Department of Veteran Affairs, Work One Office
851 Marrietta Park South Bend, IN 46601
Contact: Christopher Lauver, Rehabilitation Counselor-MRC
(574) 237-9675 ext. 2119
crhistopher.lauver@va.gov
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services Program assist’s veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap and service members who are in the process of transitioning from military to civilian employment prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.
Veteran’s Opportunity: Service members are entitled to services if they have a 20% service-connected disability and an employment handicap. If their service-connected disability is only 10%, they must have a serious employment handicap to be eligible for services. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will work with the service member to determine if they meet the entitlement criteria.
REAL Services
1151 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN46601
Contact: Latasha Bosse, Family Development Program
(574) 284-2060 (department phone number, but callers can ask to be transferred to her)
lbosse@realservices.org
Contact: Megan Rogers
(574) 284-7107
megan@realservices.org
Family Development Program: assists lower income households; long-term case management, family development consultant, monthly meetings, workshops, textbook assistance.
Energy Assistance Program: one time benefit.
Weatherization Program: energy efficiency.
Team Heat: November - March, matching bill pay up to 50$.
IDA Program: to grow savings account and assets; must have earned income, IN matches funds 3-1, can use for education, home purchase or repairs
USA Jobs
Veteran’s Opportunity: Federal job listings. Veteran’s preference, specific veteran hiring options
Veteran’s Green Projects
Contact: Nancy Fydell
(574) 904-9160
nancy@veteransgreenprojects.org
Contact: Anne Arthus
(574) 315-4940
aacps09@gmail.com
Veteran’s Opportunity: Offering employment positions to veterans and their family members. E-Waste collection service developed to recycle electronics.
Work One
851 Marrietta St. Suite 100 South Bend, IN 46601
Contact: Sireana Thomas, DVOP
(574) 237-9675 ext. 2616
sthomas@gotoworkone.com
Employment assistance: veteran must have 180 days of active duty to qualify for services, no dishonorable discharge. Resume assistance. Certification training options. Connection to resources.
Veteran’s Opportunity: Veterans 2 Work is a one week all-inclusive, constructive, and uplifting seminar to prepare veterans to re-enter the job market. Topics include: situational assessment, coping with change, resume development, interview preparation, and networking and researching.