25 participants each year will receive tuition scholarships, support for basic and emergency needs, and personalized career coaching to help navigate paths to success
Irvine, CA. (October 10, 2024) – Orange County United Way today announced that the organization was chosen as one of 13 agencies across the country to receive a $500,000 grant annually for up to five years, totaling a $2.5 million contribution, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support employment resources for veterans and their families.
The Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program provides employment-based resources and tools to support recently separated members of Armed Forces and is the first of its kind grant program to be extended to support veterans’ spouses.
Orange County United Way will offer a range of services, including career counseling, assessment, and education planning for both veterans and their spouses through its UpSkill OC workforce development program to support un- and underemployed Orange County veterans in their pursuit of career-track opportunities. Recently separated service members and their spouses may sign up for the program starting in early 2025.
“This grant represents a significant investment in our veterans and their families and enables UpSkill OC to provide a unique and comprehensive solution that addresses the critical gap in employment services,” said Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security initiative. “By recognizing the distinct challenges veterans face, this program provides targeted services that promote long-term self-sufficiency and empowers them to build successful futures. We are committed to providing the resources and support necessary for veterans and their family members to thrive as they transition into civilian life.”
By leveraging the expertise of veteran-serving organizations, UpSkill OC employs an evidence-based approach to help veterans transition successfully into sustainable, middle-skill employment. Upskill OC is a long-term program consisting of employer engagement, providing soft skill workshops for resume building and mock interviews, critical need assistance, and professional wardrobe services.
Additionally, career coaching services will be provided via a partnership with Working Wardrobes, a local workforce development nonprofit. Areas of focus include career navigation, career success, rebuilding careers workshops, workforce readiness services, community resources referrals, critical needs assistance, job and resource wardrobe services, and follow-up job retention services to ensure veterans are ready to enter the workforce. By setting goals, offering access to educational sessions and job searches, resume development, professional outfits for interviews, and additional aid such as financial assistance, the aim is to reduce the barriers for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
“Empowering veterans and their families by committing resources towards their personal success is an impactful way for us to honor their service,” said Bill Maurer, United for Financial Security’s Leadership Council Chair and Dean of UC Irvine’s school of social sciences, which runs one of only three veterans studies programs in the country. “With this grant, we can facilitate pathways to employment opportunities and the complementary support services that will ensure they are well-equipped for the career opportunities they wish to pursue.”
Orange County United Way is dedicated to supporting veterans in various ways, including its WelcomeHomeOC program, which connects individuals and families with housing vouchers to available rental units, and covers moving expenses, security deposits, basic furnishings, and supportive services. Through WelcomeHomeOC, 275 Orange County veteran households have found a place to call home.
Additionally, 2-1-1 Orange County, a key service of Orange County United Way, has partnered with the Orange County Veterans Collaborative, the Veterans Service Office and CalVet to improve access to post-military resources, ensuring they receive the assistance they need during this critical period.
For more information about Orange County United Way, visit: UnitedWayOC.org.
This article was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way is committed to breaking barriers and improving lives for everyone who lives here. Through our key initiatives—United for Student Success℠, United for Financial Security℠, and United to End Homelessness℠—we are working to ensure local students succeed, families gain financial security, and our unhoused neighbors find a place to call home. We also offer vital support via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), a key service that connects thousands of our most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources. We are committed to caring for one another. That’s #TheOCWay.
This year, Orange County United Way celebrates 100 years of purpose and impact in Orange County. To learn more or discover how you can help, visit UnitedWayOC.org.
Orange County United Way is a standalone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
# # #
Media Contact: Heidi Pallares, [email protected], (949) 285-7278
