March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

AAWDC earns grant to train veterans

AAWDCAnne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) has been awarded the Veteran Pathways Out of Homelessness (VPOH) grant for the third year to provide training for veterans to help them transition and thrive in civilian careers. The VPOH grant is awarded under the Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program, administered by the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.

“We were able to serve over 100 veterans in Anne Arundel County last year and we plan to increase that number this upcoming year.” said Kirkland Murray, AAWDC’s President and CEO.

James, a U.S. Navy Veteran who was living with his wife and six children at a homeless shelter located at Ft. Meade, is one of many veterans who went through AAWDC’s program last year. James had worked for his family’s business that unfortunately closed after 30 years of operation, leaving James unemployed and unable to support his family.  James entered AAWDC’s VPOH program where the Veteran Navigator provided him and his family with the resources and building blocks needed to identify employment opportunities to get them on their feet. In less than a year, James found employment and his family moved into permanent housing.

For their program, AAWDC partners with other veteran resources to provide assistance in rent arrears, utility cutoff notices, and homeless shelters. Additional resources and partnerships are continuously being added to grow the program.

During the past year AAWDC hosted a Veterans’ Roundtable where over 100 veterans had access to resources and information in support of employment, housing, and other issues pertaining to their financial and economic security.  Employers, health officials, mortgage consultants, and representatives from elected official’s offices were in attendance. AAWDC intends to host another Veterans’ Roundtable this coming fall.

When our warriors are in battle and one falls, the other is there to pick him up.  AAWDC’s Veteran Navigator believes this is true also in the civilian world.  The AAWDC veterans program is there to pick up those who have fallen and help them get back on their feet once again. If you know a veteran who needs help, tell them to contact AAWDC to find the support they need.

For more information about AAWDC’s veterans program please visit www.aawdc.org.

Previous Article

Squirrels shutout Baysox to take series

Next Article

Man charged for sexual abuse of disabled adult at Opportunity Builders

You might be interested in …