The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a grant for $1.1 million to The SkillSource Group to provide employment and training services, including entrepreneurship training, to 395 Virginia veterans over the next three years. As a partner on this grant, ServiceSource will provide outreach, intake, assessment, case management, supportive service referrals, job development and follow-up services to veterans with disabilities.

The program, called Jobs 4 Veterans (J4VETS), is funded through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) and is set to transform the current system of veteran service delivery by establishing coordination and collaboration among veteran-serving agencies to create a pipeline of fully qualified veterans to fill high-demand industries. These fields include software and computer services, construction, auto mechanics, security, logistics, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, hospitality, and culinary arts.

Wounded veterans face the daunting task of returning to civilian life given those injuries sustained while serving our country. More than 190,000 veterans live in Northern Virginia, 11,200 of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these men and women face barriers to employment, including service-connected disabilities. Meanwhile, the cost of living in Fairfax County is one of the highest in the nation. By helping veterans obtain the qualifications and training necessary to compete in high-demand industries such as Information Technology, J4VETS is increasing the self sufficiency and quality of life of veterans while filling a regional employment gap.

 J4VETS will serve the counties of Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington. The project proposes to place 70 percent of veterans served into employment and enroll 80 percent in training, including entrepreneurship training. This grant is one of eleven that were awarded nationwide to nonprofit organizations and local public agencies in ten states. A total of $11.53 million was awarded to programs that will serve a combined 5,500 veterans.

Learn more ServiceSource's Warrior Bridge Program