After serving in the armed forces, many U.S. veterans face challenges competing in an ever-changing job market. The Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ Sauk Valley Veterans Program, funded in part by a local grant from Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program, is helping those who served their country develop the skills and confidence to secure employment.
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“Our nation’s veterans deserve our unwavering support long after they’ve retired from military service, which is why we are proud to partner with organizations like Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois to help veterans overcome barriers to civilian employment,” said Tom Evenson, senior director-Public Affairs. “Union Pacific’s long-held dedication to the military and our veterans adds deeper meaning to our ‘Building America’ mission.”
The Sauk Valley Veterans Program offers free services designed to assist U.S. military veterans with job readiness training, supportive services, referrals, and help in finding and retaining competitive employment in Illinois’ Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties.
One of the program’s success stories is Tara Wilson, a U.S. Army veteran who approached her civilian job hunt with the same determination that guided her military career. Recognizing that improving her tech skills would be key to achieving her career goals, she took the initiative to join the program.
U.S. Army veteran Tara Wilson sharpened her job skills thanks in part to a local grant from Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program.
Thanks to Union Pacific’s grant, Wilson received a laptop and hotspot – tools she used to empower herself. She immersed herself in improving her typing speed, mastering email communication and confidently navigating online job platforms.
With the personalized guidance of her employment readiness specialist, Wilson applied her enhanced skills to submit job applications and prepare for interviews. Her persistence and hard work earned her a rewarding job in Environmental Services.
“I realized that with the right resources and determination, I could accomplish anything I set my mind to,” Wilson said.
Funding invested by Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program ranges from local grants and sponsorships to key partnerships designed to provide long-term impact in our communities.
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