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USA Cares

Kenya Freeman, US Army

Kenya Freeman was hours away from losing her car in 2013.

“I ended up leaving the state just to keep my car,” Kenya said with a laugh.

At the time, Kenya’s only income was her monthly VA check and the meager wages from her part-time job. It wasn’t enough to cover all her expenses and soon things began to unravel.

“I wasn’t doing too well at work and I wasn’t doing too well at school,” Kenya said. “I don’t remember a lot but it became too much.”

Kenya was admitted to the VA’s psychiatric hospital where she stayed for more than a month.

“I had a lot coming at me,” Kenya said. “There were triggers and flashbacks, and then my grandpa died and that was the final straw.”

Kenya’s grandfather had been her rock after she left the Army.

“I had been through so much while I was serving,” Kenya said. “When I got out that’s who I stayed with. That was who I poured it all out to.”

By this time, Kenya was months behind on her car note and insurance. She quickly made an early exit to Florida ahead of her grandfather’s funeral.

“My caregiver at the time saw the repossession truck pull up to my place,” Kenya remembered. “If I had been there, they would have gotten it.”

Kenya scrambled to find the money to keep her car. She eventually found USA Cares and her bill was brought to current.

“I’ve never forgotten about (USA Cares),” Kenya said. “That was really special to me.”

Kenya is now working on her bachelor’s in accounting and looks forward to purchasing her next home.

“People want to help veterans but don’t know where to start,” Kenya said. “I always suggest USA Cares.”