Why we do what we do

Veteran Steven Clark* was out of work, homeless and separated from his family when he came to Military Veterans Resource Center for help. “I was in a really dark place because of this and my time out [of the military],” he said.  However, on his first visit to MVRC Clark was paired with MVRC career specialist Bob Driftmyer, who provided him with food from our food bank, helped him find job leads, and met Clark for coffee to discuss his career interests.

Recently, Clark wrote a letter to MVRC expressing his gratitude for Driftmyer, who proved a guide and a friend to Clark when he felt he had nowhere else to turn. The story he shared reminded us why we do what we do.

In 2012, Clark transitioned from the U.S. Army and began working for a cable company in Findlay, Oh. He enjoyed the work, but after six months of employment, his boss asked him to go on a job out of state, even though he told the hiring manager his girlfriend was expecting and he could not travel. When reminding his boss of the agreement, Clark was given two choices: he could either travel as planned or quit.

Clark chose the latter and was thrust back into the job search, but after a month and a half and six interviews, he still had no promising leads. Repeatedly, employers told him he was “overqualified” and his military skills didn’t translate well to the job he applied for.

In the months that followed, Clark found employment with two more cable companies, both of which mistreated their employees and misled him about the position’s duration. The first job ended after four months when the company announced they were closing their Findlay operations. The second job didn’t pay him for the first eight weeks of work, which caused his family to lose their home and forced them to move in with a friend. One month later, the job ended, and even though his family secured another home, tensions were high and Clark and his girlfriend separated, leaving him with nowhere to go.

After 3 weeks of homelessness, Clark visited the county Veterans Services office and was referred to Driftmyer.

“[Bob] has done everything in his power and beyond to help me out of this situation,” said Clark. “He gave me meals on a daily basis. Bob would spend the majority of his day helping me find a job and taking me places to apply.”

With Driftmyer’s assistance, Clark eventually found full-time employment. He now has a house, a car, and he feels back on track.

“Bob went out of his way for me and my family. This position is perfect for Mr. Driftmyer because he cares, and through all of this I inherited an amazing mentor and friend.”

*His name has been changed out of respect for privacy.