Honoring Service: Empowering Veterans through Meaningful Employment and Housing

By Joshua Thomas Bray • October 2023

Sarasota, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, pristine beaches, and cultural allure, is also a city that takes pride in honoring its Veterans. The community deeply appreciates the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and as more Veterans seek meaningful employment and secure housing, the efforts of a few local organizations are making a world of difference in the lives of Veterans.

Among the remarkable institutions championing the cause of Veterans’ employment in Sarasota is Experience Goodwill—an inspiration of hope for veteran employment. This esteemed organization has been a pillar of support for the community, providing job training, placement, and services to individuals facing barriers to employment. The Veterans’ services offered by Experience Goodwill are as diverse as they are valuable. From vocational training and skills development to resume-building workshops and interview coaching, they equip Veterans with the tools needed to succeed as they explore the job market. In addition to these crucial services, Experience Goodwill also fosters partnerships with local businesses, creating a bridge between Veterans and potential employers.

Experience Goodwill understands that Veterans possess a unique skill set gained through their service that can greatly benefit the workforce. Their approach goes beyond conventional job placement. Experience Goodwill’s active collaboration with local businesses not only widens the horizons of job opportunities but also shows the strong support of the community. In addition to their vocational services, Experience Goodwill offers a supportive environment where Veterans can connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and build a sense of camaraderie.

“It is a privilege to support our Veteran community. Goodwill Manasota continues to look for new and innovative ways to engage our returning service members are their families. We are also very proud of our partnerships with local Veteran-focused organizations within the communities we serve. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran in need, we are here to help. Thank you for your service.” Don Githens CEO and President of Goodwill Manasota.

At the heart of every vibrant community lies a dedication to providing secure housing for all, especially for those who have served in the armed forces. Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) CARES is a source of optimism for Veterans who encounter housing difficulties. They understand that stable housing is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life and offer comprehensive support to ensure Veterans find a place to call home. From transitional housing programs that guide Veterans toward self-sufficiency to assistance with housing-related financial challenges, JFCS CARES has a holistic approach that addresses the varied needs of Veterans. By collaborating with various community partners and organizations, they ensure that Veterans have access to safe and affordable housing options. JFCS CARES empowers Veterans to regain stability and rebuild their lives by providing a supportive environment.

Their commitment extends beyond providing shelter; they also offer counseling, resources for financial literacy, and connections to mental health services. By addressing the multifaceted challenges that Veterans may face in their journey toward secure housing, JFCS CARES serves as a lifeline of hope. When it comes to Veterans, Stephen Kelley says, 

“We strongly believe that a homeless veteran should not be a thing. These men and women served their country and deserve their basic and essential needs being met, most importantly having a roof over their heads. Our goal this year is to provide services to 410 veterans and we are on track to easily hit that mark. I think it is important that people understand that these are not just homeless veterans but that they are OUR homeless veterans, right here in our community. I hope we can bridge the gap between creating awareness and taking action. Donating money, items needed, or volunteering time is crucial in helping serve those who have served.” 

Heroes Welcome Home is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans by addressing one of their most critical needs: housing. One of the key services often provided by Heroes Welcome Home is transitional housing. This is a crucial step for veterans who may be experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Transitional housing programs offer a temporary place to stay while veterans work towards obtaining permanent housing. These programs often provide not only shelter but also various support services, such as case management, counseling, and job training, to help veterans regain their independence.

Many veterans face financial challenges when transitioning to civilian life. Heroes Welcome Home provides financial assistance to veterans struggling to afford a place to live. Heroes Welcome Home often collaborates with government agencies, local communities, and other non-profits to maximize their impact. These partnerships help pool resources and expertise to better serve Veterans in need. 

CEO Tony Barrett actively seeks opportunities to assist Veterans in need by directly connecting with government agencies and says, “We have been working closely with the Veterans Affairs at Bay Pines with getting Veterans in rental houses, paying the first and last month’s rent. In 2 months, we were able to provide $18,000 to help Veterans with housing. I feel like we are just taking off at this point. We are restructuring our efforts and brainstorming, working on aspects to further our reach in providing more support, funding, and assistance for our Veterans.”

Sarasota Quarters for Vets is another organization that acknowledges this challenge and has taken bold steps to provide Veterans with affordable and supportive housing options. With a mission to address the shortage of affordable housing, this organization focuses on ensuring Veterans have a nurturing environment to transition into civilian life smoothly. In recognizing that a stable living situation is fundamental to achieving personal and professional goals, Sarasota Quarters for Vets offers furnished apartments that serve as a steppingstone for Veterans. Beyond providing physical housing, they offer essential resources, including counseling, job placement assistance, and connections to local services. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate housing needs but also inspires an atmosphere of growth and stability.

In a world that often moves at a frenetic pace, it’s reassuring to know that within the heart of Sarasota, Veterans find not only the support they need but also a community that recognizes and honors their sacrifices. Through meaningful employment opportunities, integrative healthcare services, and secure housing, these remarkable organizations are rewriting the narrative for Veterans, one success story at a time. Sarasota’s commitment to supporting Veterans extends far beyond their initial introduction to these organizations. 

The city’s thriving network of support emphasizes continuity, and understanding that the journey toward stable employment and housing is ongoing. Through mentorship programs, networking events, and ongoing counseling, Veterans can rely on these institutions to guide them through the ups and downs of life post-military service. As the city continues to uphold its legacy of honoring Veterans, it’s heartening to witness the transformational impact of organizations like Experience Goodwill, JFCS CARES, Sarasota Quarters for Vets, and Heroes Welcome Home. These organizations of compassion, empowerment, and hope embody the city’s commitment to giving back to those who have given so much.

To learn more about how to support Veterans in Sarasota and the organizations helping them, please visit:

Experience Goodwill: www.experiencegoodwill.org/veteransservices

Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) CARES: www.jfcs-cares.org/veterans

Sarasota Quarters for Vets: srqvets.us

Heroes Welcome Home: www.hwhvets.com