Operation Independence prepares for influx of veterans in second year
This Veteranâs Day, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is honoring military veterans by marking the one-year anniversary of its Operation Independence program, aimed at helping military veterans transition into civilian employment.
During the past year, Operation Independence, in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), has helped more than 160 military veterans and military family members through comprehensive training and services, such as technology skills training, career counseling and job placement. The program is funded by Microsoft Corporation through an Elevate America veterans initiative grant, which included $2 million in cash and up to $6 million in software to provide local veterans and their families with a comprehensive set of services to help them transition into civilian careers.
However, the programâs impact has reached far beyond our region.
Last month, the Operation Independence team was chosen as one of six veteran services programs nationwide to join Microsoft Corporation in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Richard Burr in Washington, D.C. The event brought together veterans, nonprofit organizations and veteran services organizations to discuss challenges veterans face when they return to the civilian workforce, and how the public and private sectors can better work together to serve those veterans.
Nicholas Riggins, vocational evaluator for Operation Independence, represented the program as he shared his personal story of transitioning from the military as a veteran as well as the struggles of veterans that he works with on a daily basis.
The program is preparing for an influx of veterans within the next few months. âWeâre focusing on deepening relationships with veteran programs on college campuses and with local employers who want to hire veterans,â Riggins said. âWeâre also going to be offering more advanced computer training and certifications through our partnership with Microsoft, so that our veterans will be better prepared for civilian positions at the management level.â
To learn more about Goodwillâs Operation Independence program, please click here.
