Local Couple Initiates New Program to Assist Whidbey Vets in Getting Jobs

The Whidbey Veterans Job-Assistance Program is a pilot program started by local donors, Whidbey Community Foundation, and Opportunity Council.

The program's goal is to help unemployed Vets on Whidbey Island obtain a full-time job. At 13%, Island County has the highest proportion of Veterans in Washington state. Unemployment among Vets in Island County is 4.5% compared to 3.9% of the overall county population.

To be eligible for the program, the Veteran must:

• Reside on Whidbey Island
• Be honorably discharged.
• Not have a military ID card
• Must be in the later phases of pursuing a specific full-time job and in need of specific funding assistance to secure that job.

Eligible applicants may receive up to $2,000 in assistance per year (paid directly to the vendor) and a maximum of $4,000 in their lifetime.

To be considered, applicants submit a simple online application with the Opportunity Council Island County Service Center indicating what the request is for and how it will help directly lead to a specific, full-time job with a brief explanation of financial assistance needed. Qualifying applicants will meet with staff at Opportunity Council.

The program launches on July 10, 2023, and will run as a pilot program for 1 year to fine-tune the program.

For more information, please visit Opportunity Council at: https://www.oppco.org/services-for-veterans/island-county/whidbey-island-veterans-job-assistance-fund/