September 9, 2021
Women veterans and minority veterans in Arizona now have a new, statewide program that offers comprehensive support and resources for career advancement: Be Connected Career Navigation Plus. The program is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Office of Governor Doug Ducey, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, the Arizona Department of Economic Security, ARIZONA@WORK, and the Arizona Coalition for Military Families.
To launch this initiative, there will be a virtual event on Sept. 30 from 9 to 11:30 a.m., featuring guest speakers and presentations on how women veterans and minority veterans seeking career advancement can enroll in the Be Connected Career Navigation Plus program. There is no cost to attend the event or to enroll in the program.
The first 100 career seekers to join the Be Connected Career Navigation Plus program will receive:
- $100 toward essential needs (e.g. gas, food, utility bill, etc.)
- A personalized review to identify additional available resources and benefits
- Career navigation assessment and career counseling services
- Ongoing career navigation support, training, and resources for career readiness and placement
Upon completion of the program requirements, career seekers will receive an additional $150 toward essential needs.
“We engage with veterans on a regular basis,” said Col (Ret.) Wanda Wright, Director, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. “One of the services that Arizona veterans need the most are career services. We’re appreciative of the leadership of Governor Ducey and the participation of multiple state agencies. This strengthened partnership allows us to make a direct connection to this program for veterans seeking to get back into the workforce or upgrade their skill set to qualify for higher-paying jobs.”
Be Connected Career Navigation services are always offered at no cost as part of the statewide Be Connected program that provides support, services, and connection to hundreds of resources for the financial, educational, housing, and health needs of all Arizona service members (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve), veterans and their family members. Participants will not only be enrolled in this program, but they will also receive the benefit of having a direct connection to other statewide career service programs including the ARIZONA@WORK system and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to bring the collective impact of our partners to this effort”, Thomas Winkel, MA, LPC, NCC, Director of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families. “Women veterans and minority veterans in Arizona will now benefit from additional support and guidance to launch, restart or advance their careers, including the potential for no-cost job training.”
Be Connected Career Navigation Plus participants will have the opportunity to hear about employment opportunities offered by Arizona Veteran Supportive Employers, learn about opportunities to further their education and job training skills, ask questions of career counselors, and be on the invitation list for future career services training sessions and events.
Registration for the Sept. 30 launch event is available at https://bit.ly/BCCNPlus. For questions about this event, please email events@ArizonaCoalition.org. To learn more about the programs and services offered to Arizona service members, veterans, and their families through the Be Connected program, visit www.ConnectVeterans.org or call 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387).
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About the Arizona Coalition for Military Families
The mission of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families is to connect the 500,000+ military members, veterans, and their families in Arizona to the right resources at the right time through the Be Connected program. The Coalition is recognized as a national leader for its ability to bring together Arizona’s public and private sector partners in a unified effort. Launched in 2009, the Coalition works nationally and locally to advocate for service members, veterans, and their families. The Coalition works collaboratively to build and sustain an Ecosystem of Support needed to sustain Arizona’s statewide capacity to care for, serve and support service members, veterans, and their families. The Coalition’s membership extends across all levels of local, county, state, and federal government as well as a vast network of private companies, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, higher education institutions, and non-profit partners. To learn more about the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, visit www.ArizonaCoalition.org.
About the Be Connected® Program
Be Connected is the program of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families that links Arizona service members, veterans, families, and community helpers to information, support, and resources for employment, healthcare, wellness benefits, and more. Be Connected includes a support line, a resource matching website, a statewide team of community-based navigators, and no-cost training. Launched with the help, support, and guidance of the late Senator John McCain, and now operated with support from the Governor’s Office, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other partners, Be Connected is available to any member of the military, any veteran and their family members regardless of era or length of service, discharge status or disability status. Anyone who served or anyone supporting those who served can call 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387) for support. Organizations that want to support and join our efforts should begin by completing an application. For more information, to find support and learn more, visit www.ConnectVeterans.org.
