On May 17,Goodwill of the Coastal Empire was recognized by Goodwill Industries International at its Spring Conference for their commitment to serving veterans. Only two member agencies were awarded as Vested in Veterans Center of Excellence. Goodwill of the Coastal Empire will serve as a role model to other Goodwill’s designing programs to serve veterans. Theresa Gerton, deputy secretary for policy at the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS) program, served as the keynote speaker at the lunch. She encouraged Goodwills to continue their great work connecting veterans and their families to much needed employment and support services, emphasizing the growing need for credential building in this population.

Goodwill of the Coastal Empire began its dedicated veteran services program in 2010 with Operation Open Doors, serving homeless veterans in Savannah and the surrounding areas. The agency quickly realized other veterans within the community could benefit from their services

Today, the Savannah Goodwill operates ten job connection centers with professionals who assist veterans with an array of services and supports. All veterans are assigned a peer counselor who serves as a navigator supporting the efforts of the veterans to address immediate needs such as housing, benefits verifications and medical concerns.

“We owe it to every one of our veterans and their families to provide them with the tools they need to advance beyond their military careers and connect them with employers who understand the value of their military experience, so they can succeed at work and at home,” said Brenda Pollen, vice president of mission services. “Through Vested in Veterans, we will enable veterans and military family members to focus on their careers and financial goals, and create a road map for successful civilian careers.”

These efforts are bolstered by the agency’s many community partnerships, including the Veterans Administration, Savannah-Chatham County Homeless Authority, Step-Up-Savannah Workforce Action Team’s Apprenticeship Program, and local colleges and universities.