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September 20, 2018
<br /> To The Hall County Board of Supervisors:
<br /> This letter is related to the September 18, 2018, Hall County Board of Supervisors Meeting, agenda item 22.
<br /> I have been Don Shuda s Administrative Assistant for many years. I have not been asked to give my views
<br /> about the exchange that took place on September 11, 2018, between Don Shuda, VSO, and Scott Arnold,
<br /> Supervisor, regarding our office; however I am compelled to write you this letter. While I cannot attest to the
<br /> discussion held in Don's office, I can recall what was said as they walked down the hall, in front of my door,
<br /> and as they were walking out. Mr. Arnold clearly stated that our offices were too nice for the staff and that he
<br /> would see to it that we would be removed from this space. He then pointed to the reception area stating that it
<br /> was too big, and again too nice for the staff. I find his judgment of our administration abhorrent. I do not think
<br /> he understands or considers the personal issues the veterans of Hall County and their loved ones bring to us
<br /> here, and how vital it is to provide a space where they feel safe and respected to discuss such matters.
<br /> I genuinely don't believe the people of Hall County, including the Board of Supervisors, can understand the
<br /> multitude of issues and emotions we hear and try to help resolve. When we were housed at the Hall County
<br /> Administration Building, we were "bursting at the seams," as the saying goes. Our offices were crowded
<br /> together, most of them separated by cubical partitions, yielding many to carry out their appointments in
<br /> whispers. There was no privacy for the veterans and their loved ones when discussing these personal, private
<br /> matters. Our staff helps the men and women who sacrificed their very lives for this country, and our office is
<br /> here to offer them a safe place to lay their issues before us so we can find an appropriate and respectable
<br /> solution.
<br /> My position assists with life planning, financial affairs, and health concerns. Veterans come into my office with
<br /> mental health problems, physical health problems, financial problems, and personal problems, among others.
<br /> Many walk through my door carrying the weight of their final years, looking for end-of-life care and support;
<br /> their loved ones come to me with concerns about continued care after they pass away. There are tears, some
<br /> happy, some sad. There is anger and joy. There are unprompted moments of silence that we just could not
<br /> provide before. One of the office coworkers deals with financial assistance. She asks about bills, debts, health,
<br /> and nearly every other aspect of life. She works with the homeless, grieving survivors, people in treatment for
<br /> mental health and addiction, along with people that find they are in great financial crisis due to no fault of their
<br /> own. We have another that assists with death and burial, making sure the grieving families find comfort in
<br /> knowing that we are doing everything we can to honor our deceased. Many times there will be six or more
<br /> suffering family members in her office. These conversations are hard enough for our clients to discuss without
<br /> fearing they'll be overheard. When we were housed in the other building, it would often cause our visitors even
<br /> more stress and be very uncomfortable to talk about these delicate, personal concerns; we simply did not have
<br /> the space, privacy, or comfort. In our current setting we are better able to meet the needs of our veterans. They
<br /> feel free to lay forth the details of their particular situation without fear of judgment or being overheard.
<br /> The current building we are in sat empty for years; no one wanted to be here. So with very little money and a lot
<br /> of hard work, the old, rundown public safety building became a safe, welcoming and comfortable place for our
<br /> veterans and their families. We would love to see the other side of the building put to good use; we have always
<br /> known we would have neighbors. As with any building that houses more than one business or agency, signage
<br /> is the norm.
<br /> Yes, we have individual office space, and yes, it is very nice. This space serves as a sanctuary for our veterans,
<br /> their dependents, and their survivors. As required under HIPPA Law, we must uphold our client's
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