February 26, 2019 – Continuing the Latimer Administration efforts to support veterans here at home, Westchester County has been awarded a Workforce Development Institute (WDI) grant. These funds will be put toward developing a veterans’ communication project aimed toward providing vets with skills and strengths that will lead to future employment.
County Executive George Latimer said: “These folks who gave so much for us by fighting to protect our freedoms deserve as much support as we can possible give them upon their return home. This grant is a small step toward providing that support – and we look forward to seeing the results it will produce.”
The grant project, entitled Westchester County Veterans communication improvement, aims to assess the needs of the Veteran population in order to better serve them by providing communication skills training, workshops and services. Ultimately, these services could enhance and improve Veteran's employment opportunities and enable them to enter the workforce.
Westchester County Veterans Agency Director Ron Tocci said: “Our Department is tasked with finding solutions to the challenges Westchester County veterans face here in our own backyard. This grant will make it that much easier for our vets to find gainful employment – which is key to tackling all other challenges they may face when they come back home.”
Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “Workforce development increases our County’s talent pool and is a critical factor in driving Westchester’s economic growth and prosperity. This training will enable our veterans to gain the skills they need for employment so they can both put themselves on the road to success and contribute to our region’s business growth”
Workforce Development Institute Lower Hudson Valley Regional Director Sonja Brown said: “There is a strong need to provide communication skills, a skill necessary for employment opportunities, through innovative support programs and services to our veterans in Westchester County. The Westchester County Veterans Communication Improvement Project, in partnership with WDI, Iona College, and Westchester County, will hopefully serve as a model throughout New York State.”
WDI is a statewide organization that works regionally to identify targeted strategies that address workforce challenges, trends, and opportunities. These strategies can include partnerships, training and funding. Many issues impact individuals’ capacity, productivity and earnings in the workplace market. WDI provides programs and services to help individuals thrive in the workplace. Building stronger communities in partnership with a focus to grow and keep good jobs in NY.
Chair of Speech Communication Studies at Iona College Jennifer Gerometta, Ph.D., CCC-SLP said: “The Iona College Speech Communication Studies Department is honored to have the opportunity to partner with local veterans to sharpen their communication skills. We continue to work with veterans in developing “story scripts” to effectively enhance the interview process for veterans seeking employment, and we are grateful for the generous funding for this opportunity through the Workforce Development Institute.”