VES helps veteran find job-, keep home

Maria, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and single mother of a teenage daughter, faced a difficult transition. Maria was at risk of being homeless and wanted to find a job that would give her financial stability. Determined to start over, she relocated to Lapeer County to pursue that goal.

With the support of Veterans’ Career Advisor Richard Huff, Maria was referred to the local Veteran Service Officer to begin her claim for service-connected benefits and healthcare services. Richard guided Maria through the application process and helped her receive Priority of Service on Pure Michigan Talent Connect to begin her job search. Richard also connected her with Michael Spayde, the Michigan representative for Operation: Job Ready Veterans for help with her cover letter and resume.

Within 30 days, Maria successfully scheduled an appointment with VA Healthcare services, marking an important step toward rebuilding her life. While Maria actively pursued job opportunities, Richard provided consistent support by sending her job leads and coaching her through interviews. After several weeks, Maria received an offer to return to work with her former employer, Lyon Gear & Machine Company.

To ensure a smooth transition, she was placed and maintained 60-day employment retention designed to address any potential barriers after her employment began. During this period, Richard connected Maria and her daughter with the "Strength in Numbers" program, ensuring they received holiday support through Thanksgiving, Christmas care packages and $100 gift cards for each family member, bringing comfort and joy during a challenging time.

Today, Maria is thriving in her full-time position at Lyon Gear & Machine Company. She continues to work closely with her Veteran Service Officer on her Service-Connected Disability Benefits claim. Her resilience, combined with the dedicated support of VES and community partners, has allowed her to overcome housing and employment barriers and create a stable environment for her family. Maria's story is a powerful example of how collaboration and determination can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success.