On this Veteran's Day, Goodwill Industries is taking steps to help veterans who may be struggling to find a career after life in the military via a program called Operation GoodJobs.
"I'm a proud graduate of the program," says Anny Penna, a veteran and single mom with two children. Like many vets, Penna had difficulty finding a job when she returned home from the military. Than she found out about Operation GoodJobs.
"Coming back from the military, there's physical disabilities, there's mental disabilities but we also have other challenges that are less obvious such as a high rate of single parenthood especially for women coming from the military," Penna tells WBFO, adding "There's a need for childcare in order to go out there and look for employment. These are things that Goodwill and Operation GoodJobs are able to help you with."
Operation Good Jobs is a Goodwill Program funded by the Walmart Foundation that operates in 12 markets including Buffalo. Goodwill Industries International, Director of Strategy, Brad Turner-Little says Operation Good Jobs is committed to providing veterans the tools necessary to find employment and ensure long-term financial wellness by providing a variety of resources and opportunities.
Operation Good Jobs is in the second year of a three year term here in Buffalo. Turner-Little says the program provided support to 560 veterans in Buffalo last year, nearly 50 of those where females.
The program provides services that include opportunities to earn certifications and degrees, as well as training for resume writing and interviews. Veterans also have access to a growing number of business who partner with goodwill because they like what veterans have to offer.
The program worked for Penna, who went to school after the military, but quickly found out she didn't have the right connections to find the right job. Operation GoodJobs helped Penna find a career in banking.
"Don't be afraid to ask for help," Penna says, "We're very proud people. A lot of times, we feel that we should be able to handle things on our own. I mean, we served in the military... finding a job should not be that big of a challenge, that you shouldn't need help. The reality is that we do need help."
For more information about the program, go to www.Goodwill.org.
