IT IS THEIR STORY, WE JUST SHARE IT.
It is the veteran's testimony that is the most meaningful, relevant, and important. Despite all the challenges, they did not give up. They persevered. They proved to everyone that they would succeed and overcome. They accomplished the mission.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
" I wanted to take a moment to write and sincerely thank you for what you do for this country, especially for veterans. A lot of people will never know the valor that is demonstrated every week in courtrooms around America, and what it truly means to traverse some of these logic gates, but I do. After I was arrested and banned from USF, I didn't see much hope for me in the civilian world. I had nearly given up completely. You gave me an azimuth, which provided the tools I need for success.
The 4th of July holiday got me to thinking about veteran issues and, specifically, those that are overcome with the help of the Veteran’s Treatment Court (VTC) and its agents. I especially wanted to thank you, Judge Holder, and all the other men and women of VTC for taking interest in my case. I have since completed my Bachelor’s in Information Technology Management at Florida State College at Jacksonville, FL, conferred this May. This personal success was largely due to the guidance and motivation I received from established figures like yourself. I pray that you and your loved ones have a wonderful year and that you and your colleges continue to inspire others through your acts. Please know that you have been an integral part of bringing the light back into my life".
-Clay Allred
“My husband had left me and took our son with him, due to my drinking habits, among other things. I become homeless, living in my car, bouncing from shelter to eventually the couch of my best friend's apartment. My drinking became worse. I had received a DUI and felony drug charge on January 20, 2016. I lost employment due to being a no-show for work because of the DUI. I was referred to VTC where I signed my agreement on April 1st, 2016…
…Since the DUI and enrollment in VTC, I was placed on the Hud/Vash Program and now have a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment for me and my son. I received counseling in several places: Annex, 46th Street Mental Health, and Vet Center on Waters. I had several mentors. One being Mrs. Debra Steele. She was an awesome person who genuinely cared about my well-being and wanted to see me succeed….
…I graduated from VTC on September 30, 2016. Upon successful completion of the program, the DUI was dismissed…I am now a DVOP (Disabled Veteran's Outreach Program Specialist), employed with the state and will be going back to school for my Bachelors in Social Work (BSW)…..The journey was NOT easy. But it was doable. I fought every day. Even those days struggling with depression and anxiety. Especially those days when I didn’t want to get out of bed. I had someone to reach out to. Someone to help lift me up. Until I was strong enough to stand on my own two feet. I am sitting in the office in tears right now because the only reason why I look back is just to see how far I've actually come. I am truly thankful for the Veteran's Treatment Program….There are so many people who played a part in my recovery that I do not have mentioned in this letter. But I will make it a priority to reach out to every single one of them. They deserve, at the very least, a thank you. I AM GRATEFUL!”