Federal Grant Award Summary

The Maine Department of Labor received a $666,386 formula grant award effective October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, from the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) under the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program (CFDA 17.801). This award funds specialized employment services positions within American Job Centers across Maine, including Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists, Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff, and consolidated DVOP/LVER positions that operate in dual roles.

Under this grant, DVOP specialists deliver individualized career services and employment counseling to veterans with significant barriers to employment, with emphasis on economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, service-connected disabled, homeless, and other vulnerable veteran populations. LVER staff conduct employer outreach and advocacy efforts with hiring executives to increase employment opportunities for all veterans and specifically encourage hiring of disabled veterans. The funded positions prepare Maine's veterans and transitioning service members for meaningful employment through career counseling, job search assistance, employment resources, and expertise designed to promote sustainable employment outcomes.