Tom Boscamp, an Army Veteran himself, is the Director of the Veterans Resource Center at Coastline Community College’s Garden Grove Campus, and Chair of the Education Working Group for the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC). The Coastline Community College Veterans Resource Center is across the street from Garden Grove Library and a park frequented by homeless veterans.
One afternoon, Tom ventured across the street to the park to offer veterans the use of his center. He also offered food, computer use and resources.
The following month, Everett Corral, Army Veteran, walked into Coastline’s Veterans Resource Center, referred from the Garden Grove library, and introduced himself to Tom.
First things first, Tom fed Everett from the center’s refrigerator, provided a personal hygiene kit and conducted an intake and assessment of his needs.
Tom obtained Everett’s military service records from the national military records archives and explained OCVMFC members’ resources.
Tom then referred Everett to the Tierney Center for Veteran Services where he was connected with Jade Smith, Outreach Supervisor. Jade assisted Everett with his housing application for a HUD/VASH voucher through the VA’s Community Resources Referral Center (CRRC), and Robert Rodriguez, Employment Supervisor at the Tierney Center, jumped in to provide employment assistance.
With a desire to further his education, Tom assisted Everett with his application, transcripts, and counselor, resulting in acceptance to Coastline College.
Not more than a few weeks later, Everett sent Tom the following email message:
Hi Tom, just got off the phone with Stephani and got registered on the military side. I mentioned a program that provides computers to veterans, but I would need a sponsor for the exchange, and she said you might have some computers? If you could advise, that would be great. Thanks in advance for your help. Peace, Hope all is well with you.
Everett Corral
P.S. I stumbled into that little resource center of yours and have begun an amazing journey with the help of the people you steered me too. The blessings are too much to count, but just so you know how much help you have been, even in just two meetings with me, here is a recap.
Was in rehab/now in sober living
Was homeless/now in final stage of HUD-VASH
Was unemployed/Now work at VA Healthcare Greater LA as a Custodial Tech
Was formerly a high school grad/Now working on a Communications degree at CCC
Was walking aimlessly/Now driving a car…a good car…
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom was able to get Everett a laptop thanks to another collaborative partner, Heroes Deserve Help. Everett is now making “A” Grades in his classes, working full time at the San Diego VA Hospital (currently double shifts) and living in an apartment in San Clemente.
Everett told Tom, “When I came to see you, I had my backpack and 35 cents in my pocket. My life has been completely changed!”
