“If I couldn’t have gotten help, then I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Javariss and his Pisgah Legal Attorney, Misty Greene
We often say that the work that Pisgah Legal Services does changes the lives of our clients. Sometimes, it can also be life saving.
For some clients, things may be so bad that, alone, they can’t see a way through it. That was the case with Javariss.
With his warm smile and outgoing nature, it’s hard to imagine Javariss has ever faced hardship. But there was a time when this Army veteran, who served two tours in Iraq after September 11th, felt completely hopeless and ready to give up.
More than three years ago, Javariss was suffering from crippling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); it overwhelmed his life in every way. “We were going through an eviction, my boss fired me, and I was the main breadwinner for my family. It put me in the darkest hole possible. If I couldn’t have gotten help, then I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Meeting Pisgah Legal Attorney Misty Green was a turning point for Javariss. Misty, who leads PLS’ Veterans Law Program, saw right away that things weren’t hopeless. “We had a lot of obstacles to overcome, but I assured him that we would do it together.”
Javariss had a hard time trusting, but Misty was ready to put in the time and effort to earn his trust. He says, “She made me feel comfortable and told me everything was going to be all right.”
After working with ABCCM and helping Javariss’ family find housing, Misty knew they had to focus on his mental health. But he couldn’t begin treatment until his driver’s license was restored, allowing him to travel to the VA Medical Center in Asheville.
Together, they resolved his old fines, and once he regained his license, Javariss began intensive treatment.
“I sat down with people who helped me understand my triggers, my strong and weak points. Then I began to apply that to being a dad, a regular guy, a son. It helped me in all aspects of my life.”
Meanwhile, Misty began pursuing disability benefits for Javariss. She was successful, and the VA rated him at 100 percent. “It’s an unusual rating,” she says. “It speaks to how severe his PTSD was.”
Now Javariss and his family have a steady income. They’re saving for their first home, his wife opened a small business, and Javariss is active in the community, supporting youth and fellow veterans.
He says, “Getting my license paved the way for everything else. Me and my family wouldn’t be in the place we are now without Pisgah Legal Services. We are most grateful.”
You have an important role to play in removing barriers and changing – or even saving – the lives of people in WNC who need Pisgah Legal Services. Thank you for support, and know that your gift touches the lives of countless people and their families.