Program helps vet land job
By Vincent T. Davis - Express-News
On a day when people across the nation are giving thanks for surviving tough economic times, a local retired Navy veteran has much to be thankful for.
Keith Ferguson started his first week of work at the JSR construction company after taking part in a job mentoring program for disabled veterans.
Patricia Cullum from construction company JSR Inc. liked Ferguson's resume and military background, hiring him the same day.
With the nation's unemployment rate reaching 10.2 percent in October — the highest since April 1983 — Ferguson started work Monday at what he called “an ideal job.”
“I think this is probably the best situation for me. It's a small company, but busy,” Ferguson said. “It fell in line with my military background; it's like a win-win situation.”
Steve LaBour, executive director of Enable America, said having the Clark and Hunt construction companies and their subcontractors host a mentoring day for disabled veterans was a success but that having an Enable America (participant) land a job made it even better.
“We know that when businesses connect with disabled, work-ready, qualified candidates, there are good results for both the company and mentee,” LaBour said via e-mail. “Keith's new job is proof these mentoring programs work to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”
August Ciriello with Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation Division said Ferguson's hiring speaks highly of San Antonio employers in the private and public sector that are willing to work with vets.
“I don't know who's more excited about his job — him or his case manager,” Ciriello said. “It's easy for me to market people like this because these are good people.”
Source: mysanantonio.com
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