Hire Heroes USA is both proud and excited to announce our partnership with
The COMPASS Transition Program, and the VET Founation.

The COMPASS Transition Program is a five-day holistic retreat with a curriculum providing combat-wounded veterans opportunities to not only gain valuable employment resources, but also life planning skills to assist with their re-entry to the civilian sector. Primarily focused on career advancement, COMPASS also reinforces the significance of mental, financial, physical, spiritual, emotional and social well being to ensure long-term success for the individual.

All veterans write a personal development plan, network one-on-one with high profile professionals, learn about employment and education resources, and partner with a sponsor who, like them, has made a successful transition out of the military.

Hire Heroes USA Veterans Relations team members Justin Callahan and Michelle Saunders both attend the retreats, as well as teach job-readiness classes.

Due to the generosity of VET Foundation donors and volunteers, the COMPASS Transition Program is provided at no expense to the veteran. COMPASS is a collaborative effort to give back to our heroes.

COMPASS participants NETWORK one-on-one with CEOs, presidents and hiring decision makers from military-friendly companies. The ability to communicate career goals, establish high profile contacts and create a network of resources is the cornerstone of the program. Required mock interviews with professionals offer attendees a unique chance to practice selling their skills, obtain advice for improvement and build confidence.

Throughout the week, subject matter experts, academics, and industry professionals EDUCATE participants about career resources, veteran programs, industries, resume building, interviewing, college and a variety of relevant subjects. Topics covered include managing finances, handling stress, positive attitude, physical fitness and nutrition.
Every veteran is assigned a SPONSOR, a Team Leader that is committed to their individual progress. All COMPASS Team Leaders are professionals who have successfully transitioned out of the military and into the civilian workplace. Follow up at regular intervals after the retreat ensures continued support to each participant.

A professional life coach works with every veteran to WRITE a personal development plan that identifies limiting beliefs, establishes core values, sets personal goals and defines a methodology to achieve them.

The VET Foundation Mission Statement:
The VET Foundation provides employment and transition assistance for warriors who were wounded or injured in combat or training. We provide mentor-ship, career coaching, and advocating through community involvement, for service members based on their individual needs, wants, and desires.

Testimonials:

I just wanted to send you an e-mail and thank you for your time and commitment at the Compass event this past week. You had a profound impact on me and felt that it should be known to you. I know i already told you that many times but one more doesn't hurt. Also thank you for getting me out there and allowing me to be able to participate. Hope to talk to you soon.

- James Schoenherr  April 2010 Participant

 
“I was at a point where I was looking for a job for 3 months before getting out of the Marines and nothing was panning out. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort, but finding the contacts necessary to get an interview. At the retreat I devised a detailed resume which gave me direction and new perspective for finding a job. Not only was I able to meet incredible professional contacts, but also develop myself mentally for the adjustment. As a result of networking at the event, I am now a branch manager for a staffing company in Los Angeles. I have my own apartment, a cat, and really enjoy my life at this point. Once you serve in the military and make the commitment to your country, it’s hard to walk away and transition to a whole new life. I do enjoy it though, and I just wanted to tell you again how thankful I am for the opportunity – your program is working.”

- Matt H. June 2008 Participant

 "I just wanted to express how much the Marines and I appreciated all the help you and your team gave to us the last few days.  We received more information about the process of becoming a "civilian" in a few hours then most of got in years.  If there is ever anything I can do for you or the Hire Heroes in the Lejeune area just let me know."      

-Thank you, John Matter - January 2010 Participant

"Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to come down to NC to speak with us. I really learned some useful information that will make my transition to civilian life a lot easier. Thanks for helping me with my resume."

- Jorge Aladino- January 2010 Participant

Are you a veteran interested in attending the next Compass Retreat?

Qualifications:
1. Currently rated or likelihood that will be rated 30% or more disability from the VA Combat
2. Injured, injured in the line of duty or service related injury
3. Seeking immediate employment within the next 4 months
4. Serious about making a successful transition

Please contact: Michelle Saunders for further Information about attending.

Upcoming COMPASS Transition Events:
All currently scheduled East Coast events will be held in Boswell, Pennsylvania, at the Adventure Camp Outdoor Odyssey.

EAST Coast COMPASS Programs:

August 30 - September 4, 2010

October 4 - October 9, 2010

November 8 - November 13, 2010

WEST Coast COMPASS Programs:
Our West Coast Program is currently under development and will likely start 2nd Quarter 2010.

Veteran sponsorship opportunities are available! 

Hire Heroes USA sends our veteran participants to attend these retreats, at no cost to the veteran. You can help send a veteran to the retreat through a sponsorship. There are many opportunities available. The cost to send a veteran to this event is approximately $1,200- $1,500. To become a veteran's sponsor, please contact Michelle Saunders. Your tax-deductible donation is greatly needed and very much appreciated.