Press Releases

Kerry, Brown, McGovern, Neal, Olver: Massachusetts Wins $1.1 Mil To Put Vets Back To Work

Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressmen Jim McGovern, Richard Neal, and John Olver, today announced that three organizations across Massachusetts will receive $1,113,840 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide homeless veterans in Massachusetts the job training to help them succeed in civilian careers.

The funding, awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration, Homeless Female Veterans, and Veterans with Families Programs, will go toward assisting homeless veterans with reintegration into the workforce and addressing difficult to serve subpopulations of homeless veterans. Under these grants, homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services.

-The high unemployment rate among veterans is unacceptable. Slogans are no substitute for a good job for every one of our heroes who returns home,- said Sen. Kerry. -It's about turning words into actions, and that's exactly what this investment and this partnership with the Department of Labor and veterans groups in Massachusetts will do. It's a real-life way to provide the support, tools, and job training veterans need to find a good job and make a successful transition back to civilian life.-

-When our heroes come home, we have an obligation to ensure they have the tools they need to reintegrate and, if necessary, help them get back on their feet,- said Sen. Brown. -These grants will help thousands of veterans in Massachusetts get the job training assistance they deserve.-

-I am so impressed with the work that Veterans, Inc does to help our returning servicemen and women,- Rep. McGovern said. -They continue to touch more and more lives, and this federal funding will help them continue their efforts.-

"Once again Soldier On is being acknowledged for the first-class services it renders for our veterans,- said Rep. Neal.

-Solider On has a proven track record of success working with community partners to effectively assist homeless veterans,- said Rep. 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 Jack Downing, President and CEO of Soldier On. -These grants help us eliminate those barriers and prepare our veterans for long term employment that is productive and financially rewarding.-

The following organizations will receive funding:

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Second and Third Year Funding

Vietnam Veterans Workshop dba New England Center for Homeless Veterans

$219,620.00

Veterans Inc.

$400,000.00

United Veterans of America, Inc. dba Soldier On

$200,000.00

Incarcerated Veterans' Transition Program Third Year Funding

United Veterans of America, Inc. dba Soldier On

$200,000.00

Homeless Females and Veterans with Families Third Year Funding

Veterans, Inc.

$94,220.00