Soldier On Receives $400,000 to Continue Veteran Job Training
LEEDS: Soldier On, an organization committed to ending veteran homelessness with programs in Pittsfield and Leeds, has been awarded two third-year grant renewals by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The organization was granted $200,000 for third-year funding of their Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and $200,000 for third-year funding of their Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IVTP), totaling $400,000. These grants, awarded originally in July of 2010, provide funding for job training for homeless veterans or veterans at risk of becoming homeless throughout Hampshire and Berkshire Counties.
The Department of Labor has awarded 90 grants, totaling $20 million, to provide 11,000 veterans with job training. Grantees will provide the veterans with case management, occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services while coordinating their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers.
“Americans who have served their country should not find themselves without a home,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The grants announced today will help these heroes find good jobs and take us one step closer to the goal of ending veteran homelessness altogether.”
The main focus of the HVRP program is to enable homeless veterans to secure a job and re-enter society as productive citizens. Soldier On, since first receiving this grant, has proven that they can effectively assist veterans in the job search and placement process all while providing them with a continuum of care where they live.
“Solider On has a proven track record of success working with community partners to effectively assist homeless veterans,” said Representative John Olver. “This funding allows Soldier On to continue to provide veterans in Hampshire and Berkshire counties with quality job training and job-placement assistance that will help them succeed in civilian careers.”
“Education, skill development and job readiness skills are major impediments for homeless veterans to re-enter the employment market,” said Soldier On President /CEO Jack Downing. “These grants help us eliminate those barriers and prepare our veterans for long term employment that is productive and financially rewarding.”
Soldier On is an organization that is dedicated to providing formerly homeless veterans with safe, affordable housing with a continuum of care where they live, including treatment and recovery, food, clothing, case management, and job related services.
