On October 28, 2020, the Veterans Collaborative hosted a virtual community summit titled The Elements of a Successful Veteran Employee Resource Group, organized by Mike Dunford with the Employment Resource Network. We heard from a panel of representatives from several successful corporate ERG programs that have added value to organizations while assisting them to employ, understand and empower veterans in the defense contracting, pharmaceutical, technology, health, and banking industries.

On April 3, 2019, the Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative convened a community summit focused on Programs to Assist Veterans with Employment, which was hosted by Brighton Marine.

In addition to hearing from veterans who have successfully transitioned to learn about the programs and resources they used that had an impact and made a difference, we also heard about some of the programs veterans are working for supporting their fellow veterans in their careers:

• Mike Dunford, FourBlock and Edge4Vets

• Jayson Gilberti, CEO, MVPVets

• Andy McCarty, Director, Northeastern University Center for the Advancement of Veterans & Servicemembers

• Charlie DuQuette, Outreach Specialist, Veterans Inc

• Christopher Feugill, Veterans Employment Counselor, MassHire

On April 4, 2018, GBVC convened a Military & Veteran Employment Summit, hosted by Brighton Marine. Facilitated by Mike Dunford, panelists and participants discussed how companies attract, recruit, and most importantly, retain military veteran talent, providing insights into the employer's side of recruiting and addressing retention challenges, along with showcasing organizations that provide support for veterans with employment challenges.

On May 11, 2017, GBVC convened an Employment & Entrepreneurship Summit, which was hosted by Brighton Marine. This summit focused on programs supporting employment and entrepreneurship among veterans. We also reviewed RAND’s recent Assessment of Needs, Well-Being, & Available Resources for Veterans in Massachusetts. We heard from:

• Barry Rosenbloom, TechSandBox VET Program (focused on military entrepreneurs in tech)

• Chris Pratt, Veteran Entrepreneur Series (programming aimed at connecting, inspiring, and supporting military veterans in their efforts to start business and “take the leap” into entrepreneurship)

• Christopher Feugill, MassHire, on state, local, federal, and non-profit employment resources available for veterans.

GBVC also reviewed RAND’s pertinent findings from RAND’s recent Assessment of Needs, Well-Being, & Available Resources for Veterans in Massachusetts. After the speaking program, we had deep dive discussions in breakout groups on veteran entrepreneurship and employment, including discussion of the findings from the RAND report.

Dedicated Veteran Service Representatives are available throughout the MassHire Career Center system of employment, training, and placement services, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Training Service.

The VWIP grant, awarded to the Department of Workforce Development & Division of Career Services, provides funding for short-term training (less than 48 weeks) for eligible veterans, leading to meaningful employment. Amounts vary based on eligibility for other funding sources, generally ranging from $1,200 to $5,000. Grants can be combined with other veteran financial benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 115, etc). Contact your local MassHire Career Center’s Veterans Services Representative to apply.

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission offers a Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Massachusetts veterans who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services through the VA because their disability is not service-connected may be eligible for MRC programs available to all eligible residents with impairments presenting large barriers to employment.

MRC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps job seekers with with physical, cognitive, intellectual or mental health conditions obtain and maintain a job and manage the workplace. To be eligible for VR, individuals must live in Massachusetts and be eligible to work in the US. You can apply for VR services online or contact the VR Office in your area.

Individuals must want to work and need VR services to train, find, or keep a job; unemployed or underemployed individuals may also benefit from VR services. Eligibility information is gathered through current schools, physicians, therapists, hospital and other medical records, self report, Social Security Administration, and psychological or neurological evaluation.