SHELDON’S STORY

Sheldon, a highly decorated Veteran, was in harm’s way on a regular basis during two tours in Iraq. During his second deployment, he suffered a traumatic brain injury during an insurgent attack. His physical injuries healed, but the effects of the trauma stayed with him.

When Sheldon returned home four years later, everyone could see the change in him. “My mom said a different son came back from the service,” he says. After so many years of combat, Sheldon had debilitating and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A once peaceful man, his disorder made him defensive, agitated and violent. As a result, Sheldon was incarcerated for seven years almost immediately after honorably serving his country for ten.

Now 37, Sheldon’s home again. With treatment, his PTSD is now under control. He’s been gone since he enlisted at 18, and he’s ready for a normal civilian life. “I needed to start over,” he says, “so I called PA 2-1-1 Southwest. I knew they could help me with a lot of different things I need.” The Resource Navigator referred Sheldon to a range of services provided by four collaborating United Way partner agencies that are helping him to find a job, locate affordable housing, update his disability claim, and obtain clothing and household items. Sheldon’s grateful, and optimistic about his future. “God will lead me as He sees fit,” Sheldon says. “With help from PA 2-1-1 Southwest, I’m headed in the direction He wants me to go.”