Spotlight on job readiness

Homeless veterans work toward self-sufficiency.

All too often, homelessness begins with a lack of employable skills. Non-transferability of skills is a constant struggle for many veterans who return from serving their country without the necessary job-readiness skillset to find and maintain long-term employment. At Volunteers of America, we offer our clients different programs and services to equip them with both the knowledge and the confidence to successfully return to the workforce.

Patriot Packaging teaches valuable skills.

Patriot Packaging is one piece of the employment services we offer struggling veterans. This social enterprise and supportive employment program is a hands-on training initiative in Cleveland that provides realistic, productive job development opportunities for veterans. Frequently focused toward veterans who have been unemployed for a significant period of time, the program trains for skilled jobs such as assembly, packaging and inspection.

Patriot Packaging teaches veterans skills like time charting, working as part of a team and following a task list. Throughout the four-phase program, veterans receive increased responsibility as they achieve specific goals and expectations, with the ultimate goal of moving into a full-time position outside of the program. Working through Patriot Packaging not only prepares veterans for the job world, but also helps them gain valuable references and fill in what could be a long gap in their resume.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

Funded by the US Department of Labor, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) both prepares veterans for the job search and helps them maintain employment once hired. In HVRP, veteran clients are assigned a case manager and take classes to assist with job training, resume writing and online job search. To help veterans find employment, Volunteers of America maintains contacts with local area businesses with a history of hiring veterans.

Volunteers of America also provides transportation and work-appropriate attire, as well as supplies that might be needed, like steel-toed boots, backpacks and hygiene supplies. Veterans have access to computers, printers, a mailing address and other necessary amenities to assist with the job search process. In addition, HVRP provides a work reference and support program for staying employed. The ultimate goal of the program is to help Ohio’s homeless veterans find and maintain stable employment so they can return to self-sufficiency.

Help Ohio’s homeless veterans when you donate your vehicle.

In 2012, 613 veterans participated in one of our two veteran employment and job training services. You can make a huge impact in the lives of unemployed veterans by donating your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV to Volunteers of America.

Every tax-deductible car donation to Volunteers of America helps us to continue to provide invaluable job training and readiness programs to our clients in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and throughout Ohio. Best of all, donating your car is easy. Start by filling out our online form or calling (800) 225-0732. We’ll tow your donated vehicle for free, even if it hasn’t run in years. Donate your automobile to Volunteers of America and change someone’s life today.