Mandel Smith loves his job, but he doesn't need to mention his passion for the work he does -- his actions say it much better than mere words could ever do.
A Vietnam veteran with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in community counseling, he is the program manager for Volunteers of America, a reintegration program funded by the Department of Labor for West Virginia's homeless veterans.
While other states have had similar programs in existence for years, Smith said West Virginia's program has only been in operation since 2004.
"In that first year, we placed over 100 homeless veterans into full-time jobs paying an average of $11 an hour," said Smith. "Some even accepted high paying jobs in the Mid East where they were stationed while in the military."
Volunteers of America (VOA), located at 303 West 6th St. in Ceredo, offers a wide assortment of career opportunities for homeless veterans. Some of the job training programs they offer are: carpentry apprentice programs, health care training, mining operation, heavy equipment operator, law enforcement, truck driver, and various foreign employment opportunities. In addition to helping with employment, VOA also provides the necessary safety equipment that specific jobs require for employment, and also any required tools to perform the job.
According to Smith, it's a win-win situation.
"We take homeless veterans that are a complete liability to the city, county and state. We offer them training in virtually anything they show an interest in. They in turn become productive tax paying citizens who re-enter mainstream society as employees who pay taxes."
Some of the area businesses that have benefited from hiring a homeless veteran include Irgam Barge Company, Massey Energy, Standard Laboratories, Appalachian Ball Park, VA Hospital and private security companies.
If you are an employer looking to fill a vacancy, the staff at VOA would like to hear from you concerning your needs. If no one answers; your call will be returned. They spend several hours of overtime each week driving hundreds of miles looking for employment opportunities at area plants, finding out their specific needs, and conducting interviews with veterans in other counties.
Clients for this program come from city mission and local and state shelters. They come without adequate safety clothing or career knowledge, and they are provided both. In addition to training, veterans are provided computer access for job hunting along with office and computer skills.
Smith, along with case managers Dwayne Fradd, and Laura Bailey, cover a large area of the state in reaching out to West Virginia's homeless veterans. They often travel as far away as Mason, McDowell, Raleigh and Wyoming counties. If the veteran cannot come to them, they will travel as needed. Smith said that this program is not restricted to male veterans. Of the 10 to 30 veterans who receive help every week, about 7 percent are female.
Once a veteran has successfully completed a training program and is earning a paycheck, VOA will assist the individual in getting settled into an apartment. They will provide items for the kitchen such as a coffee maker, cooking utensils, dishes and silverware and other items including bathroom necessities like towels and hygiene items.
Volunteers are also needed at VOA. If you are a retired veteran, or have a few extra hours and would like the opportunity to work first-hand in helping other veterans, the number to call is 304-453-2900. If you know of any homeless veteran who could benefit from this program, please help them make the call.
There are literally dozens of thank-you letters on file at VOA. Letters expressing gratitude for a new start, for caring enough to help.
"Those letters mean a lot," Smith said.
Clyde Beal is a freelance writer living in Huntington. This is part of a series of articles bringing attention to those who volunteer their time supporting organizations in our community who would perish without their support. If you wish to become a part of this series, contact Night Local Editor Luke Damron at 304-526-2753 or by e-mail at ldamron@herald-dispatch.com.
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