The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies has launched the Ohio Vocation, Education, Training and Services program at six pilot community action agencies in the state, including at WSOS Community Action.
The program, which began last week, is aimed to aid veterans at 200 percent of the federal poverty level and below and offers education and training to assist them in finding meaningful employment at a living wage, according to a release from OACAA.
It also will provide veterans and their families with other supportive services to help them attain self-sufficiency.
Ken Sayre, veterans' family advocate at WSOS, said he is currently coordinating the program in Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa and Seneca counties and is in the process of setting up appointments with area veterans.
"We're going to have influx of veterans coming back who are unemployed," Sayre said.
In meeting with veterans, case managers like Sayre will determine individual needs and create short and long term goals with the ultimate objective of attaining employment and overcoming economic instability, according to the release.
Each agency will provide a variety of services from training for resume building, interviewing techniques, computer literacy and vocational training. The agency also will work with area employers.
Supportive services will include those needed to provide a safe and healthy
home from rental and mortgage assistance to utilities assistance, transportation assistance,
clothing, food, financial literacy training, life skills, parenting skills, school readiness for
children, emergency assistance and mental health services, the release states.
"We have a lot of veterans that served this country and we should serve them when they come back," Sayre said.
To set up an appointment at WSOS in regards to the Ohio VETS program, call (419) 334-8911.
