Program & Team Spotlight: RISE VA

This month’s program spotlight features RISE VA, which serves single adults who have served in the military, most of whom have have experienced chronic homelessness and are living with at least one disabling condition. Nearly 30 Veterans are currently in the program, and they live in a DeKalb County apartment complex in Stone Mountain. Program Manager Marshall Marrotte shares a few updates about the program.

Are there any notable updates or upcoming activities of the program?

A few clients have recently joined the program, and we’re anticipating bringing on a few more in the upcoming weeks. So, we’re looking forward to getting our census up and helping more Veterans who need us.

As a thank you to our Veterans, we’ll be hosting a breakfast and community get-together in honor of the upcoming Veteran’s Day holiday. Also, as the holidays get closer, we are putting together some gifts for our clients, including care packages of hygiene and health items. Our clients always love getting those.

Are there any noteworthy team member updates you want to share?

I’m excited that we have a new care coordinator starting soon. It’s just been me the last year so I’m looking forward to welcoming another team member. I’ve been getting a lot of assistance from colleagues in other programs who have all pitched in to help out over the last year, so I’m very thankful for that.

We also had an intern recently start working with us and she’ll be with us for two semesters. She attends Georgia State and she’s majoring in Social Work. I always enjoy having interns here, and it’s a great opportunity for them to get first-hand experience working with the people we serve.

Are there any client successes that you want to share to demonstrate the impact of this program?

We have coordinated with Hope House on a few program transfers for clients after they complete the residential treatment program there. It’s great to see them do well at Hope House and then successfully transition into an independent living situation at RISE VA. I’m also excited for one of our clients who is doing really well and who is looking at eventually getting a VA loan so he can purchase his own home.

And in case you missed it, HERE is a testimonial from one of our clients who was featured over the summer.

November 2024