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=**OperationIndependence**=
 * [[image:goodwillvets/WIKI_COVER.jpg width="995" height="539" caption="WELCOME "]]

===Goodwill’s Operation Independenceprogram helps bridge the gap between veterans and civilian employment. Throughan Elevate America veterans initiative grant, Microsoft Corporation awardedGoodwill $2 million in cash and up to $6 million in software to provide veteransand their families with a comprehensive set of services to help them transitionto civilian careers, including technology skills training, job placement,career counseling, and other support services.===

===Resulting from a 2009 study on the needs of veterans in the Charlotte area, Goodwill developed a comprehensive plan to support veterans and their families as they re-enter civilian life in one of the largest veteran communities in North Carolina. Goodwill, in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), hopes to increase sustainable employment and self-sufficiency by providing professional development, education and targeted industry-specific skills training customized to meet the needs of individuals and local employers===

===The first step in this process is for you to register for services. Follow this link to get started. **[|On Line Registration - Register For Services] From the "Service Type" drop down menu select "Operation Independence" === ===Once you have completed the online application a member of the Operation Independence team will contact you to have a face to face interview to determine your career goals and objectives. We will complete an assessment and determine any barriers you might have to employment.=== Now if you are looking for a job you will need to have an email account set up. In today's world of technology an email address is as important if not more important than having a telephone. For instruction on how to set up your FREE GMAIL Account follow this link. [|Instructions For Setting Up Your GMAIL Account] This is a free account and can be accessed from any computer once you have set up your account. ===You can create a self paced account and receive a certificate of completion mailed to your email address. To register for on-line classes follow this link to set up your account [|Create Your OnLine Training Account] Courses include MS Office Suites. This is a self paced tutorial with a quiz at the end of wach module.=== === Our Trained staff of Military Veterans and Family members - WE ARE VETERANS HELPING VETERANS- can assist you with all of your job search needs. We have online courses and in class instruction and training in the following areas [|Career Development - Includes Resume Development -Career Assessment and More]===

=YOUR MEDICAL BENEFITS= > === Did you know you can register for your benefits on line? This link will take you to the VA Benefit Booklet to let you now which Benefits are available. [|Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors] === > ===If you are not sure if you qualify, take a minute and fill out the on line application [|Veterans On-Line Application (VONAPP)]=== > ===Or=== > If you are having problems you can also contact your local >> VA [|regional offices] can assist you with filing the appropriate VA forms. In addition VSO's [|(Veteran Service Organizations)] can assist you as well by answering general question and even petitioning on your behalf for services they believe you are qualified to receive. > || Pre-Discharge Program || - || - || > || VONAPP || VONAPP || VONAPP || > || Local Regional Offices || Local Regional Offices || Local Regional Offices ||
 * ===Apply at your Local Regional Offices===
 * ~ Active Duty ||~ Surviving Spouse/Child/Parent ||~ Veteran/Veteran Dependant ||

=__**See Whats Happening with Your Branch**__= > Follow this link to access information about the United States Army [|Official Site for The United States Army] > Follow this link to access information about the United States Navy [|Official Site for The United States Navy] > Follow this link to access information about the United Air Force [|Official Site for The United States Airforce] > Follow this link to access information about the United States Marines [|Official Site For the United States Marines] > Follow this link to access information about the United States Marines [|Official Site for The United States Coast Guard]

=**COMMUNITY FORUM**= If you have resources available for Veterans add your Agency Information below. Goodwill Industries is not respponsible for content of external sites nor do we endorse or reccomend any specific Agencies services.

**INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: First you must join the page. Once you have submitted your information allow 24 hours for your membership to process (it might process sooner). Once you have been accepted as a member you will have editing abilities. You can add your agency information or any other resource such as job fairs, hiring leads, etc... DO NOT POST NEGATIVE COMMENTS OR ANY DISTASTEFUL INFORMATION to this site as it will be removed.**

COMMUNITY FORUM COMMENTS/POST __ HOUSING __ __ FOOD ASSISTANCE __ //** Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services **// Wallace H. Kuralt Centre 301 Billingsley Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211

Youth and Family Services 5800 Executive Center Drive, 4th Floor, Charlotte NCP.O. Box 220999, Charlotte, NC 28222 //[]//

(704) 353-1594 / //Rodney.Adams@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov//
 * Economic Services Division: **Division Director: Rodney AdamsRodney Adams /

Meg Downs / (704) 353- 1422 / FNS Manager Related Programs: (F&C Medicaid, Food & Nutrition, NC Health Choice, Intake, Adult Medicaid & Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid Transportation, Work First, LIEAP

__ TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE __ __ MONEY FOR ENTERPERNUALS __ Please join us and invite any entrepreneurs (or budding entrepreneurs!) to this free information session on Tuesday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m. We recommend you reserve your seat here (this will also add you to the mailing list): [] or visit us online at [|www.msmf.org/Micro-Loan-Initiative.php] and click “Sign up for an information session” at the bottom of the page. __ LEGAL SERVICES (SECOND CHANCE WORKSHOPS) __