Bill Lapage

What was your situation when you reached out to Soldier On?

Three years ago, I was released from prison after serving 28 years, having nothing at that time just my faith in God.

Soldier On was there since day one, helping with my rehabilitation and transition to the civilian world with various support services such as housing where I reside today at the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community, in Leeds, MA.

About 2 years ago Soldier On hosted a financial literacy workshop at our community offering each Veteran who attended free unlimited financial counseling. Open-minded, having spent most of my life in prison, I never had the opportunity to use Credit. I was anxious to address the wreckage of my past and started working with Mark McBride, my financial coach, within days.

SUCCESS STORY
Meet: Bill Lapage

A Veteran of the U.S. Navy who transformed his life, rebuilt his credit, and gained the stability needed to support his family during critical moments through Soldier On's housing and financial counseling support.

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During my initial session Mark suggested I obtain a secure credit card from a local bank. He gave me the parameters on how to rebuild my credit, advising I utilize only 25% of my secured credit card limit and pay it off each month. To me that was something simple for me to do, I consolidated all my monthly necessities into this budget and paid them off monthly, I started seeing my credit score go up.

My credit score today is 761. I now have 2 credit cards, each month I charge my monthly expenses and do the same practice paying them off monthly, it's now become a habit. It also feels good not having any debt and not wasting money on useless things, Mark helped me realize this during our monthly sessions. Over the last few months my credit card spending limit increased, without me requesting it and all due to my excellent credit payment history and new improved credit score.

How has it improved since working with Soldier On?

Last year, I received one of the most painful phone calls in my life. My daughter notified me that my son passed away unexpectedly, the family was also having hard time with the funeral expenses. Without hesitation I offered to pay for the expenses. As a family, we were able to give my son a proper burial with some assistance from the Gary Sinise Foundation. During the funeral, I was able to meet my grandchildren for the first time in my life and reconnect with my other children.

Looking back, If I had not been able to fix my credit score and take control of my monthly budget and expenses, I would not have had the opportunity to step up for my family when they needed me most.

Today I am still rebuilding my relationship with my kids and grandchildren. I applied for a VA home loan with Veterans United and was approved 250K. I plan to make my first home loan purchase by May 2026 and now can leave something behind for my family. No matter what the demons we hold in our past it's never too late to make it right. Soldier On saved my life with its ongoing support from my case manager Mariah Marino and MMI coach Mark.

What would you like to accomplish in the future? What are your long-term goals?