job training programs

On Wednesday January 20th, Horizon Goodwill Industries, in partnership with AMVETS (American Veterans), will launch their AMVETS Career Center powered by the Call of Duty Endowment at the Goodwill Resource Center at 100 Eagle School Road, Martinsburg, WV 25401 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

“Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) is proud to be the first non-AMVET partner in this critical resource for our community,” said Catherine Fleming, Director of Mission Services for HGI. “HGI is a perfect fit as a partner with AMVETS for helping veterans. Job seekers of all kinds come to Goodwill® for services every day, including veterans. AMVETS is well-known to men and women who have exited the service. This partnership offers veterans a convenient location to access training and help finding employment.” said Fleming. Up to now, AMVETS, a national veterans’ service organization, one of eight Call of Duty Endowment grantees, has used local AMVETS posts to house their career centers.

“We are proud to be working together with HGI and confident that this partnership will enhance our joint service offerings for this nation’s heroes, especially for the veterans in the Martinsburg area,” said Jim Pidgeon, AMVETS National Commander. By the end of 2016, more than 74,000 veterans will be living in the 4-state region*. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 5.0 percent national unemployment rate for all Americans (16 and over) for December 2015. That same report identified the unemployment rate for veterans in the following age categories: 20-24 at 6.1%, 25-29 at 6.5%, 30-34 at 8.3%, and 35-39 at 6.3%. If these statistics hold true for the 4-state area, that means between 4,000 and 5,000 men and women who have served our country will be without a job.

Goodwill and AMVETS are doing something about that! #puttingheroestowork

“We provide case management, paid work training and job placement services for vets that are also receiving assistance from the VA,” said Fleming. “Both AMVETS and Goodwill are increasing services to veterans resulting in closer partnerships with VA programs. This vital career center partnership is the first of its kind for both of our organizations.”

AMVETS National Commander James D. Pidgeon and Horizon Goodwill Industries CEO John N. McCain will speak at the launch about the partnership and how it will benefit veterans in the 4-state region.

HGI serves people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia and is able to support needs that could otherwise go unmet in local communities. Goodwill’s vison is helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.

AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s veterans and citizens alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves.

*Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Population Projection Model-VetPop2014; statistics for Washington, Allegany, and Garrett County in MD, Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties in WV, Winchester City and Frederick county, Warren, Clarke, Page, and Shenandoah counties in VA and Fulton and the southern portion of Franklin counties in PA.

For more information, please visit www.horizongoodwill.org and www.amvets.org. #puttingheroestowork