Military veterans are returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan with severe, debilitating physical and mental injuries. According to industry research, 80 percent of wounded veterans face a lifetime of recovery, two-thirds of them will have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and 59 percent of blast victims (if diagnosed) will have traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Returning wounded veterans, many of whom are 19 to 25 years old, face 15.8 percent unemployment rates, which is triple the national average. In addition the homeless rate of our veterans is currently increasing at a staggering 1 in every 4 in the United States.
The Solution
Given these staggering figures, there is a societal need to help these wounded veterans. In partnership with the Veterans Homestead (a service provider), Veterans moving forward will first build a facility in Massachusetts and use the footprint to replicate facilities across the U.S. that will provide supportive services to help these heroes attain self-sufficiency, and move forward with dignity and pride. A key component to the services aspect of this program is education and job- and life-skills training. Many wounded veterans entered the Armed Services at an early age, frequently straight from high school. A lack of a higher education or specific job training coupled with their wounds places many veterans at a distinct disadvantage when attempting to secure gainful, skills-appropriate employment.
The Outcome
As a result of participating in this Program, each Veteran will be more confident, more marketable, and more professionally prepared to enter the 21st century workforce and transition back into their families and communities with success and sustainability. Each Veteran will be able to achieve his or her full intellectual, physical, and professional capacity unhindered by a lack of education, by insufficient skill levels required for the career field of their choice, or by fears relating to their own capabilities. This Program will differ for each veteran, just as their injuries differ. Some may have physical wounds: these veterans will learn how to live with the condition emotionally and physically - both internally and in a family and community setting. Some may have emotional wounds: they will receive support and coaching that enables them to live to their full capacity. Some may need job skills training in order to succeed in today's workforce: they will receive job-skill assessments, learn new professional skills, and receive job placement help. Referrals will be made for those who need extended care and supportive services.
