Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. VCI SAVE THE DATE: ****Please view the videos from our 2006, 2007 & 2008 Symposiums**** HOME Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1993 to assist ALL veterans, their immediate family members, and displaced workers in their job searching efforts. Our services have been developed with the unemployed and underemployed veteran in mind. We are not a placement agency, but do provide customized services including:
In addition VCI is the lead organization for the Laurel Highlands based Pennsylvania Disabled Veterans Rehabilitation/Vocational Retraining Project (PDVR/VRP). PDVR/VRP provides outreach, education, and awareness of comprehensive physiological, psychological, vocational, employment services for returning War on Terrorism (OIF/OEF) veterans. Our part-time professional staff has extensive human resources, employment, career counseling, and human service backgrounds and we are active in many professional and community agencies. Tom Caulfield, (vvlp@surfshop.net)VCI President/Director has over 25 years extensive human resources, employment, career counseling, and operations experience with such major corporations as Pennsylvania Electric Company, Niagara Mohawk Corporation and Pepperidge Farm Company. Tom has been active in the Cambria County Private Industry Council, Southern Alleghenies Steering Committee, Cambria-Somerset Human Resources Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and CAMCO Special Olympics. Tom's educational background includes a B.S. from Albany State University (NY) in Business Administration and M.B.A. from Pace University. Marty Kuhar, (kuharm@vlpwpa.org)VCI Program Specialist is a retired Army Lt. Colonel with diverse backgrounds in management, operations, and training, administration, counseling, education, and human relations. He serves on the Cambria-Somerset Easter Seal Advisory Council, the Johnstown Region's Red Cross Blood Services Committee, and is chairman on the Mountain Committee's Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. Marty holds a B.A. in History/Education from St. Francis College, and a M.A. in History from IUP. He is also a graduate of the United States Army's Command and General Staff College. Beverly Blough, (beverly.blough@vciinc.org)Administrative Office Manager brings with her a strong administrative, office management and customer relations along with graphic design and web development. While employed as a Senior Administrative Assistant for IBM in Charlotte, NC, she attended ongoing customer service trainings and seminars. She has volunteered her time at the Greater Johnstown YMCA, several assisted living homes, and the Humane Society of Cambria County. Before entering her administrative career Beverly graduated from a prominent Surgical Technology program, and joined the Surgical Technician field. She has also worked as a Youth Case manager at a Juvenile Group Home. Ruth Ward, (wardr@vlpwpa.org)Administrative Assistant, is a retired teacher with a B.S. degree in Business Education, from Indiana University of PA. She taught in the Pittsburgh and Johnstown Areas for 23 years. After retirement she has been employed in a secretarial position for 10 years. While employed as a teacher in the Johnstown Area, she took advance courses at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Johnstown Votech. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Thomas Haberkorn, Vice President -Secretary Craig Rolish, Vice President-Treasurer CURRENT ADVISORY BOARD
ADVISORY BOARD – EMERITUS
WHAT DO I NEED TO QUALIFY? VCI provides services to all veterans, including members of reserve and guard units. In addition, services are open to the immediate family members of veterans, as well as dislocated workers. In order to qualify for certain of our services, you must provide proof of you, or your immediate family member's, veteran status. VCI accepts the DD-214 form and will assist clients with obtaining the form, if necessary. PROGRAMS ALL services are provided free of charge to our clients. Vocational Counseling: We assess skills, abilities, experience, and interests through one-on-one counseling with the client. We then develop and direct each client through an informal, individual job search plan. Outreach: We develop and maintain relationships with the general public, employers, and related service organizations in order to enhance networking opportunities for our clients. Resume Preparation: We design professional, skills, and accomplishment-oriented resumes that are credible and attention gathering. Assisted Job Placement/Networking: We assist clients in networking within the employment community to develop job leads. We also work closely with area Job Centers, various agencies, and employers for client placements. Workshops: We teach interviewing techniques, job search and networking tactics, cover letters writing, and the basic do's and don'ts of job searching. Informal Referrals: We provide informal referrals to other agencies for clients seeking help to overcome any difficulty (drug & alcohol, psychological, financial) which impedes the employment process. Job Fairs: We hold job fairs on a regular basis. Job leads and local contact personnel are available to enhance networking opportunities for our clients. Client Thumbnail Sketches: We provide employers with updated background skill sketches enabling them to match their employment needs with our client's skills and training. Job Placement Follow-up: We recognize the importance of post-placement follow-up. A follow-up discussion with the client can often eliminate potential problems and aid in employee retention at the job site. Job Retraining Assistance: At times we have limited job training funding. If you meet the criteria, you may qualify for specific funding if it will result in obtaining a job, promotion, or full time employment from a part-time status. Referral Assistance: For Veterans dealing with PTSD and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), we are able to direct clients to specific professional and informal readjustment counseling programs. EVENTS Upcoming Events Next VCI Advisory Board Meeting: VLP/VCI Job Fair ♦ SCI Pine Grove (Job Search Work Shop to follow) Veterans Tuition Scholarship For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at: Other Area Veteran's Agencies Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA – Pennsylvania Disabled Veterans Rehabilitation/Vocational Retraining Project (PDVR/VRP) Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Governor's Veterans Outreach Assistance Center (GVOAC) James E. Van Zandt Veteran's Outpatient Clinic Cambria County Veterans Affairs Office Somerset County Veterans Affairs Office Indiana County Veterans Affairs Office James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 364 Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 587 Diabled American Veterans Association (DAV) American Legion A Veterans Representative is available at each of the following agencies: Bedford County Careerlink Blair County Careerlink Cambria County Careerlink Somerset County Careerlink Indiana County Careerlink ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Cambria County Department of Human Services Charter Communications (Surfshop) Pennsylvania Highlands Community College |