notes: Any veteran in need who applies to the shelter is eligible for service. Homeless veterans with meaningful ties to Massachusetts are given preferred consideration. Individuals unwilling to abstain from drugs and alcohol will not find Massachusetts Veterans Inc. an appropriate emergency shelter. For admittance and referral information, call the shelter 24 hours a day. (508) 791-5348. When individuals progress from the shelter, they are encouraged to maintain contact and access shelter services as necessary so they achieve a positive transition to independent living. Individuals will meet with their caseworker to develop an individual transition plan. Transitional services include, but are not limited to Feed-A-Vet Food Pantry, on-site and transportation to 12-step meetings, relapse prevention groups, clothing room, meals, socialization, and support from peers and staff Individuals who are committed to living a self-sufficient, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle will benefit from the services offered at Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Shelter, Foodbank, Training, Housing referrals Summary of Services Learn about: MVI Employment & Training Program Veterans Workforce Investment Program Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Computer Academy Mobile Education Center Compensated Work Therapy / Veterans Construction Team Culinary Arts Program Employment & Training The Massachusetts Veterans Inc (MVI) Employment & Training Program is designed to help reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force. This program is employment focused. Veterans receive job counseling, pre-employment services, job training, job development and placement services. Supportive services such as clothing, shelter, referral to medical or substance abuse treatment, and transportation assistance are also provided. Each veteran is assigned an Employment Specialist who interviews the client and works with him or her to develop an appropriate individual training plan. Our clients have access to a diagnostic career assessment survey software program that compares interests and abilities. The survey results are used to determine possible avenues of job search or additional educational opportunities. The combination of the interview and assessment helps to determine the individual's skill set and career goals. This assists the employment specialist when preparing a list of possible sources of employment. Our clients receive classroom training in interview techniques, mock interviews, how to fill out job applications, resume and cover letter preparation, dress-for-success, and the various on-line search engines that provide access to jobs on the Internet. Employment Specialists assist each client with job searches, provide job coaching, help set up interviews, and provide transportation to interviews if necessary. Our clients continue to receive support and follow-up services from both Employment Specialists and Case Managers after they are gainfully employed. Employment Specialists develop and maintain working relationships with many local employers, a number of which conduct interviews at MVI on a regular basis. Companies are encouraged to actively recruit the veterans we serve. If your company would like to be a part of this effort, please call us today! VETERANS: Call us to find out if you're eligible to participate in the Employment & Training Program. EMPLOYERS: Send us your job openings! We have a number of skilled and talented men and women eager to get back into the workforce. The qualifications of our clients are varied and diverse, so chances are, we'll be able to find a great match for your company! Please contact an Employment Specialist at 508-791-5348 for more information. Hire A Veteran… It's a great investment! Back Veterans Workforce Investment Program The Massachusetts Veterans Inc. (MVI) received a Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) grant from the Department of Labor. This grant will allow MVI to provide training to veterans that have significant barriers to employment throughout Massachusetts. Veterans that qualify for training under this initiative include recently separated veterans, campaign/wartime veterans, veterans with service-connected disabilities, economically disadvantaged, women and minority veterans. Please call us to see if you qualify. Qualified veterans will receive training free of charge in: PC Technology A+ Certification Microsoft Certification Preparation After successful completion of the training program(s), veterans will find expanded employment opportunities in fields such as: Computer Support Computer Applications Office and Administrative Support Customer Service According to Massachusetts Department of Career Services and Department of Unemployment Assistance (DCS-DUA), these four fields are among the top 21 fastest growing occupations. Computer Support Specialists are in the highest demand with an anticipated 42% annual growth rate over the next ten years. Training will take place at the MVI Computer Training Academy located at 69 Grove Street, Worcester. To learn more about the Veterans Workforce Investment Program or other programs at MVI, please contact Allison Alaimo at 508-791-0956, extension 130 or send e-mail to: allisonalaimo@massveterans.org. Back Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Computer Academy Massachusetts Veterans, Inc operates a Computer Training Academy at 69 Grove Street, Worcester and also holds classes in the Mobile Education Center. The Computer Academy's objective is to teach marketable job skills that will help prepare students to reenter the labor force in this computer skills-driven economy. Staffed by qualified instructors, many with years of computer hardware and software experience, the Academy offers comprehensive instruction and training in a small, intimate setting (most classes have fewer than 15 students). Available curriculum includes basic and advanced skills, email, Internet, software, hardware, technical training, and nationally recognized certification preparation. Courses include: Literacy (Basic Skills) PC Tech (Build, Repair & Maintenance) A+ Certification Preparation Microsoft Office Suite Course Descriptions: Literacy - Designed for those who have not had much exposure to computers, this course in basic computer skills teaches the novice how to navigate through the computer, and covers topics such as using a mouse, minimizing, maximizing and exiting a window, window components, toolbars, taskbars, desktops, paint, email, intro to Microsoft Word, and more. Classes are held mornings, afternoons, and some weekends and can be anywhere between 8 and 20 hours depending upon the needs of the student. PC Tech: Build, Repair & Maintenance - This 1100-hour entry-level class is designed to give the student a good working understanding of the hardware and software in the modern PC. The student will learn in a hands-on environment that reinforces the lecture portion of the classes. Students receive comprehensive instruction in building, maintaining, and upgrading systems, including hardware items such as hard drives, CD ROM, DVD, floppy drives, memory, processors, motherboards and more. The software component includes operating systems and diagnostic software and navigating the Internet to download software, drivers, and manuals. Classes are 8-weeks, 20 hours/week. A+ Certification (prerequisite: PC Tech course or equivalent) - This A+ certification preparation class is for people with a good understanding of software and hardware (preferably from our PC Tech class). Students that have not completed the PC Tech course may apply to the IT Department for a waiver. This is an intensive class primarily working from the A+ Certification book and lab manual. The course is largely self-directed with an instructor being present to assist students with any questions or problems. Lab periods will be available during the day and some weekends. After completion of this class, students should be prepared to take the A+ Certification Test. A+ Certification is nationally recognized. This is a 6-week, 20/hours/week course. Microsoft Office Suite - Students may learn the entire Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook (Mail & Calendar), or may customize their course load as they see fit. Each section is 8-hours. Courses are offered evenings, afternoons, and some weekends. Back Mobile Education Center The Mobile Education Center (MEC) launches a new dimension in Massachusetts Veterans Inc.'s quest to bring services to the people of Massachusetts. A 32-foot RV equipped with twelve Dell computers, the MEC assists us in our efforts to outreach our computer training services to both veterans and non-veterans. On board are two generators that allow the classroom to be self-sufficient and maintain a pleasant learning environment. The vehicle is also equipped with a lift gate and can accommodate persons with disabilities. Instructors teach computer literacy and the Microsoft Office Suite. Email assistance is also offered. The MEC is available to community groups and companies and can be rented for training purposes, for corporate meetings, or made available to trade organizations for shows and conventions. Back Compensated Work Therapy / Veterans Construction Team Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. participates in a program managed by the Veterans Administration that incorporates work and therapy as a part of the individual treatment plan. Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a therapeutic program administered by the VA that allows eligible veterans to earn money and work at regular jobs, either at the VA campus or through the Community Employment Program (CEP). The CEP places veterans in jobs with local employers; the VA pays the veteran's compensation. The employer receives an invoice from the VA. Veterans Construction Team (VCT) operates in the same manner as CWT. However, all of the work VCT does is on government installations and involve working in the building trades. Back Culinary Arts Program Massachusetts Veterans has partnered with the Worcester County Food Bank to offer a Culinary Arts Training Program. Instruction takes place outside of the shelter at the Food Bank building. The course is 12-weeks in length. Our graduates have found employment in the food service industry as Sous Chefs and in Institutional environments. Back Summary of Services Safe, drug and alcohol-free environment Emergency shelter for male and female veterans 24 hour staff Three-phase rehabilitation program Nutritional program - three meals per day Case management and supportive services for all residents On-site counselling services MIV licensed counselors on staff Certified veterans benefits counselor on staff Community health link Worcester VA clinic Consultants Assessment and referral services On-site relapse prevention groups - VA clinic and Sheriff's Department On-site Alcoholics Anonymous meetings Compensated work therapy and supported work therapy DVA Brockton and Bedford Medical services Free clinic Podiatry clinic Free eye exams and glasses Chiropractic clinic Nursing clinic - Worcester State College graduate students Free legal services, on-site legal clinic - Worcester Bar Association Access to detox services Educational programs Anger management Relaxation and stress reduction Health and nutrition GED Computer training Limited transportation Medical appointments Job interviews Work sites On-site housing specialist - mobile outreach team On-site employment specialist - mobile outreach team Feed-A-Vet Food Pantry for all eligible veterans and their families On-site laundry facilities Access to clothing donations, clothing store Women Veterans' Services - case management and support services for non-resident female veterans Transitional support program for veterans who move on from the shelter -> Any veteran in need who applies to the shelter is eligible for service. Homeless veterans with meaningful ties to Massachusetts are given preferred consideration. Individuals unwilling to abstain from drugs and alcohol will not find Massachusetts Veterans Inc. an appropriate emergency shelter. For admittance and referral information, call the shelter 24 hours a day. (508) 791-5348. When individuals progress from the shelter, they are encouraged to maintain contact and access shelter services as necessary so they achieve a positive transition to independent living. Individuals will meet with their caseworker to develop an individual transition plan. Transitional services include, but are not limited to Feed-A-Vet Food Pantry, on-site and transportation to 12-step meetings, relapse prevention groups, clothing room, meals, socialization, and support from peers and staff Individuals who are committed to living a self-sufficient, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle will benefit from the services offered at Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Shelter, Foodbank, Training, Housing referrals Summary of Services Learn about: MVI Employment & Training Program Veterans Workforce Investment Program Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Computer Academy Mobile Education Center Compensated Work Therapy / Veterans Construction Team Culinary Arts Program Employment & Training The Massachusetts Veterans Inc (MVI) Employment & Training Program is designed to help reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force. This program is employment focused. Veterans receive job counseling, pre-employment services, job training, job development and placement services. Supportive services such as clothing, shelter, referral to medical or substance abuse treatment, and transportation assistance are also provided. Each veteran is assigned an Employment Specialist who interviews the client and works with him or her to develop an appropriate individual training plan. Our clients have access to a diagnostic career assessment survey software program that compares interests and abilities. The survey results are used to determine possible avenues of job search or additional educational opportunities. The combination of the interview and assessment helps to determine the individual's skill set and career goals. This assists the employment specialist when preparing a list of possible sources of employment. Our clients receive classroom training in interview techniques, mock interviews, how to fill out job applications, resume and cover letter preparation, dress-for-success, and the various on-line search engines that provide access to jobs on the Internet. Employment Specialists assist each client with job searches, provide job coaching, help set up interviews, and provide transportation to interviews if necessary. Our clients continue to receive support and follow-up services from both Employment Specialists and Case Managers after they are gainfully employed. Employment Specialists develop and maintain working relationships with many local employers, a number of which conduct interviews at MVI on a regular basis. Companies are encouraged to actively recruit the veterans we serve. If your company would like to be a part of this effort, please call us today! VETERANS: Call us to find out if you're eligible to participate in the Employment & Training Program. EMPLOYERS: Send us your job openings! We have a number of skilled and talented men and women eager to get back into the workforce. The qualifications of our clients are varied and diverse, so chances are, we'll be able to find a great match for your company! Please contact an Employment Specialist at 508-791-5348 for more information. Veterans Workforce Investment Program The Massachusetts Veterans Inc. (MVI) received a Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) grant from the Department of Labor. This grant will allow MVI to provide training to veterans that have significant barriers to employment throughout Massachusetts. Veterans that qualify for training under this initiative include recently separated veterans, campaign/wartime veterans, veterans with service-connected disabilities, economically disadvantaged, women and minority veterans. Please call us to see if you qualify. Qualified veterans will receive training free of charge in: PC Technology A+ Certification Microsoft Certification Preparation After successful completion of the training program(s), veterans will find expanded employment opportunities in fields such as: Computer Support Computer Applications Office and Administrative Support Customer Service According to Massachusetts Department of Career Services and Department of Unemployment Assistance (DCS-DUA), these four fields are among the top 21 fastest growing occupations. Computer Support Specialists are in the highest demand with an anticipated 42% annual growth rate over the next ten years. Training will take place at the MVI Computer Training Academy located at 69 Grove Street, Worcester. To learn more about the Veterans Workforce Investment Program or other programs at MVI, please contact Allison Alaimo at 508-791-0956, extension 130 or send e-mail to: allisonalaimo@massveterans.org. Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Computer Academy Massachusetts Veterans, Inc operates a Computer Training Academy at 69 Grove Street, Worcester and also holds classes in the Mobile Education Center. The Computer Academy's objective is to teach marketable job skills that will help prepare students to reenter the labor force in this computer skills-driven economy. Staffed by qualified instructors, many with years of computer hardware and software experience, the Academy offers comprehensive instruction and training in a small, intimate setting (most classes have fewer than 15 students). Available curriculum includes basic and advanced skills, email, Internet, software, hardware, technical training, and nationally recognized certification preparation. Courses include: Literacy (Basic Skills) PC Tech (Build, Repair & Maintenance) A+ Certification Preparation Microsoft Office Suite Course Descriptions: Literacy - Designed for those who have not had much exposure to computers, this course in basic computer skills teaches the novice how to navigate through the computer, and covers topics such as using a mouse, minimizing, maximizing and exiting a window, window components, toolbars, taskbars, desktops, paint, email, intro to Microsoft Word, and more. Classes are held mornings, afternoons, and some weekends and can be anywhere between 8 and 20 hours depending upon the needs of the student. PC Tech: Build, Repair & Maintenance - This 1100-hour entry-level class is designed to give the student a good working understanding of the hardware and software in the modern PC. The student will learn in a hands-on environment that reinforces the lecture portion of the classes. Students receive comprehensive instruction in building, maintaining, and upgrading systems, including hardware items such as hard drives, CD ROM, DVD, floppy drives, memory, processors, motherboards and more. The software component includes operating systems and diagnostic software and navigating the Internet to download software, drivers, and manuals. Classes are 8-weeks, 20 hours/week. A+ Certification (prerequisite: PC Tech course or equivalent) - This A+ certification preparation class is for people with a good understanding of software and hardware (preferably from our PC Tech class). Students that have not completed the PC Tech course may apply to the IT Department for a waiver. This is an intensive class primarily working from the A+ Certification book and lab manual. The course is largely self-directed with an instructor being present to assist students with any questions or problems. Lab periods will be available during the day and some weekends. After completion of this class, students should be prepared to take the A+ Certification Test. A+ Certification is nationally recognized. This is a 6-week, 20/hours/week course. Microsoft Office Suite - Students may learn the entire Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook (Mail & Calendar), or may customize their course load as they see fit. Each section is 8-hours. Courses are offered evenings, afternoons, and some weekends. Mobile Education Center The Mobile Education Center (MEC) launches a new dimension in Massachusetts Veterans Inc.'s quest to bring services to the people of Massachusetts. A 32-foot RV equipped with twelve Dell computers, the MEC assists us in our efforts to outreach our computer training services to both veterans and non-veterans. On board are two generators that allow the classroom to be self-sufficient and maintain a pleasant learning environment. The vehicle is also equipped with a lift gate and can accommodate persons with disabilities. Instructors teach computer literacy and the Microsoft Office Suite. Email assistance is also offered. The MEC is available to community groups and companies and can be rented for training purposes, for corporate meetings, or made available to trade organizations for shows and conventions. Compensated Work Therapy / Veterans Construction Team Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. participates in a program managed by the Veterans Administration that incorporates work and therapy as a part of the individual treatment plan. Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a therapeutic program administered by the VA that allows eligible veterans to earn money and work at regular jobs, either at the VA campus or through the Community Employment Program (CEP). The CEP places veterans in jobs with local employers; the VA pays the veteran's compensation. The employer receives an invoice from the VA. Veterans Construction Team (VCT) operates in the same manner as CWT. However, all of the work VCT does is on government installations and involve working in the building trades. Culinary Arts Program Massachusetts Veterans has partnered with the Worcester County Food Bank to offer a Culinary Arts Training Program. Instruction takes place outside of the shelter at the Food Bank building. The course is 12-weeks in length. Our graduates have found employment in the food service industry as Sous Chefs and in Institutional environments. Summary of Services Safe, drug and alcohol-free environment Emergency shelter for male and female veterans 24 hour staff Three-phase rehabilitation program Nutritional program - three meals per day Case management and supportive services for all residents On-site counselling services MIV licensed counselors on staff Certified veterans benefits counselor on staff Community health link Worcester VA clinic Consultants Assessment and referral services On-site relapse prevention groups - VA clinic and Sheriff's Department On-site Alcoholics Anonymous meetings Compensated work therapy and supported work therapy DVA Brockton and Bedford Medical services Free clinic Podiatry clinic Free eye exams and glasses Chiropractic clinic Nursing clinic - Worcester State College graduate students Free legal services, on-site legal clinic - Worcester Bar Association Access to detox services Educational programs Anger management Relaxation and stress reduction Health and nutrition GED Computer training Limited transportation Medical appointments Job interviews Work sites On-site housing specialist - mobile outreach team On-site employment specialist - mobile outreach team Feed-A-Vet Food Pantry for all eligible veterans and their families On-site laundry facilities Access to clothing donations, clothing store Women Veterans' Services - case management and support services for non-resident female veterans Transitional support program for veterans who move on from the shelter