Giving back will repay this veteran’s debt

I’m John Meyer, an Army veteran and recovering addict. I was released from prison in 2009 after serving a sentence for drug sales and was homeless in Eugene. Again. While filling a prescription at the VA Clinic, a flyer for Vet LIFT caught my attention. I called the number.

Vet LIFT changed my life as nothing else ever has. I was provided an apartment, love, respect, and most of all given help to begin to realize my dream. From the stable base of my Vet LIFT apartment I was able to complete the enrollment process for the Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Having frittered away most of my life in idle dysfunction, I was impressed with the work the staff at Vet LIFT was doing. I decided to work towards the goal of being like them. I am now a junior at Northwest Christian University, not far from my bachelor degree in psychology. I will soon begin my master-of-social-work program at Portland State after which I will be working at the VA, helping to provide services and sharing my experience, strength, and hope with fellow veterans in need.

Vet LIFT is a blessing. I am, for the first time in over 20 years, part of the solution and not the problem. I wish there were words to express my gratitude to the funders and donors; there are not enough to convey how much Vet LIFT means to me. By giving back, I will one day repay my debt to Vet LIFT and society.