At the Right Place, At the Right Time | Client Spotlight

Ivin Hale, 55, attended college for a while before deciding to enlist with the US Navy. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Ivin wanted to see the world. He wasn’t afraid to leave home because he always knew he had a nurturing family to come back to if it all didn’t work out. Ivin served as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate in the Navy from June 1984 to April 1988. During his time in the service, he was able to travel the world just as he wanted and got to see Spain, Israel, and many others located near the equator.  

After separating from the Navy, he lived in Rhode Island before moving to California in 1990. He describes his separation from the military as a smooth transition. Many veterans face hardships after separation due to the wounds of war. Ivin feels so fortunate to have not faced any traumatic experiences during his service that would have affected his journey back to civilian life.

Arriving in the Bay Area, Ivin found immediate work in the security industry. Over the last 30 years, he has continued his work in this industry while leveling up from an officer to being assigned as supervisor for various sites in San Francisco like the Saint Regis Hotel, Ritz Carlton Hotel, and Tiffany and Company. Most recently, he was working as a Security Officer for events at Oracle Park. Then in 2020, due to COVID-19 and shelter-in-place, Ivin was left without work.

Ivin’s initial concerns when coming to Swords to Plowshares was finding an immediate position to avoid applying for unemployment benefits. He needed financial stability after being laid off. Ivin met with his Employment Specialist, LaTonya. After LaTonya learned about his work history, she immediately recommended him for the open Security Guard position at our San Francisco Drop-in office. Within just a few days of his first appointment, he was enrolled into the Jobs for Vets program, interviewed for the position, got hired, and was able to get back to work. He is thankful LaTonya was so easy to work with and helped him secure this position.  

Ivin enjoys being a part of Swords to Plowshares. He is grateful for the services provided by the organization. Being a veteran himself, he understands the hardship many veterans face, and he is able to extend his compassion to the veterans he now serves through his job. Ivin is an example of being at the right place, at the right time. As for the future, he wishes for great health and continuous growth.

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