Our approach to assisting veterans focuses on eliminating barriers. Veterans face challenges entering the civilian workforce, finding transferable skills and networking with employers. They may not be aware of available resources. Workers at a local veterans support organization have made great contacts with local business and financial institutions that want to donate, but many times face a technological barrier due to a lack of computer experience needed to navigate the online applications of these potential donors.

The library offers Military Resource Fairs with many resource partners providing information on VA benefits, education opportunities, loans and career assistance. Staff presented resume tips and databases at a state agency and a military job fair. Using library resources, staff help veteran volunteers at a local center understand what information grantors require and assist with the submission process of funding providers as well as helping create event flyers and letters to potential donors.

At a recent Military Resource Fair, over 100 veterans and service members met with partnering organizations. Library staff assisted roughly 50 veterans in writing or revising their resumes at the RecruitMilitary Fair and helped them see the value their military skills have in the civilian job market. The fundraising assistance has helped the veterans’ center raise several thousand dollars over the last two years that will enable the organization to continue to meet their mission of “Veterans Helping Veterans.”