Veterans employment programs expand to Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Owosso

LANSING, MI – Volunteers of America Michigan, already the largest nonprofit provider of veteran services in the state, is expanding its employment programs to homeless veterans in Shiawassee, Genesee, Saginaw and Bay counties.

The expansion was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, bringing the total number of counties served by Volunteers of America veterans employment programs to 14. The expansion into the Flint-Saginaw-Bay City area follows years of success the agency has demonstrated in other parts of Michigan.

“This is an area of our state with significant need for veterans, and we are honored that the Department of Labor is entrusting Volunteers of America with this work,” said Patrick Patterson, Executive Vice President. “These employment programs are a hallmark of our agency. We’re looking forward to getting to work with veterans in a new region.”

Combined with its other veterans programs, including housing and homeless prevention, Volunteers of America will now serve veterans in 19 counties across the Lower Peninsula. So far this fiscal year, which ends June 30, the agency’s employment programs have placed 254 homeless veterans in jobs.

The expanded employment services are projected to enroll 110 homeless veterans the first year, placing 72 of them into employment. The agency will open offices in Owosso, Flint, Saginaw and Bay City. Some of the offices will be in shared space with community partners who are collaborating in this work, including Shiawassee County United Way and Shelter of Flint.

All Volunteers of America Michigan veteran programs can be contacted by calling toll-free statewide intake number, 877-509-8387 (or 877-509-VETS).