From Setbacks to Success: A Veteran’s Road to Employment

Testimonial

My name is Dack Anderson, and it has been a long road. As a U.S. Navy veteran who recovered from homelessness in 2020, I completed my college degree through the VA’s VR&E Chapter 31 Program in 2024, and successfully interned with Colorado Springs Utilities. But then I eventually found myself unemployed for fourteen months. After submitting more than 450 applications, I’m nevertheless grateful for the people and organizations who supported me along the way until I finally found a new job.

Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA‑CO), especially my Employment Counselor, Ms. Sara Ramirez, provided steady guidance throughout my search. She introduced me to Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) only a few weeks before my breakthrough, but even in that short time, their online workshops and encouragement were meaningful. I was especially humbled to learn that R2W’s Chaplain, Ms. Fern Ballou (at 96 years old!), had been praying for me daily. As a man of faith, that meant more to me than I can fully express.

While the final success came through persistence, preparation, and God’s timing, I’m thankful for every person who helped me stay focused and hopeful. I appreciate the collaboration between VOA and R2W, and I hope my story encourages others who are still working toward their own breakthrough.