Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program

Open to all U.S. Military veterans in central Illinois who have any discharge (other than dishonorable), who are homeless and looking for employment.

Started in July, 2009, with the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) 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, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, referral services,
and job placement assistance.

GOALS
The HVRP has three primary goals:

1. Reduce the barriers that prevent homeless veterans from obtaining and maintaining stable and consistent employment.

2. Provide access to resources that facilitate stabilization and entrance into the workforce.

3. Create a cohesive community network to reduce the barriers associated with a veteran moving from unemployed and homeless to domiciled and employed.

AREA OF SERVICE
The HVRP program is available in the following counties: Mercer, Henderson, Warren, Knox, Stark, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam and Grundy. The HVRP program is also available in portions of the following counties: Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Mason, Ford, Champaign, LaSalle, Bureau, and Henry.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
U.S. Military Veterans (with a discharge other than dishonorable) residing in central Illinois who are homeless, looking for work, and who want to make a difference in their lives. 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 staff for a detailed assessment to determine their suitability for the HVRP 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. Veterans will be assigned to a counselor who will provide support and treatment as well as work to promote advocacy.
  • 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. Training includes: Job Readiness, Computer Basics, Computer Skills, Customer Service, Money Smart, Life Management Skills, Interviewing Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Behavior Skills.
  • 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 providing 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 placement 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. Out 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: Homeless Veterans Re-Entry Program
2319 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
Phone: 309-682-1113, ext. 2111
E-mail: veterans@goodwillpeo.org

 

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