U.S.VETS Announces Boots to Business Awards Luncheon

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2023 (Newswire.com) - U.S.VETS, the nation's largest housing and service provider to homeless and at-risk veterans, is proud to announce Boots to Business, a fundraiser and celebration of business leaders throughout Southern California dedicated to hiring and serving veterans.

Set for Friday, May 19 at the Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel, the event will kick off with a hiring fair for veterans and their family members from 9 a.m. - noon followed by a luncheon and awards program from noon - 3 p.m. 

"Making the transition from military service to civilian life can be a challenging experience for many veterans as they search for a job—one that offers not only stability but also a sense of purpose," said Stephen Peck, president and CEO of U.S.VETS and a United States Marine Corps veteran. "We look forward to spotlighting two business leaders partnering with U.S.VETS to support veterans on the path to employment and in the workplace."

The Valor Award will honor J.P. Morgan Chase, while BlueShield of California's Operation VET employee resource group will receive the Vanguard Award. 

The Valor Award recognizes corporate partners that align with U.S.VETS' value to "pursue excellence" by providing pathways for veteran success through veteran hiring initiatives, employee engagement, community partnerships, service projects and philanthropic impact. With initiatives that support veterans in the workplace, in the community, and on the path to employment, the Valor Award recipient advances both the U.S.VETS mission and the welfare of our veterans and families. 

The Vanguard Award recognizes an individual leader or employee resource group that aligns with U.S.VETS' value to "instill hope" by providing support and opportunity to veterans in the workplace and community. Through service projects, hiring initiatives and philanthropy, as well as creation of an internal culture that supports the success of veterans and families, the recipient is advancing U.S.VETS programs, services and community engagement through volunteerism.

"U.S.VETS recognizes the need our employer partners have in reaching qualified candidates from the military community, coupled with the need for veterans to connect with employment opportunities," added Peck. "Through our workforce development services, we can enable that connection." 

Veterans who utilize the U.S.VETS workforce development program, including career centers and career counseling services, learn how to translate their military experience into civilian employment opportunities. The program also fosters long-term relationships with over 250 employers committed to hiring veterans, helping to expedite the placement process and expand employment. Over 2,200 veterans were served in 2022, with more than 1,400 job placements.

"The Boots to Business event is special not only because it's our inaugural year but because we'll have veterans, military spouses and family members connecting directly with employers in the Southern California area," said Rashida Williams, U.S.VETS' national director of workforce programs. "You don't usually have an opportunity like that," she added. "This is one where veterans get to walk right up, shake hands with the recruiter and say, 'I'm ready to come work for you.'"   

Throughout the Boots to Business event, veterans will share their career path stories and how they have benefitted from U.S.VETS career centers. Funds raised from the event will support U.S.VETS workforce programs and employment services including career coaching, access to training and technology, and the additional supportive services needed to help veterans build successful careers.

Boots to Business event sponsors include Fox Corporation, J.P. Morgan Chase and Marvin Engineering. Southern California companies and organizations seeking to hire veterans at the hiring fair include Hilton Hotels, Los Angeles Police Department and SoCalGas.

For more information on the U.S.VETS workforce development program, please visit: 

U.S.VETS Career Centers and Veterans Career Counseling Services (usvets.org)

About U.S.VETS

U.S.VETS is the largest nonprofit organization with boots on the ground to combat America's veteran homeless crisis head-on. Our holistic approach provides housing, mental health and career programs, and supportive services to help veterans rebuild and thrive. With 40 residential and service sites nationwide, U.S.VETS is uniquely positioned to help veterans and their families successfully transition to civilian life.

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Source: U.S.VETS