Local Nonprofit Empowers Veterans to Thrive in the Workforce

In a significant initiative aimed at supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life, the city of Billings has partnered with the nonprofit organization Vet READY. This collaboration seeks to address the alarming statistic that 50% of veterans leave their first civilian job within the first year after military service. With approximately 13,000 veterans residing in Yellowstone County, the need for effective support systems has never been more critical.

Key Takeaways

High Turnover Rate: 50% of veterans leave their first civilian job within a year.
Local Initiative: Billings partners with Vet READY to enhance veteran retention in the workforce.
Training Programs: A six-week training program is being implemented for city department heads.
Community Awareness: Emphasis on educating the community about veterans’ unique challenges.

The Need for Support

The CEO of Vet READY, Dave Nordel, who has 30 years of experience in the Air Force, understands the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian employment. He noted that the gap between military and civilian life can feel vast and often lacks a safety net. This personal experience motivated him to establish Vet READY three years ago, focusing on creating supportive work environments for veterans.

Karla Stanton, the Director of Human Resources for the city of Billings, echoed Nordel’s sentiments, highlighting the increasing turnover rates among employees and the necessity to tap into the veteran population as a valuable resource. With veterans making up about 20-30% of Yellowstone County’s population, this initiative aims to not only support veterans but also to address workforce shortages.

Training Sessions and Insights

The first training session for city department heads took place at the new Billings City Hall, where Nordel facilitated discussions on how to better understand and support veterans in the workplace. One of the exercises involved city employees describing their perceptions of veterans, which revealed a stark contrast between how veterans view themselves and how they are perceived by others.

Stanton noted that while city employees described veterans as loyal and dedicated, many veterans expressed feelings of being broken and conflicted. This eye-opening moment underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where veterans feel valued and understood.

Building a Supportive Community

Nordel emphasized the need for community awareness and education regarding veterans’ experiences. He suggested that initiatives like a Veterans Day parade could help bridge the gap between veterans and the community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

With veterans comprising over 12% of Montana’s population—double the national average—Billings has the potential to set a precedent for other communities in the state. Nordel envisions Billings becoming a model for how cities can prepare themselves to better support veterans in the workforce.

A Vision for the Future

As the partnership between the city of Billings and Vet READY progresses, both Nordel and Stanton are optimistic about creating an environment where veterans can thrive as employees. By identifying and addressing the gaps in support, they aim to change the narrative surrounding veterans’ transitions to civilian life.

"Once you’ve gone through the process, you see where the gaps are. And you can start to fill those gaps. And we start to heal," Nordel stated, highlighting the transformative potential of this initiative.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Billings and Vet READY represents a crucial step towards ensuring that veterans not only find jobs but also feel a sense of purpose and belonging in their new roles. This initiative is not just about employment; it’s about building a community that values and supports its veterans.