Veterans Transition Initiative

Our Mission

The mission of the Veterans Transition Initiative (VTI) is to provide legal assistance, benefits counseling, mentor support, and a unique educational experience for all honorably discharged veterans that accelerates entry and adaptation to the private sector.  We recognize the needs of returning war veterans, both non-disabled and disabled, and acknowledge the exceptional qualities of our service men and women. 

The Initiative will guide veterans in their transition to the civilian work force and will act as a dynamic resource that enables veterans to adapt to life after the military and find gainful employment.

The VTI is a non-profit organization funded by private donations.  Our staff is largely comprised of volunteers from the community with a passion for supporting our service men and women.

Who We Are

Program Director                       Lieutenant Colonel James Sfayer             USMC (Retired)                                       

Director                                            Chris Placitella
                                       

What We Do

The VTI engages the local community to aid veterans; all services are offered free of cost. 

Legal Services/Benefits Counseling

We provide individual counseling services to returning veterans and their families.  Veterans are returning with the best benefits in history.  Our role is to navigate through the myriad of layers to determine the benefits needed, whether medical, educational, or financial.  Our legal services are focused on helping disabled veterans who encounter discrimination or other issues in employment, government services, housing, or business.

Mentor Program

Each veteran who participates in a VTI workshop has the opportunity to be matched with a local professional as a mentor, to provide personal assistance throughout the veteran's transition to civilian life.

Our mentors support the veterans as they prepare for new careers, and maintain the relationship as they settle into their jobs.  Mentors share business, industry, and professional knowledge they have gained through experience to help veterans achieve business success.

Transition Planning and Business Skills Workshops

Our workshops help veterans develop core skills and competencies necessary for success in business, including:

• Relationship building
• Effective communication
• Personal leadership and leading others
  
• Problem solving
• Technical competence
• Organization

With our guidance, program participants develop a personal mission statement in which  veterans have the opportunity to prioritize their values, goals, and commitment to making their dreams a reality.

We provide the tools to correlate military skills to the private sector, assist in writing resumes, and enable participants to practice interview techniques.  We assist the veterans in eliminating military jargon, and replace it with the language of business. 

The workshop is based on scenarios, case studies, and role plays to provide a dynamic and engaging look inside the business environment.  Veterans will leave with the confidence that not only do they possess the skills necessary for business, but that they are desperately needed because of their leadership, determination, values, self-discipline, and work ethic. 

This comprehensive transition education program will accelerate an offer of employment and ensure successful adaptation to the private sector.