Thaddaus is a US Army veteran who completed his service in the early 2000s. He struggled to get his life back on track after some difficulties. Life after his service took some turns and at 35, he found himself in a rough place and eventually prison.
“I made some really bad decisions, and now I am living with the results of those decisions. I can’t go back and change what I have done, but I am learning from my mistakes. I am a stronger person because of my experiences,” said Thaddaus.
Thaddaus eventually entered a work release program and found veteran services, which led him to Easterseals Crossroads. Thaddaus is currently living in transitional housing and he is headed toward a better place in his life.
“When we get a veteran who needs our services, we figure out the immediate priorities like housing because it’s hard to get to work if you don’t have a place to come home to. Once we figure out all the obstacles in getting a veteran back to work, we create the path toward independence and an improved standard of living,” said Troy Drake, who is a career navigator in the veteran services program.
Thaddaus is working and he has signed up for courses in an information technology certification track so that he can advance. He has moved beyond major obstacles and feels his life is on track for a meaningful future. He has a career with plans for advancement through further education, he has a car and he is preparing to move into his own place.
“Everything is going pretty well, considering some of the circumstances in my past. I am moving forward and not dwelling on the mistakes that I made in my past. A year ago, I had gotten to the point where
I had given up on the possibility of even making it out of the correctional facility. I found the help I needed and I am somewhere that I didn’t think I could be a year ago,” said Thaddaus.
