For years, Gary carried the weight of challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. A U.S. Army veteran who served honorably in the 1970s, he faced trauma, loss, addiction, homelessness, and serious health concerns after his military service. Yet through determination, support, and hope, Gary found a path forward.
That path began in 2023 when Gary entered treatment at the former Farnum Center (now Easterseals NH Behavioral Health Services) and was connected to Veterans Count. While working toward recovery, he partnered with a Veterans Count care coordinator who helped him navigate housing applications, access VA healthcare, and connect with critical resources. Through support from the Plummer Endowment and Veterans Count, Gary received assistance with medical expenses, counseling, and other essential needs.
Even after completing treatment goals and securing transitional housing, independent living remained out of reach. Veterans Count continued to stand beside Gary, helping with financial challenges that exceeded his fixed income, including major car repairs that allowed him to maintain transportation to healthcare appointments and other vital services.
In June 2025, after years of hard work and perseverance, Gary received the call he had been waiting for. He was accepted into housing at the Easterseals NH Military & Veteran Campus in Franklin. Overcome with emotion, he shared the news with his care coordinator. On June 15, Gary moved into his new home.
“Veterans often face challenges that can’t be solved by one program alone. Veterans Count serves as a connector, bringing together the right resources at the right time,” said Andrea Chrisstoffels, Director of Veterans Count. “Gary’s journey demonstrates how powerful that approach can be when multiple services work together toward a common goal: helping a Veteran achieve stability and independence.”
Today, Gary is living independently in a safe, comfortable apartment he proudly calls home, a powerful reminder of what can happen when Veterans are met with compassion, support, and opportunity.
About Veterans Count
Easterseals NH Veterans Count was founded in 2007 to provide a safety net of critical case management and emergency financial assistance to meet the unexpected crises of service members, Veterans, and their families. Last year alone, the program served nearly 1,000 members of the military community, assisting them in accessing eligible benefits and services and obtaining employment and housing to build a sustainable and secure future. Veterans Count is committed to ensuring the dignity and overall well-being of service members, Veterans and their families.