Augusta, Maine - Continuing to be a strong supporter for Maine military families, First Lady Ann LePage will host a luncheon on Friday for Chamber of Commerce members to promote Maine’s “Hire a Veteran” program. The program is part of the Portland Veterans Network which was created by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The “Hire a Veteran” program is geared toward addressing the needs of veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and offers free chamber benefits to unemployed veterans. The goal of the initiative is to offer free opportunities for unemployed veterans to help them re-integrate into the community, and gain access to fulfilling employment, education, and healthy well-being.
Chamber members will gather at the Blaine House on Friday, May 18, at noon to review progress and learn more about upcoming projects associated with the “Hire a Veteran” effort. “These service members will be returning to their communities and it is incumbent upon all of us to offer support any way we can,” said Mrs. LePage. “Shining a light on what military families sacrifice is only the beginning of what I hope to achieve within my initiative.”
Maine will see hundreds of service members returning home over the next few years and Mrs. LePage believes each one should have an opportunity to reacclimatize his or her self back into the community as easily as possible.
The Portland Regional Chamber has been organizing welcome home gatherings for returning service members and offering support through their membership with activities such as a family day at health organizations to networking opportunities with Portland area business owners. It is First Lady LePage’s hope that other Chambers of Commerce will follow Portland’s lead, creating a state wide environment fully prepared to support returning service members as well as veterans already home.
The goal of the Portland Veterans Network is to provide a one-stop shop that will have a measurable near term impact on the lives of these veterans. The initiatives will include networking opportunities with other chamber members, mentors, and career coaching to aid our veterans in getting jobs. It will also provide resources to give veterans direct access to colleges and universities. Lastly, the program will focus on wellness by provided free access to local gyms, a family week at Camp Kieve Wavus, and free tickets and admission to family recreational opportunities.
DATE: Friday, May 18, 2012
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
PLACE: Blaine House
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