Neighbor News
Goodwill, Cool Today partner for 'Vet to Tech' program
Partnership will provide training, jobs for veterans in heating and cooling business
Cool Today has partnered with Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program for a pilot program that will assist veterans looking for positions within trade industries. Cool Today will hire veterans referred by Goodwill Manasota – even those without experience – and will assist with schooling and on-the-job training.
“Cool Today has been instrumental in serving the veterans in our community, and we are proud to partner with them for this program,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Our Veterans Services Program exists to help ease the transition from deployment to employment through case management, and innovative programs and partnerships with businesses such as Cool Today are invaluable in those efforts.”
The “Vet to Tech” program began in 2014; interested veterans are welcome to apply with Cool Today (941-921-5581). Veterans are also encouraged to visit Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program office at 8490 Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota for free case management services.
Jaime DiDomenico, owner of Cool Today, noted that there is a dire shortage of candidates for the HVAC, plumbing and electrical industries. He added that technical qualifications and experience aren’t necessary to enjoy long-term success in the field – just a willingness to learn.
“We have the resources to efficiently deliver great on-site training with supervision, so that participants fully understand what they are learning,” said DiDomenico. “I can’t think of a better partnership – we are able to put our heroes in positions where they have the potential to earn more than $50,000 their first year of service. This program will help us employ local veterans looking for a career and a chance to support themselves and their families.”
In addition to the “Vet to Tech” pilot program, Cool Today and DiDomenico have supported Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program through financial contributions, including to the Special Emergency Resources for Veterans (SERV) Initiative fund, which helps veterans in times of immediate need.
For their partnership and support of Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work, DiDomenico and Cool Today were recognized during Goodwill’s recent Ambassador Recognition Luncheon as the organization’s “Employment Impact Partner of the Year.”
PHOTO ID: Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky, Cool Today owner Jaime DiDomenico, and Goodwill Foundation vice president Veronica Brandon Miller during Goodwill’s recent Ambassador Recognition Luncheon
Photo by Cliff Roles
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
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