquor.

A veterans’ shelter in Worcester connected him with Soldier On in 2007 and it saved him. Baer said he eventually found a job with the organization.

Baer said he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a teenager in 1975 and spent four years in active duty.

“I got out of the military at 21 – I was an alcoholic at that time,” he said.

For most of his 20s Baer said he went through a cycle of being hired and losing jobs because he was drinking. By the time he reached 30 he stopped drinking, married and started a family. When he divorced at the age of 42 he started drinking again and ended up homeless and desperate.

Soldier On helped him out of the cycle. Baer said he relapsed a few times but staff offered him a helping hand to get back on track. He has not had a drink since February 2010 and the former metal worker also found a new career with the organization.

He was first hired as an intake counselor and then studied at Westfield State University to become certified as a substance abuse counselor. At 58, Baer said he is now enrolled at Holyoke Community College and eventually hopes to earn his bachelor’s degree in social work.

Not all Soldier On clients have substance abuse problems. Some suffer from post traumatic stress and others have other problems which make it difficult for them to function without help, he said.

Soldier On does like to have a staff member or two living in Chapin School to help support their fellow veterans in case someone does need help. Baer said he meets the income guidelines and other qualifications so he hopes his application is selected.

“I like working with the veterans. They are in the same position I was and I can see they are making the same mistakes I did,” he said.

To read more click here.

Homeless veterans fine home in Colonie with the help of ‘Soldier On’

News 10 | Ayla Ferrone | September 14, 2016

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — An organization that helps homeless veterans will finally have a location in Albany County.

The Soldier On program received a 50 year lease for the vacant Ann Lee nursing home in Colonie.

The building that used to house the elderly of Albany County, vacant for nearly a decade, will now be used to help another vulnerable group of people in the Capital Region.

For the next 50 years, Soldier On will use this site to house and treat homeless veterans.

The push to find a place for Soldier On in the Capital Region has been strong for the past four years.

“It’s our time as a society to come and put our best foot forward for these veterans and help them get back on the right track,” County Executive, Dan McCoy, said.

It’s been a dream for County Executive Dan McCoy- A veteran himself.

Finally a reality, McCoy says he’s proud to see the old Ann Lee nursing home put to good use.

“To get the nursing home where it can be apartments and then adding on, there will be wings coming off that will be apartments,” McCoy said.

After completion, the $30 million dollar project will provide housing, treatment, and a safe place for homeless veterans.

“They’ll come here for therapy,” McCoy said. “They’ll come here for support. To take college classes.”

County legislator, Todd Drake, says he credits McCoy for his hard work and says getting Soldier On a spot to provide these services was part of what drove him to run for office.

“I think it’s a historic step,” Drake said. “I think it demonstrates Albany County’s commitment to the long term welfare of veteran affairs in the Capital Region.”

Drake says it’s important for the community to do all they can to help those who served our country.

“You have people out there who have served this country and served this nation- some of them who are lost and need help,” Drake said.

McCoy says he hopes Solider On acquiring the long term lease for the Ann Lee building will provide that much needed help.

“It’s our time to say, look we’re here for you now,” McCoy said.

The project here will be similar to the location in Pittsfield, Mass., which has had great success.

The whole program will also be run by veterans themselves.

Click here to read more.

Times Union | Amanda Fries | September 12, 2016

Albany Legislature OKs 50-year lease for homeless vets housing project

ALBANY — A 50-year lease agreement for the long-awaited housing project for homeless veterans in Colonie was approved by county legislators Monday night.

The county Legislature gave County Executive Daniel McCoy the OK to negotiate a lease agreement for the vacant Ann Lee Nursing Home in Colonie with Soldier On, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that provides homes for homeless veterans.

A project five years in the making, Soldier On will take over the building off Albany Shaker Road, adjacent to the Watervliet Shaker National Historic District. The plan is to renovate the 91,320-square-foot former nursing home into about 100 apartments and to construct two three-story buildings with an additional 100 apartments. The Ann Lee Home closed in 2008.

“I applaud County Executive (Daniel) McCoy for proposing this outstanding project that will help our most vulnerable veterans. These veterans have put their lives on the line for our country and often return home to little or no support,” Minority Leader Frank Mauriello, R-Colonie, said in a news release. “I thank Solider On for the great work they do in supporting veterans who need help the most. My colleagues in the Republican Conference remain committed to supporting this project and any other efforts to help our brave veterans.”

Majority Leader Frank Commisso has visited the Massachusetts site of Soldier On and was impressed with the operations there.

“We hope the Albany County site will at least match its success,” Commisso said.

The project is estimated to cost between $25 million and $30 million, Soldier On CEO John Downing has said. The money will come from a mix of state and federal support, including affordable housing grants and tax credits. With an expected $5 million to $6 million shortfall, Soldier On plans to raise the funds by direct fundraising and private foundation support.

The complex will also include on-site job training and counseling services. It would be modeled after the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community in Pittsfield, Mass., which opened six years ago. Mansfield is a former deputy secretary of veterans affairs. An Army veteran, he was paralyzed in Vietnam. The Colonie community will also carry his name.

Leigh Hornbeck contributed to this report.

Click here to read more.

22 News WWLP.COM|Matt Caron|September 10, 2016

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – An event Saturday to raise money so that every Veteran has a place to call home.

At the Knights of Columbus in East Longmeadow they held Raffles, took donations and catered a gourmet dinner to help raise money for ‘Soldier-On’ an organization that helps provide permanent housing for the men and women who serve our country.

Soldier-On serves over 300 veterans in Western Massachusetts, and more than 7,000 veterans and their families across the United States.

John Crane, Case Management Director, Soldier On told 22News, “We feel that no veteran should have the word homeless in it any veteran we come across we want to make sure they are secure, supported, and have their own place to live.”

The Knights of Columbus hoped to raise between two and 4 thousand dollars Saturday night with all proceeds going to Soldier-On.

Click here to read more.

Albany  Co. inmates from ‘Soldier On’ intervene as ex-burglar attacks correctional officer

News10 By Ayla Ferrone Published: September 1, 2016

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A dramatic rescue happened inside the Albany County Jail after a corrections officer was attacked by an inmate.

The incident was caught on camera, but the person who did the rescuing that might surprise you.

Video from inside the jail, in what’s called the “Soldier On” wing which caters specifically to veterans.

In the video, you can  see the inmates notice something happening and run to help.

The attack happening outside the view of the camera, but not escaping the eyes of the inmates who rushed to help.

“Jumped up. Came out of their cells. Came out of everywhere. Every one of them,” Sheriff Craig Apple said.

The men are part of the “Soldier On” wing of the jail, which allows those inmates to spend time out of their cells and partners with an organization of the same name.

“We really try to get them back into society and live a healthy and clean life.”

On Tuesday, 41-year-old Drew Crowley, who is not part of the veterans program, was in the pod using the phones there.

“We give the veterans free access to telephones. Somebody had let another inmate in to use the phone.”

Crowley then became angry and turned that anger on a nearby corrections officer.

“Just completely freaked out on one of our officers. Kicked him in the ribs. And started to strike and punch him.”

That’s when the veterans jumped into action and Sheriff Apple says it could have saved the officer’s life.

“Those inmates turn their back on that officer, who knows how bad he could have been beaten.”

“People who are treated with consistent respect and fairness always rise to stand and protect those who serve them,” John Downing, of the “Soldier On” program, said.

Apple agrees saying this rescue is a testament to the fact that people can change.

“I mean I guess if you put a little effort into rehabbing people it works.”

Crowley has now been charged with felony assault and after another incident Thursday morning he could face even more charges.

As for the officer, he will be on leave recovering from the attack for the next several weeks.

To read more click here.

On Friday, August 26^th, 2016 232 golfers participated in the 6^th Annual Soldier On Charity Golf Tournament was hosted by General Dynamics at Cranwell Resort Spa and Golf Resort. It was a gorgeous day which led to another successful tournament. Soldier On graciously thanks General Dynamics and their leadership team for organizing the event. The time and effort that each member of the team dedicates to see that the day runs effortlessly does not go unnoticed.

Soldier On would also like to thank all of the sponsors.

Platinum
Austal

Gold
Anteris
GP Strategies
Lyme Computer Systems
SK Design Group, Inc.
thingtech
Trust Co. Bank

Silver
Adams Community Bank
Appleton Corporation
Axia Group
Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Health Systems
First American Insurance Agency
Matthew M. Pitoniak
MillBrook Benefits & Insurance Services, LLC.
Repro System Inc.
SAAB Defence Security
TD Bank North
Western Builders

There was a morning and an afternoon flight that played captain crew.

Morning Flight Results:
1^st Place: Overall Score 57 Team: Deraway
Craig Deraway
Matt Boulger
Ryan Donovan
Mike Riordan

2^nd Place: Overall Score 59 Team: GP Strategies #2
Tom Rumbolt
Gus Giron

3^rd Place: Overall Score 59 Team: GP Strategies #1
Mike Gladu
Tim Jamross
Jay Sniezek
Bruce Gelinas

Afternoon Flight Results:
1st Place: Overall Score 54 Team: Pitoniak
Matthew Pitoniak
Michael Rainville
Dennis Yarrows
Edward Pedruzcny

2^ndPlace: Overall Score 58 Team: Onyx Specialty Papers
Josh Roberts
Ian Roberts
Matty Lynch
Dan Fuore

3^rd Place: Overall Score 58 Team: Cappiello
Tim Cappiello
Rob Maloney
Nate Lemoine
Sean Ross

3 Things to know about Tinto Falls project to house homeless veterans

Asbury Park Press | Payton Guion| August 30, 2016

By one count, New Jersey is home to some 2,000 homeless veterans. On Tuesday, the public gained a longer look at plans to correct course and put roofs over the heads of ex-service members from Monmouth County and beyond.

Political leaders and others gathered at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale for the unveiling of a project that aims to elevate scores of homeless veterans in Tinton Falls.

The nonprofit organization Soldier On presented its plan to house homeless veterans – aided in part by a deal announced earlier this month in which the borough sold the group 12.59 acres on Essex Road near the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets for $1.

“When I talk to veterans, every one of them says that housing is their biggest need, bottom line.” U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th, told the Press.

The facility would house up to 100 homeless veterans and provide services, such as job training and mental health services, aimed at plugging them back into the community.

Below are three things to know about the project:

1. A lot of red tape remains

Soldier On has yet to secure financing for the project. CEO Jack Downing said his company will work with agencies that fund affordable housing projects in New Jersey to help pay for the facility, estimated to cost about $20 million.

While finding funds, Soldier On will have to work with the Tinton Falls planning board on its site plan. Jim Scalise, the organization’s engineer, said a zoning change may also be required. Despite of the unknowns, Downing said he expect Soldier On will have the project moving through Tinton Falls government within nine months.

2. It’s unclear how many units will be built

Preliminary plans say that development will comprise up to 100 units. Soldier On hasn’t settled on a final number. Once engineers review the site and confer with the planning board, the number of units will become clearer.

Veterans will have an ownership interest in the apartments. Soldier On offers its residents the opportunity to buy into a cooperative, and pay $2,5000 for a share of ownership. That share allows them to rent a unit. Downing said units in the Tinton Falls project are expected to rent for $1,025 per month.

3. Not all the veterans will be local

The organization will focus on housing homeless veterans within Monmouth County, Soldier On said. But the facility is expected to have more units than there are homeless veterans in the county. Matthew Buckley, SSVF Program Director with the nonprofit, said there are about 30 homeless veterans in the area on any given night.

New Jersey has among its homeless population an estimated 2,000 veterans of the United States Armed Forces, according to the state Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.

The remaining units will be offered to veterans in other areas served by Soldier On, mainly in New England.

Downing said that even though a lot of work remains, he expects veterans to move in within four years.

Tinton Falls Mayor Gerald Turning tole the Press that this project is “the best thing I’ve even done as an elected official.”

Click here to read more.

Governor Hassan, Senator Shaheen Announce Twelve New Hampshire Projects to Receive Northern Border Regional Commission Grants

Grants to Help Spur Economic and Community Development in the North Country

AUGUST 2, 2016 CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today announced that twelve New Hampshire projects will receive grant funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to help spur economic and community development in the North Country as part of the 2016 NBRC Economic & Infrastructure Development Investment Awards totaling $1,550,000.

At the request of North County civic leaders and homeless providers, Soldier On was invited to undertake a Veteran’s permanent affordable housing project in Grafton County. As one of the largest private providers of veterans’ supportive services, Soldier On operates a complex continuum of housing and support services for veterans that is designed to move them from homelessness toward permanent homeownership.   On average over 8,500 veterans and family members are served annually through its emergency, transitional and permanent housing programs.

The Plymouth Veterans project located on 12 acre site on Boulder Point Rd will provide housing and support services to New Hampshire veterans, especially those that prefer to remain in the North Country.  Unique to Soldier On is the development of affordable Veterans housing under a limited equity cooperative model. The model provides each veteran with a real stake in their home, in their community. Veterans are involved in the Cooperative’s Management and in the day to day operations- providing a sense of purpose that is essential to their recovery and long- term stability.

The Veterans Administration through their Medical Centers in Manchester and White River Junction, VT will play an active role in the identification of eligible veterans and coordination of VA services. New Hampshire Housing Finance Agency will administer VASH rental assistance vouchers that will ensure housing affordability for each Veteran.

The commitment of VASH requires the project to commence construction by April 2017. Soldier On has assembled a qualified development team to ensure that with the support of the Town of Plymouth and participation by key funding partners, the project will meet that aggressive deadline and be housing New Hampshire veterans by August 2018.

“Each of these projects will promote job creation and economic development by addressing critical priorities, including increasing access to substance misuse services, updating our long-term economic development strategy, combating veterans homelessness, strengthening our infrastructure and supporting our travel and tourism industry. I thank our partners across the region and in the federal government for their collaboration, and I look forward to continue working together to keep New Hampshire’s economy moving in the right direction,” Governor Hassan said.

“Today’s announcement is great news for jobs and the economy in northern New Hampshire,” said Senator Shaheen. “Each of these projects will help revitalize the North County economy by addressing important infrastructure needs and supporting small business growth. I’m glad to see the NBRC prioritizing development in North Country communities and businesses, building on the region’s strengths and expanding opportunity in the Granite State.”

“The people and communities of the North Country face unique challenges and obstacles, especially when it comes to economic development, but partnerships like the Northern Border Regional Commission invest in projects that help to create jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure that the resilient people of the North Country get a fair shot,” state Senator Jeff Woodburn said. “We need to make smart investments in order to expand opportunity for all, support businesses throughout our state, and lay the foundation for a new generation of economic growth. The announcement of more than $1.5 million into the North Country’s economy is a great shot in the arm and I thank Governor Hassan, our Department of Resources and Economic Development, Senator Shaheen and our Congressional delegation for helping to secure this vital funding.”

“I would like to thank Governor Hassan and Senator Shaheen who have worked with our North County partners, lead by Catherine Brentwood and Alex Ray, for this opportunity to move forward with this vital project,” Soldier On CEO Jack Downing said.

To read more: http://governor.nh.gov/media/news/2016/pr-2016-08-02-northern-border-grants.htm
Governor Hassan’s Communications Office (603)271-2121

Johanna Montalvo is proud to say that she is finally able to be the real her.

In 2000 Johanna started her eight year tenure in the military with the Puerto Rico National Guard.  Two years later she found herself stationed in Fort Drum, NY on active duty with the United States Army, where she remained until 2008. After her time in the military, Johanna fell on tough times. She suffered from PTSD, which she tried to remedy with substance abuse.

Dealing with the loss of her mother in 2014 and her relationship falling apart due to her addiction, Johanna found herself suicidal in August of 2015. Just days before the year anniversary of her mother’s passing Johanna was able get into an AdCare facility to detox and start her journey of recovery. She quickly moved on to The Hope Center in Springfield. While sitting in a group meeting in September, Johanna was overcome with guilt. There were warrants out for her arrest and up until that moment she had disregarded them. Johanna knew she could not move forward without righting these wrongs.   She followed her conscience and turned herself in at the Holyoke District Court. Johanna was taken to the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee to serve her sentence.

As Johanna awaited her court appearance for November 6^th, Alexis Truslow, Soldier On Psychotherapist, visited Johanna and interviewed her asking a series of questions regarding her childhood, trauma, and addiction. At that time Johanna was not aware she was a potential candidate for the Veterans Treatment Court in the Holyoke District Court.  On the morning of November 3^rd she was advised to get ready for court. It was there she was given the option to take part in that program. Johanna was released that same day.

In December, Johanna joined the Solider On Women’s Program. Soon after, she was chosen to be on the house committee. She quickly became an active resident who made herself visible and available to the other women within the house.

On January 21, 2016 Johanna was not only the first woman, but the very first person to complete Phase 1 of the Veterans Treatment Court program. As of today she has completed 3 phases and anticipates graduating from the program in May 2017.  While Johanna is only required to report to court once a month, she attends every week to support the other men and women veterans in the program.

With her record, Johanna has had a difficult time finding work; but Dave Felty, from Homeward Vets, believed in Johanna despite her past and gave her the chance to volunteer at Homeward Vets.  In addition she volunteers at Hope for Holyoke, a center that helped her persevere through detox.  Johanna also works weekly lunches at the World War II Club in Northampton

Johanna is now moving into her own apartment in downtown Northampton, which is fully furnished by Homeward Vets. Soldier On’ s Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) program aided her with the moving expenses for the furniture, the security deposit, and plans to provide assistance for her utilities.

Even though Johanna is leaving Solider On, she plans to stay in touch with not only the women from the program, but Sara, Stephanie, and other Soldier On staff as she will continue to get support from the relationships she has built over the past 8 months.

With the support of Access to Recovery (MA-ATR) Johanna has passed her driving test and received a valid driver’s license. She has built her resume with the help Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and now has an interview at the beginning of August. Johanna’s ultimate goal is to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist so she can provide her peers with the same encouragement that she once needed.

In June the Pine Ridge Ladies Golf League of Lakehurst, NJ held a charity golf event at Pine Ridge Golf Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Naval Base to benefit Solider On. Women from Leisure Knoll joined the Pine Ridge Ladies for the event. The group of 38 women played a 9 hole golf game with prizes for longest drive on hole #1, closest to the pin on hole #8, and low gross, as well as chip in awards.
The longest drive was won for flight A and B by Arlene Key and for flight C and D by Joanne Larkin.
Closest to the pin was won by Rita Cashman.
Low gross was won by Laura Dickinson for flight A, and Kathy Nielsen won for flight B.
Low gross was won by Joanne Larkin for flight C, and low gross was won by Sarah Stewart for flight D
Chip-ins were won by Ethel Donlin and Nancy Wong.
The event chairperson was Cathy Linden with assistance from Nancy Eldridge, Kathy Nielsen and Betty Valentino.
Following the event and awards, everyone enjoyed a lunch and desserts in the clubhouse. The day was enjoyed by everyone and over $1,000.00 was raised.