Connecticut Department of Labor Offers Assistance to Local Veterans

Many veterans face challenges when they return home from deployment, not least of which is finding a job. Although Connecticut gained 5,100 jobs in July, the state Department of Labor reported that unemployment also crept up to 8.5 percent.

To help the men and women who served in the military, on September 21, employees from the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office for Veterans’ Workforce Development will offer employment and training assistance to visitors during Stand Down 2012.

This annual one‐day outreach program offers support for veterans dealing with such issues as homelessness, unemployment and medical concerns. The free event will be held on grounds of the State Veterans Home, located at 287 West Street, in Rocky Hill from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

“Returning to work is a very important step in getting our veterans back on their feet, and our goal is to reach out to those veterans who are experiencing homelessness or coping with stress‐related disabilities,” explains Terry Brennan, Director of the Office for Veterans’ Workforce Development. “Our experienced Labor Department staff can provide the tools they require in order to assist them with their employment and training needs.”

Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives from the agency will be on hand throughout the day to help with online job searches, review résumés. answer questions, provide information and advice, and offer resources to help veterans find employment.

Services from other agencies include housing referrals, social service assistance, motor vehicle licenses, disposition of misdemeanor and motor vehicle court cases, VA benefit assistance, medical, dental and mental health screenings, and free clothing.

“An estimated 200,000 veterans are homeless in the United States, representing about 25 to 30 percent of the nation's total homeless population,” Brennan notes, adding that more than 1,000 Connecticut veterans attended last year’s Stand Down.

More than 30 government agencies and private organizations are expected to participate in Stand Down 2012. Free transportation is also being provided to attendees from pick‐up locations throughout the state. Those sites include Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington and Waterbury.

Veterans can pre-register for the event by going online to www.ctvets.org 

From a press release issued by the Connecticut Department of Labor.