(Worcester, MA): The Massachusetts Department of Career Services awarded MassHire Central Region Career Centers in Worcester and Southbridge the 2024 Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) Incentive “Gold Award”, infusing $14,900 to expand services to veterans in the City of Worcester and the 38 surrounding towns and communities served by Central Region Career Centers in Worcester and Southbridge. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Worcester County is home to 38,883 veterans.

The JVSG Incentive Awards recognize the efforts of an entire MassHire Career Center (not just a Veterans unit or Veterans staff) whose efforts demonstrate: improvement and modernization of employment, training, and placement services for Veterans; the reward and celebration of excellence in priority of service; development and delivery of best practice techniques and improved performance outcomes for Veterans. The MassHire Career Centers selected for the JVSG Incentive Awards demonstrated teamwork in engaging partners and employers and used a collaborative approach to provide integrated services to Veterans.

MassHire Worcester Career Center Director Janice Ryan Weekes said, “MassHire honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces by providing Priority of Service to our veterans. Our Career Centers offer a range of services to support veterans in their career endeavors, including job search assistance, career planning, training opportunities, resume services, access to computers and the internet, workshops, personalized support, and referrals to partner agencies. These services are available to all eligible veterans and eligible spouses. If you are or you know a veteran who needs this kind of help, please fill in the intake form on our website or contact our Veterans Representatives.” (contact info below)

• MassHire Southbridge Veterans Representative: Michael Hess (508-765-6430 x. 55317; hessm@masshirecentralcc.com)
• MassHire Worcester Veterans Representative: Bill Ryan (508-373-7620; ryanw@masshirecentralcc.com)

About the JVSG Program: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service runs JVSG, which provides federal funding, through a formula grant, to 54 State Workforce Agencies to hire dedicated staff to provide individualized career- and training-related services to eligible veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment (SBEs), as well as other authorized populations, and help employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans. JVSG funding supports the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist position, Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) staff, and Consolidated Position staff.

Gold Award Winner: MassHire Central Region Career Centers (Award Amount: $14,900)

Silver Award Winner: MassHire Metro North Career Centers (Award Amount: $9,805)

Bronze Award Winner: MassHire Greater New Bedford Award (Award Amount: $7,405)

Rising Star: MassHire North Central Career Center (Award Amount: $3,336)

The Bounce Program© is an assessment and mindset coaching program that increases a person’s psychological work readiness by boosting their confidence, resilience and motivation. Participants work through the program content with support from Bounce Coaches and Trainers to build self-awareness and confidence, develop resilience, and create a plan to find meaningful and sustainable employment. At the end of the training, participants feel better equipped and more motivated to find work, and they’ve given their wellbeing a positive boost.

MassHire Central’s Bounce Program instructors Nelson and Anthony recently hosted a session of the program and participants had great things to say!

Learn about the next Bounce Program session at a virtual info session on December 22, 2023 at 10am. Click here to register!