Organizations team up to provide collective assistance to Washington-area disabled veterans and their families.
The Easter Seals’ Veteran Staffing Network of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia brought together The American Legion and other organizations for a signing ceremony, Feb. 27, at the Fairfax, Va., County Chamber of Commerce to announce an expansion of employment opportunities for disabled veterans. During the event, the U.S. Army Reserve, AMVETS, Hiring Our Heroes and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership were also on hand to sign agreements with Easter Seals.
For more than 75 years, Easter Seals of the Washington metropolitan area has provided services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Services are delivered through a network of 14 sites in the region where participants and their families find support, hope, medical care and enjoyable activities. In addition to serving the overall community, Easter Seals also places emphasis on the unique needs of wounded warriors, veterans, active-duty military members and their families.
“Last year, The Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) placed 300 veterans, Guard and reservists and military spouses in meaningful civilian careers,” said Phil Panzarella, president of CPS Professional Services, chairman of the board for the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, and board member for Easter Seals. “The VSN's innovative venture philanthropy model has demonstrated a powerful return on investment. Veterans placed in careers have earned nearly $10 million in annualized salaries and returned nearly $3 million to the economy as unemployment benefits are replaced by income tax payments.”
The VSN functions as a full-service staffing agency (temporary, temp-to-permanent, direct hire) providing coaching, training and placement for veterans, military spouses, National Guard and reservists, and wounded warriors. The model reinvests all earnings to ensure that more veterans and their families are successfully reintegrated into civilian life and communities by finding a career, not just a job.
Joseph C. Sharpe, director of The American Legion’s Veterans Employment & Education Division, participated in the signing initiative, representing the nation’s largest veterans service organization during the first set of official Memorandum of Understanding agreements. “I look forward to working with Easter Seals and the other organizations represented here today,” he said. “Together, through collaborative efforts, we can continue to support and assist servicemen and women, and their family members when they need it.”
- Careers