Veterans Rebuilding Life®

VETERAN MISSION Davis Gig Lasean was born in Harlem, New York City. He enlisted in the U.S. Army following his high school graduation at the age of nineteen. After years of loyal service, Davis was honorably discharged from the military, and returned home to join the civilian workforce. He secured a position in the construction industry, where he remained employed for the next twenty years of his life. It was only when approaching retirement age, that Davis found himself in crisis. When the state and city of New York enforced a shelter-in-place order, in response to the global pandemic, Davis found himself unemployed for the first time in decades. After months of living in quarantine, Davis’ unemployment benefits came to an end as the winter approached. Davis was unable to pay his overdue utility bills, including basic heat for his modest apartment. Too proud to ask for help, Davis risked his life breaking quarantine in search of any available work to make ends meet. It was only after a friend of Davis learned of his hardships, that he was referred to Veterans Rebuilding Life. Within 48 hours, VRL volunteers mobilized to assist Davis. Emergency funds were raised to cover the cost of utilities and heating for his apartment. A six-month supply of fresh food and new winter clothes, were purchased and delivered to Davis to ensure he would survive the coming winter season. As the pandemic came to a close and the quarantine lifted, Veterans Rebuilding Life secured new employment opportunities for Davis, that pay a living wage, and provide the benefits necessary to thrive. Today, Davis remains an outspoken supporter of Veterans Rebuilding Life, and volunteers his time to assist fellow veterans, as a member of the organization.

CRISIS RESPONSE Veterans Rebuilding Life (VRL) in partnership with the Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) rushed to aid victims of the catastrophic event that killed and injured over 250 people when a fire erupted in a wedding hall in the Christian town of Hamdania, also known as Qaraqosh in north-eastern Iraq. The bride and groom survived, but lost many of immediate family members, relatives, and friends to the fire. . ... “Had it not been for your supplies today, we would have next to nothing to attend to burn victims.” —Dr. Sahar, MD, Al-Jumohri Hospital ... Hamdaniya is no stranger to disaster. In August of 2014, ISIS bulldozed through the districts causing 50,000 Christians to flee in a mass exodus within hours. When ISIS was defeated in 2016, less than half of Hamdaniya’s population returned. Weary of reoccurring terrorist attacks, many fled abroad. Veterans Rebuilding Life partner: IID, immediately rushed to the scene, donating blood, driving the injured to hospitals and doing a rapid assessment of the most urgent needs. Hamdaniya’s one hospital did not have a burn unit, and was critically under-equipped to meet the sudden high demand. Veterans Rebuilding Life donated over 13,000 units of burn ointments, catheters, bandages, painkillers, antibiotic creams and other miscellaneous medical items delivered to Al-Jumohri hospital, the only facility in Iraq equipped to treat burn victims. IID has assisted more than 20 burn victims to date, and continues distributing aid. Dr. Sahar, chief resident of the ER in Al-Jumohri hospital, expressed relief and gratitude: “Had it not been for your supplies today, we would have next to nothing to attend to burn victims.” said Dr. Sahar. We wish to thank our donors for helping the victims of this heartbreaking tragedy to recover and rebuild their lives.

VETERAN MISSION D’andre Hallback enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of twenty. He served aboard the USS Porter (DDG 78) a Navy guided-missile destroyer, deployed to middle eastern waters, in support of NATO combat operations that took place during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. After completing multiple tours of duty, D’Andre was honorably discharged from Naval service, and returned home in search of a new career path. The reintegration process from military to civilian life however, would prove difficult. It was during this period that D’Andre was diagnosed with a mental health disorder that would impair his ability to maintain employment, resulting in financial debt, that would eventually lead to homelessness. D’Andre was living in the Borden Avenue Veterans Shelter in the borough of Queens in New York City for six months, before he stumbled upon the offices of Veterans Rebuilding Life. ... “Veterans Rebuilding life heard me out, helped me feel sure of myself going to school, and made it easy to get the ball rolling again as far as my VA claims go. The staff there is mostly veterans and the non veteran staff was all about helping me get in touch with someone here that would help. The ambiance and professionalism at VRL is unmatched.” —D’Andre Hallback, U.S. Navy Veteran ... D’Andre registered for Project 360º and was assigned a veteran-mentor. Together, they registered for veteran healthcare and education benefits. Within 30 days, D’Andre was in treatment at the VA hospital, and enrolled as a full-time student at Devry Technical Institute in Manhattan, NY. On his first day of class, D’Andre’s mentor presented him with a new laptop, and scheduled weekly tutoring sessions on his behalf, to ensure his educational objectives were met. The result: D’Andre graduated at the top of his class, secured full time employment, moved out of the shelter and into a new home. Today, D’Andre remains an active supporting member of Veterans Rebuilding Life, volunteering his time to assist fellow vets.

VETERAN MISSION Jay Dureng enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, assigned to the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas. Jay served overseas during combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He completed three tours of duty, before completing his contract with the Army in 2020. Jay returned home and embarked on the challenging process of transitioning from military to civilian life. But after serving as an artillery crew member for more than a decade, Jay’s civilian career options were limited. After reaching out to the Division of Veteran Services, Jay was referred to Veterans Rebuilding Life. He immediately registered for Project 360º and was assigned a veteran mentor, who helped him access education benefits, and enroll in a yellow-ribbon certified school. “Veterans Rebuilding Life is a very supportive organization. People that are really on the ground floor, doing the hard work.” —Jason Dureng, Army Veteran Within days of meeting Veterans Rebuilding Life, Jay was enrolled as a full-time student at Full Stack Academy, an accredited web development institute, that supports veterans like Jay, through the Vet-Tech initiative. On his first day of class, Jay’s mentor presented him with a new laptop, and scheduled private tutoring sessions on his behalf, to ensure academic success. Jay recently completed his first semester of school, and will continue his full-time studies in the fall. Today, Jay remains an active member and supporter of Veterans Rebuilding Life.

VETERAN MISSION On August 22, 2023, Army veteran: Caress Lettine’s story unfolded, an emblem of resilience entwined with Veterans Rebuilding Life. Stranded at Newark Airport, Caress’ distress caught the attention of the Division of Veteran Services, casting a lifeline to Veterans Rebuilding Life. Just three months back, she faced job loss in Jacksonville and a move to New York, lured by promises of support that evaporated upon arrival. Alone, she sought refuge at the airport, aching to return home to a familiar place. Veterans Rebuilding Life took the reins, funding her journey back to Jacksonville—covering airfare, baggage fees, and cab fare. Temporary housing and additional support services encompassing employment, education, and long-term housing were secured. Progress ignites. Counselors like Amy Collins and Natalie Ashanti guide her through the process. Their kindness led her toward the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), a route to lasting housing. Within 48 hours, the unwavering commitment of Veterans Rebuilding Life bore fruit. A temporary sanctuary for female veterans became a reality, a sanctuary meticulously procured on her behalf. ... “I am so eternally grateful for Veterans Rebuilding Life…They are An Amazing Organization that care and Support military veterans and families. Thank you so for saving this Veteran I am grateful.” —Caress Lettine, Navy Veteran ... Beyond the confines of a roof over her head, an intricate web of support services was established and meticulously woven through VRL’s community partnerships network. Armed with this bedrock of support, Caress was empowered to confront the shadows cast by recent tragedies, embracing the arduous yet hopeful journey of rebuilding her life. Caress expressed her gratitude and progress in a heartfelt message to VRL staff on August 28th. “I got into an all-women’s veterans housing today and will be here until I get a permanent apartment. You have been a huge part of movement in my life, and I will never forget how you have helped me every step up to this moment.,” she wrote. Counselors became allies; a transitional house offered structure; SSVF promised a permanent home and future employment opportunities aligning with her strengths. A snapshot of progress captured the promise of renewed strength—a testament to Caress’ tenacity and VRL’s unwavering support.