NEW Veterans’ Employment Act Program
Open to any honorably discharged veteran living in central Illinois
looking for work.
Started in January, 2011, with the assistance of a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, this program is designed to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force by providing job training and preparation, (including job readiness, literacy training, and skills training), case management, referral services, and job placement assistance.
GOALS
This program has two primary goals:
1. Provide access to resources that facilitate stabilization and entrance into the workforce.
2. Create a cohesive community network to reduce the barriers associated with a veteran
moving from unemployed to employed.
Objectives:
• Counseling veterans with respect to appropriate job opportunities;
• Identifying community needs and seeking funding for new public and private sector jobs
in relation to the Veterans Employment Act;
• Providing veterans with training, skills and referral services to help them to become
gainfully employed and independent;
• Developing plans to include more veterans in existing training and placement programs;
• Referring veterans to agencies which provide information and assistance with respect to
health care, financial matters, education, nutrition and legal problems.
AREA OF SERVICE
The VEAP program is available in the following counties: Mercer, Henderson, Warren, Knox, Stark, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam and Grundy. The VEAP program is also available in portions of the following counties: Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Mason, Ford, Champaign, LaSalle, Bureau, and Henry.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Honorably discharged U.S. Military Veterans residing in central Illinois who are looking for work. You must either reside in our territory or be referred to us by a veteran’s agency from this same area.
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STEPS TO SUCCESS
▪ Pre-Screen and Assessment – Initially, all referred veterans will meet with our program staff for a detailed assessment to determine their suitability for the VEAP program.
▪ Program Plan – This step allows program staff to determine the greatest areas of need for the participant and the most valuable starting point that will eventually result in employment. All specific needs related to vocational training and job placement will be addressed.
▪ Vocational and Individual Assessment – This assessment will not only evaluate vocational needs, but also address physical health, mental health, substance abuse, housing, basic needs such as food and clothing, legal and criminal issues, strengths, goals, and other barriers that may prevent employment.
▪ Education Program and Vocational Training – The training program will teach valuable vocational and life skills that will expedite the process of preparing veterans for sustainable work.
▪ Support Services (Ongoing) – The Goodwill staff will provide concurrent intensive case management services to address the other barriers participants face to find employment. Goodwill has ongoing linkages with community agencies which provide services to address issues identified during the individual’s assessment.
▪ Job Readiness – Staff members will work closely with participants to track progress from assessment to program planning to training and education, ensuring each individual is job ready. Additional individual training will be offered by staff and from members of the community who are dedicated to helping veterans.
▪ Job Placement – Our re-entry specialist will network with area businesses to promote the hiring of veterans from our program. In addition, the staff will work to determine the specific talents and skills of each individual to best match him or her to employment opportunities as they become available.
▪ Job Retention and Follow-Up – Our entire program is results oriented. Providing intensive case management services during a participant’s flow through the program allows for better opportunities for follow-up once he or she has obtained employment. Our staff will utilize a follow-up procedure already implemented at Goodwill, based on a 90, 180, and 270 day schedule. Contact will be maintained with each individual through phone calls, e-mail, home visits, employer visits, and face-to-face meetings.
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For more information, please contact:
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois
Attn: Goodwill Veterans Re-Entry Program
2319 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
Phone: 309-682-1113, ext. 2111
E-mail: veterans@goodwillpeo.org