Restoring Health, Hope, Opportunity, and Dignity...

Veterans Life Changing Services (VLCS) is a transitioning Veterans program; located at 501 West Ridge Road, Gary, IN. It is specifically designed to assist Northwest Indiana and Illinois service men and women in their transition back into civilian life; but yet open to all Veterans geographically.

VLCS opened in September 2009, and began providing transitioning housing to both men and women Veterans in February of 2010. The nearest Veterans’ transitional home is located in Lafayette, IN and Chicago, IL both facilities are located more than 1 to 1 ½ hours from Gary, IN. Currently the nearest Veterans Administration Center is located in Crown Point, IN, 10.5 miles.

VLCS provides temporary housing 120 days to 1 year. We have provided services for over 600 transitioning Veterans; assisted 79 with permanent housing; assisted 23 with obtaining employment and assisted 3 in obtaining 3 college degrees; and the number continues to increase. VLCS provides essential support services; case management; transportation to medical appointments and three meals a day.

Our Staff consist of a National Certified Veterans Benefit Officer, available to assist Veterans with entitlements on Mondays; a Director, a Residential Manager and Residential Coordinator which oversees operation and security, interns from various academies, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and volunteers.

VETERANS CHANGING SERVICES, INC.
&
VETERANS LIFE CHANGING SERVICES

Partners with

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
OFFICE FOR MILITARY-AFFILIATED COMMUNITIES

to Present It's First Spring

VETERANS STAND DOWN

Friday, May 16, 2025
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Dean and Barbara White Community Center
6600 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410

Please Bring Your VA Identification or DD214

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact:

Lorese Wesley at: [email protected]

VETERAN SERVICES

Assistance with Accessing VA Benefits & Services
Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans
GPD Homeless Veterans’ Program
Counseling & Substance Referrals
Emergency Shelter & Other Social Services (including food)
Legal Services
Health Screening
Employment Services
Haircuts
Dental Mobile Unit
Giveaways & More

Veterans Life Changing Services was recently recognized by the @U.S. Department of Labor as a 2024 HIREVetsMedallion Award recipient for our commitment to recruiting, employing, and retaining veterans. We’re proud to support veterans and their career goals.

Hire Vets Gold Medallion Program Recipient

Our Mission

To provide temporary and permanent housing opportunities; wrap around essential support services including case management, counseling and behavioral health outpatient services to our Veterans and their family.

Our Goal

The goal of Veterans Life Changing Services is to provide eligible Northwest Indiana and Illinois service men and women with transitional housing as well as permanent accommodation opportunities; to offer effective case management services for mental well being; and to make available skill development training that results in gainful employment.

Our Philosophy

To nurture each Veteran's emotional and spiritual well being, while helping them develop their lives and coping skills. This focus is designed to directly impact their ability to lead self-sufficient, productive, drug-free lives.

Core Values

- Recognizing each human being as a person of immeasurable worth and value.
- Acknowledging that individual growth and development occurs best in settings that address the whole person
- Understanding that providing meaningful work is a significant way to affirm and develop each person's potential skills and abilities.
- Transforming negative human experiences into positive means for changing lives.