DESOTO COUNTY, FL – While many veterans face challenges in their transition from the military back into civilian life – ranging from difficulties translating military experience to domestic workplaces to health challenges and injuries suffered during their service as well as mental health conditions – they also bring so much back with them. The military spends billions of dollars educating and training service members during their careers. They may not come out of their service with a traditional degree but the education they have received can be much more in-depth and practical. From day one, service members are instilled with leadership skills as well. 

According to U.S. Census data, there are approximately 1,980 veterans in DeSoto County. Of those, nearly 780 are from the Vietnam War era and more than 670 are from the Gulf War era.

To assist veterans in DeSoto County, Goodwill Manasota is now holding weekly office hours – on Thursdays, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Arcadia (1701 E. Oak St.). Previously, Veterans Services team members were available through appointment only. Program leaders are hoping that a regular presence will raise awareness of and attract more veterans to the facility for free career services, networking opportunities, and referrals to other needed social services.

“We want to help veterans translate their skills and experience into civilian lingo and to help local employers understand that, when they invest in a veteran, they are gaining a valuable asset,” said Veterans Services program manager Todd Hughes. “It may be true that some of these veterans have some hidden wounds, such as PTSD. However, this should be seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness: they survived some traumatic events that only add more value to who they are and prove they are able to function under stress and come out the other side victorious. This is a trait many employers would love to have on their team!”

As Goodwill starts to serve more veterans and the community becomes more aware of the organization’s presence and offerings, some of the programs Hughes would like to see in Arcadia include: a full range of career services, including resume and interview skills training, job search assistance and the identification of veteran-friendly employers; Lutz Buddy Up, a networking program that brings veterans together for conversation and camaraderie; weekly coffee socials; and more.

“When we bring veterans together, bonds and a support system are created that help them to feel less alone and more likely to access the services they need to get on the path to physical and mental health,” Hughes said.

Goodwill’s Veterans Services program was created in 2013 to help veterans reintegrate into their families, communities and jobs. The program – which is staffed by veterans – provides comprehensive case management and vocational services, networking opportunities, and assistance in navigating the wide array of available social service programs. An important focus of Goodwill’s veterans program is to provide career development and upskilling opportunities for veterans, in order for them to be able to bolster their job prospects and earn more money.

For more information about Goodwill’s Veterans Services program, visit experiencegoodwill.org/veteransservices.

Goodwill’s Veterans Services program team members (from l-r) Ryan Garner, Randy Wright, program manager Todd Hughes, and Richard Burger

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.