As America’s heroes return from war zones and transition back into civilian life, many are facing challenges finding work. Last month, more than over 857,000 veterans were unemployed, and the jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans is 13.1 percent.
As President Obama said, “We ask these men and women to leave their careers, leave their families, risk their lives to fight for our country. The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home.”
Recognizing the unique skills and leadership abilities of America’s veterans, the Corporation for National and Community Service is joining forces to recruit more veterans to serve in AmeriCorps. Using the skills they honed overseas, veterans are continuing to serve on the home front through AmeriCorps – responding to disasters, building homes, mentoring at-risk youth, and supporting other veterans and their families.
As part of that commitment, we are excited to kick off our participation in 100 Hiring Our Heroes job fairs over the next five years. The first fair, focused on military and veteran spouses, will take place this Friday, January 13 in Washington D.C. We will have information about opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps and other CNCS programs. We are pleased to work with Joining Forces, the Chamber Foundation, DOL Vets, and other organizations in supporting these career fairs and look forward to sharing our message that AmeriCorps is recruiting our nation’s heroes now.
More than 16,000 veterans have served in AmeriCorps since its inception AmeriCorps helps put veterans on a pathway to economic opportunity as they assist others in the military community—and, in doing so, find strength in making an impact on problems here at home.
Fonte: White House