Purpose of of the project - the purpose of this project is to empower homeless and at-risk veterans by providing comprehensive workforce development, job placement, and supportive services that…

Federal Grant Award Summary

T.E.A.R.S. Inc., a woman-owned, Black American-owned nonprofit organization based in Phenix City, Alabama, received a $300,000 Project Grant from the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) under the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (CFDA 17.805), effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The grant funds comprehensive workforce development and supportive services designed to transition 75 homeless and at-risk veterans annually into sustainable, high-wage employment in Russell, Macon, and Lee Counties, Alabama.

Grant-funded activities include veteran outreach and engagement through local shelters, VA programs, and faith-based organizations; industry-recognized workforce training in healthcare, skilled trades, information technology, logistics, and manufacturing; individualized employment plans tailored to veteran skills and job market demand; job placement and retention services facilitated through regional employer partnerships; and wraparound supportive services including housing assistance, childcare, and transportation support. The program targets veterans facing employment barriers such as limited workforce skills, mental health and substance use issues, and justice involvement, with follow-up services in the second and fourth quarters to ensure long-term employment retention.

Purpose of of the project - the purpose of this project is to empower homeless and at-risk veterans by providing comprehensive workforce development, job placement, and supportive services that facilitate long-term economic stability. Through targeted outreach, employment training, case management, and employer partnerships, the program aims to transition 75 veterans annually into sustainable, high-wage careers while ensuring housing stability and wraparound support. The program will serve veterans in russell, macon, and LEE counties, alabama. Activities to be funded by the grant - veteran outreach engagement identifying eligible veterans through local shelters, VA programs, and faith-based organizations. Workforce training job placement providing industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeships, and direct hiring pathways in healthcare, skilled trades, IT, logistics, and manufacturing S management and individualized employment plans (IEPS) developing customized career pathways based on each veterans skills, experience, and job market demand. Supportive services covering housing assistance, childcare, transportation, and other work assistance training to ensure employment retention.employer partnerships job retention services partnering with regional businesses to facilitate job placements and conducting 2ND and 4TH quarter follow-UPS to support long-term retention. Intended beneficiaries of the project - 75 homeless and at-risk veterans annually in russell, macon, and LEE counties, alabama. Veterans facing employment barriers such as limited access to employment opportunities due to barriers such as lack of workforce skills, mental health or substance use issues, or justice involvement. Veterans need career training and job placement assistance to transition into sustainable employment. Employers seeking to hire skilled veterans through on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, and workforce credentialing programs. Expected outcomes of the project -tears aims to serve 75 veterans annually, for a total of 225 veterans over three years. Expected outcomes include: 60% placement rate into unsubsidized employment. 70% of participants completed workforce training programs. 50% job retention rate in the second quarter post-exit and 30% retention rate in the fourth quarter post-exit.85% of veterans in tears transitional housing secure permanent housing and full-time employment within 12 months. Key partnerships - tears has established partnerships with multiple workforce agencies, employers, and veteran service providers, including: alabama rural coalition for the homeless (ARCH), council on substance abuse (COSA), tuskegee VA medical center for mental health and substance use referrals. Alabama works ajcs for job placement and workforce training. Phenix city, opelika city and tuskegee housing authorities for housing assistance and stability services. Goodwill training programs of phenix city for vocational skills training and certifications. Local employers in healthcare, logistics, IT, and skilled trades for job placement and apprenticeships.