Veteran's Leadership Program

The Program Serves a Population with Great Needs:
The Career Development and Comprehensive Support Services Program includes job placement, re-training, and robust supportive services for unemployed or underemployed veterans and their immediate family members.  Since 1982 the majority of VLP's client veterans have been homeless/formerly homeless, previously incarcerated unemployed/underemployed, or recovering from substance abuse.   80% of current clients come from the neighborhoods with the highest levels of poverty in Allegheny County and 73% are African American.  United Way funds support portions of the salaries of the 6 staff who contribute to the operation of this existing program as well as to provide direct assistance to clients.

The Program Achieves Measurable Results:
In 2008 VLP's Employment and Supportive Services programs successfully placed 318 clients into unsubsidized employment at an average hourly wage of $11.28/hr – a 7% wage increase over 2007.  In program year 2008, VLP achieved the following results with homeless veterans:

• 300 veterans assessed for enrollment
• 220 veterans enrolled in program
• 143 homeless veterans placed in employment at an average start salary of $11.18/hr
• 50% placed into housing programs

The Program Utilizes A Sound Approach:
Services are based on national best practices and include not only core career development services but comprehensive support services such as meeting basic emergency needs, financial literacy and assistance in accessing benefits entitlements.  An automated client information system allows the agency  to track client progress individually as well as to evaluate programs across the agency.  The agency has already utilized data collected to champion new policies and systems change over the past decade.  Their potential to continue to achieve community-wide impact at this level is even more critical at this time due to the projected increases in veterans returning to the Pittsburgh area over the next three years.

The Proposal is Aligned with Preferred Outcomes:
This program aligns with the following preferred RFP outcomes:

• Secure and Maintain Employment
  • 105 clients will receive job training and obtain employment
  • 113 will maintain employment for at least 270 days
• Prevent Homelessness
  • 120 clients will retain and maintain safe, affordable housing
• Meet Basic Needs to Remain Self-Sufficient
  • 105 clients will increase their monthly income