Business & Economy

Jobs for veterans a priority for state, local agencies

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By ELIZABETH FERGUSON
Capital News Service
LANSING — Officials working to reduce high unemployment among veterans now attack the issue from both ends — they prepare veterans for civilian jobs and educate employers on how to hire veteran talent. In 2013, the veteran unemployment rate in Michigan was 10.6 percent, the second highest rate in the U.S. To combat this, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) created programs that bring veteran talent and employers together. Local organizations are also doing their part to connect veterans to employers in their own community. “It’s a matter of breaking down that wall between employers and veterans, and giving them the opportunity to communicate,” said Kristina Leonardi, director of strategy for Veterans Affairs. The agency starts by preparing veterans for a civilian career through resume building and interviewing skills.

Nonprofits & Social Services

Expanding community networks close gaps in veteran services

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By ELIZABETH FERGUSON
Capital News Service
LANSING — If a disabled veteran in Eaton County is unable to shovel snow this winter, a new network of local veterans service providers can find a solution in a matter of hours. The Veterans Community Action Team programs (VCATs) improve communication among veteran service providers and combine resources to give veterans more complete aid, said Elena Bridges, veterans services community coordinator for the West Michigan Veterans Coalition. These action teams are expanding to cover all regions of Michigan. Many veteran aid organizations have existed for decades, but these groups never fully collaborated until action teams were introduced, said Troy Schielein, director of Wayne County Veteran Services and a Marine Corps veteran. When a veteran needs help, it often takes multiple forms of aid, including financial, legal and health services, to find a solution.