Whidbey Veterans Job-Assistance Program
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/
Business Incentives for Hiring Veterans
Hiring a military veteran isn’t merely a noble gesture.
It’s a sound business decision for companies
looking for a tax break or tax credit.
Owners can take advantage of the Internal Revenue Service’s Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. Not only will companies get an employee with military discipline and work ethic, they can get huge tax breaks.
Click here for more information.
