News of Strengthening Philanthropy

Did you know that every month over 2,000 men and women are released from active military service in San Diego County? And, their county has one of the highest veteran unemployment rates in the nation?

To address this problem, the Veteran Career Transition Assistance Program (VetCTAP) was created. Through this innovative 8-module workshop series, they are “preparing their heroes for today’s workplace”.

Their free, job search skills workshop series assists veterans, transitioning military, and spouses. Topics include: resume development, networking techniques, interviewing skills and much more! The workshops assist participants in successfully translating their military skills for application in the civilian job market and, they’re happy to say, they have a 95% success rate – meaning their graduates obtain employment of their choice.

They credit much of this success to their volunteers, HR and business professionals who share their time and knowledge to teach and coach participants as they transition into new careers. And, they can’t forget their donors, who share in their passion and commitment to support transitioning veterans and spouses.

Due to increased demand, and the generous support of National University, they now offer the workshops at two locations, in Rancho Bernardo, National University location, and their original location, at the VANC building, Oceanside.

Here are a few reasons for the program’s continued success:

• Most of their 55 dedicated volunteers are working human resources professionals.
• Each graduate is paired with a virtual coach to assist them until they obtain a job.
• They keep class size small (20 or less) to ensure individualized attention.
• Their workshops are held in the evenings to accommodate active military personnel.
• They specialize in a uniquely underserved population: Sr. Enlisted and Officers who are leaving the military after 10+ years.

The VetCTAP program concept grew out of the personal military-to-civilian transition experience of Sandra Fichter, (US Army Officer) who is a Human Resources (HR) professional and President of JBS Transition Experts*. In her role in HR, Sandra reviewed resumes from transitioning veterans. It pained her to see resumes that did not reflect the talent and experience she knew her fellow veterans possessed. She was even more frustrated to know they would not be selected for the jobs they qualified for because they were not able to communicate their strengths and skills in their resume. With help from fellow professionals, the VetCTAP workshop series (formally CTAP) launched in 2012 successfully assisting military, veterans, and spouses through their career transition.

Over the past 5 years, Janis Whitaker, Executive Director, Betsy Sheets, Program Manager, donors and over 55 volunteers have served hundreds of military men and women through this workshops program. And, with continued support, their goal is to continue serving many more transitioning military, veterans and spouse for years to come.

*VetCTAP is a program of JBS Transition Experts, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving military members and their families. Their motto: “Preparing Their Heroes for Today’s Workplace” All Board members of JBS are either former military or spouses.

For more information about VetCTAP visit us at www.vetctap.org

Mitchell Medrano’s relationship with North County Philanthropy Council began three years ago, shortly after he graduated from University of Redlands.

“I was interested in working in the nonprofit sector but didn’t know very much about what opportunities were available to me. My mother, a long-time member of NCPC, invited me to attend an upcoming luncheon as her guest. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.”

At the luncheon, Mitchell met Angel Mason Broadus, President of Puzzle Pieces Marketing (and current NCPC Board Member). “During our conversation, I mentioned that I had an interview scheduled with United Way San Diego in a few days.  As it turned out, Angel was familiar with the United Way organization, having served as a volunteer for many years. Across the room, she spotted Taylor, an NCPC member who was employed with United Way. Angel introduced me to Taylor who graciously shared information about the culture and inner workings of the organization. She answered all my questions and even offered to put in a good word for me with the hiring manager.”

Mitchell aced the interview and was extended an offer to join United Way as a Purchasing Assistant. Within one year, he was promoted to his current position as Community Engagement Coordinator.

“In addition to providing opportunities to network with interesting people, NCPC offers valuable educational programs. I was very fortunate to attend the NCPC Luncheon when Dr. Nick Ladany, Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego, presented The State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy in San Diego. These research findings highlighted key trends and challenges in the nonprofit space and provided an overview of our community. What a great initiation into North County philanthropy!

We’d love to share your NCPC Story of Inspired Philanthropy in an upcoming issue of our newsletter. Please contact Sandra Alston at info@ncphilanthropy.org.

Debra Sallaz, Development Officer, Solutions for Change

“North County Philanthropy Council is an organization that makes it possible for me to be face-to-face with other philanthropy-driven people,” said Debra Sallaz of Solutions for Change. “Even though I’ve been a member for only one year, my association with NCPC has paid off already through the connections I’ve made with like-minded people.

Based in Vista, Solutions for Change is a nonprofit organization committed to solving family homelessness by equipping people with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to transform their life. In her role as Development Officer, Debra utilizes a servant leadership style, one that put the needs of others first and help them develop and perform to their highest level.

“You can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that NCPC had invited Garry Ridge, President and CEO of WD-40 Company to speak about servant leadership at the NCPC Corporate Funders Luncheon last Fall,” said Debra. “After he concluded his remarks, I introduced myself to Garry and told him how much I enjoyed his presentation. I invited him to visit Solutions for Change and was excited when he agreed to take a tour. Garry was so impressed with the people he met during the tour that he offered a Solutions for Change graduate, now our Solutions Farm Manager, a spot in their 4-month Leadership Lab program.

“Out of all the networking opportunities out there, I make time to attend the programs NCPC offers. The events are professionally run, well-attended, and the perfect mix of information sharing and networking. I know I’m always going to learn something valuable and meet interesting people.”

We’d love to share your NCPC Story of Inspired Philanthropy in an upcoming issue of our newsletter. Please contact Sandra Alston at info@ncphilanthropy.org.