DOL grant helps Goodwill support military veterans

Goodwill of the Heartland has a team specially trained to meet the needs of military veterans who are homeless or near homeless. The program, supported by the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, can help veterans find and maintain stability.

Our services - ranging from employment to job training to life supports - were recently highlighted by the Iowa City Press-Citizen:

... "I really think that everyone deserves a chance, no matter what your status is, where you're coming from, especially our veterans," Schubert said. "We're able to help them get right back on track, so I'm here to just continue to help these guys find the positive in life, even when things aren't going their way at the moment."

Aaron Hodges, a veteran who is working at a Goodwill of the Heartland store in the Quad Cities, said he joined the program when he was struggling to receive veteran's benefits. The program secured him a part-time job stocking the store, and a place to live.

"I'm working 12 to 15 hours a week in that area and it's something to get an income coming in," he said.

Hodges believes the Goodwill program can help other veterans as well.

"If a veteran is struggling, they'll find ways to give those veterans work," he said. "Apply yourself, and it may take a bit of time, but it'll all come together."

Hodges said he is looking for a full-time job, and is grateful for the help he has received from the Goodwill programs.

"Goodwill has done very good by me," he said. "They've helped me tremendously. I wouldn't be where I'm at right now, I promise you." ...

military veteran