Showing 1 - 59 of 59
03XX Foundation

Provides career transition services, emergency financial support and assistance, and benefits advocacy. The 03XX Foundation is a peer mentor and support network serving infantry Marine veterans and their Navy corpsman.

 

Service Area:
Florida
50strong

Supporting the collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders toward a veteran-ready workforce ecosystem.

Specializing in active duty military, veteran, veteran employment, DoD SkillBridge, career services, employment, student veterans, employer consulting, and university career services.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Agile for Patriots

Our Mission
Preparing military Veterans and their spouses for Agile careers through training, coaching, certification and practical experience using the Scrum framework

Our Vision
All graduates of the Agile for Patriots program are employed with fulfilling roles in Agile Value Delivery

Who We Are
Agile for Patriots is a Dallas-based non-profit that provides military veterans and their spouses with focused Agile training, practical experience, and Professional Scrum Master certification. Co-founders Greg Gomel of the Gomel Group and Ravi Verma, CEO of SmoothApps, are Agile professionals who recognized a need in the veteran community and created the program as a way to give back to those who served.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Alabama JobLink

Alabama JobLink is your on-line portal to services offered through the Alabama Career Center system.

Address is not exact.

 

Service Area:
Alabama
American Heroes for North Carolina

American Heroes for North Carolina is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by veterans. Our vision is to make the Triad area a welcoming place for veterans. We strive to educate the community about the importance of supporting our vets and the value they bring to our community. Also, we work to educate veterans about their post-military opportunities and to encourage them to return to the Triad to live, work, and play.

AH4NC can assist with creating a resume, finding a job, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities within the triad.

 

Army Emergency Relief Assistance to CSP/Skillbridge Participants

Assistance may be provided as a grant up to $500 for participation in a local continental United States CSP, a grant up to $1,000 for participation in a non-local CONUS CSP; or a grant up to $2,000 for Soldiers traveling from outside continental United States to participate in a CONUS CSP.

AER Assistance may cover costs related to CSP as follows:

  • All forms of travel
  • Uniforms/business attire
  • Tools/CSP training supplies
  • Lodging
  • Utilities
  • Food

 

Categories:
Bob Woodruff Foundation

Todays service members return with injuries that would have been fatal in earlier times. We are funding programs that heal both the physical and hidden wounds of war with a focus on long term effects of living with injury. With a quarter million service members transitioning from service annually we work tirelessly to make sure education and employment enables and enriches the next chapter of their lives. Ensuring impacted veterans and their families have access to meaningful opportunities and experiences that enhance their quality of life is at the heart of our mission. Programs we shape provide service members with senses of purpose places to live healthy family relationships and outlets for socialization.

 

Service Area:
New York
Candorful

Job seekers who are Service Members or Veterans need to translate their experiences and skills to launch their career.
Mock interviews prepare you to make a great first impression and get hired into the civilian workforce.
The career transition road for non-military professionals isn’t easy either. Practice interviews are the key to smoothing that career shift for those at risk.

Prepare for job interviews with Candorful.

 

Career One Stop

Source for career exploration, training, and jobs.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Code Fellows

We guide people from all backgrounds to change their lives through fast-paced career focused education. We shape passionate learners with immersive training to meet industry needs and improve diversity. We focus on technology skills for a better life for a better community and for a better world.

 

Service Area:
Washington
Code Immersives

The Code Immersive Web Development Intensive program helps students develop the technical skills required to pursue the opportunities that exist in the fast-growing web programming and software development industry. Web development is one of the fastest growing career tracks, with a projected 27% annual growth rate by 2024, accounting to U.S.

 

Service Area:
New York
Code Platoon

Code Platoon is a 501c 3 non-profit that helps veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement. For 14 weeks the students are immersed in learning the full web development stack including Python Django JavaScript HTML and CSS. No previous programming skills are required. After completing the program the veteran or military spouse will be hireable as a junior full stack web developer and eligible for an internship.

 

Service Area:
Illinois
Code Works Boise

Empower individuals to embrace creativity and analytical rigor by teaching how to build applications that are functional and emphasize best practices designs. We aim to enable life-changing outcomes for graduates and elevate the developer community.

 

Service Area:
Idaho
Codeacademy

We want to create a world where anyone can build something meaningful with technology and everyone has the learning tools resources and opportunities to do so. Code contains a world of possibilities all that’s required is the curiosity and drive to learn. At Codecademy we are committed to empowering all people regardless of where they are in their coding journeys to continue to learn grow and make an impact on the world around them.

 

Service Area:
Missouri
Codeup

Codeup was born in November of 2013 in San Antonio, Texas after Michael Girdley, Chris Turner, and Jason Straughan realized that there was a shortage of developers available for hire. They took matters into their own hands by creating Codeup, a 22-week accelerator bootcamp. Since then, we’ve helped numerous students transform into Full Stack Web Developers and Data Scientists.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Coding Dojo

Lots of bootcamps say you don’t need any coding experience and then require a coding challenge technical assessments, and other hurdles to enroll. We’re different. After teaching over 6000 students we have learned that the #1 indicator for success is not your technical ability it is your determination. That’s why our admissions process assesses your drive not your coding ability. If you have the will our instruction team can teach you the skills.

 

Service Area:
California
Combined Arms

Combined Arms (CAX) delivers innovative technology solutions that improve quality of life for veterans & military families. CAX streamlines the connection between (1) active service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF), and other military-connected individuals, and (2) the social service organizations that can serve their needs. Through our community resource referral system, clients find needed resources and connect quickly and directly to service providers to get assistance to thrive professionally and personally in the areas of community, wellness, professional support, and essential services.

Combined Arms is a dynamic, ever-evolving collaborative impact organization that is using an innovative approach to technology and service delivery to disrupt the veteran transition experience. By providing comprehensive support to military members and their families as they transition to civilian life, we are accelerating veteran transition in order to deliver maximum impact on the communities they return to.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Dress for Success

Dress for Success is a global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to almost 150 cities in 25 countries and has helped more than 1.2 million women work towards self-sufficiency.

Find your local affiliate here and discover how you can donate clothes, support the organization financially, get involved as a volunteer or help in other ways.  If we are not operating in your community yet, learn how to start a Dress for Success in your area!

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Elite Meet

Our Mission

Elite Meet, founded in 2017, is a network-focused 501(c)3 organization that provides support to transitioning elite Veterans and an unmatched talent pool to corporate partners.

Cultivating relationships is a pillar of Elite Meet. We facilitate events and provide forums for interaction between our members and corporate partners. It is our belief that each connection is meaningful and is a necessity as our members transition.

We know the virtues, hard work and servant attitude that is a commonality among our members. These are qualities that are highly sought after by our corporate partners as they understand the value our members add to their team.

Elite Meet, known for our signature conferences and intimate events, in which corporate partners educate our Veterans on their industry and opportunities, provides a forum for learning and networking for its partners and Veterans.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB)

WHY FAVOB

Florida is home to approximately 187,000 veteran-owned businesses (VOBs) generating over $57 billion in

annual revenue. FAVOB is the only Florida business organization singularly focused on advocating for and supporting VOBs to do business with each other, while creating opportunities for VOBs to do business with local government agencies and for-profit supplier diversity programs.

 

OUR MEMBERS

 

Our 350+ statewide members represent a wide variety of businesses and industries. FAVOB member’s businesses include B2G, B2B, and B2C business models. Many FAVOB members are minority-and supplier-diversity certified. Members are listed with NAICS codes and can be searched by certifications, industry, and branch of service.


DO BUSINESS WITH AMERICA’S BEST, DO BUSINESS WITH A VET

 

GI’s CAN
Galvanize

support around our vision to be the recognized voice and leading state-wide organization for Veteran-Owned businesses that positions Florida as the “Veteran State of Choice” to own and operate a business

Inform

and educate members about FAVOB’s products and services and the value of membership.  Provide professional development opportunities so our members can run and grow a successful veteran owned business

Connect

our members to each other and to supplier diversity and commercial business opportunities that increases revenue and profitability, so our member businesses thrive in their professional and personal life.  Connect our members to partners and collaborators who provide the support and services needed to start and grow a business

Advocate

for FAVOB and veteran owned businesses.  Communicate to community and business leaders, legislators, and the public about FAVOB’s Vision, Mission, and Value Proposition and the “value of the veteran owned business.” Influences pro-business policy change and increases veteran owned business ownership in Florida

Network

with like-minded VOBs and work together for our mutual benefit. Create networking opportunities and professional development events for our members to do business with each other and to access each other’s network

 

Service Area:
Florida
Free for All Military

An America that is fully committed to our active Military, Veterans and First Responders. Establishing a sense of honor, respect, and support for those who have served, are currently serving and those who will serve in the future.

 

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Freedom Makers

About Us
Our virtual assistants are military spouses who, due to their association with the military, understand how to be flexible and deliver top-notch service.

Our Mission

Strengthening and growing businesses by providing excellent, customized support while providing meaningful, flexible work for military spouses around the globe.

We help small business owners and entrepreneurs focus on what matters most — growing their business — by providing reliable, highly skilled, and trustworthy virtual assistants.

What Sets Freedom Makers Apart?

Freedom Makers is composed of highly experienced and capable military spouses stationed all over the world. They are passionate about their work and assisting their clients.

Freedom Makers has three principles that guide everything we do:

1. Freedom
2. Transparency
3. Strive for Excellence

Freedom Makers offers freedom to both our clients and our Freedom Makers. We do not ask our clients to sign contracts that commit them to a minimum amount of hours or payment. We understand the cash flow of small business and want to be the help you need when you need it. We offer freedom in that our clients can hire a Freedom Maker for as many hours per week as they need.

Transparency guides Freedom Makers as we ensure that everything we do is communicated honestly to our clients. Our timesheets are shared openly with our clients so they can know what their Freedom Maker is working on and when. We require our virtual assistants to report to their client if they are moving or require extra time with a task. Being honest is of the utmost importance to Freedom Makers and our goal is to be transparent in all that we do.

Our Strive for Excellence is our promise that in everything we do, our ultimate goal is excellence. Freedom Makers is not here to be a hindrance for your company but rather a help. We have our Success Manager who follows our Freedom Maker/client relationships to ensure they are a success. If something arises, we will make it right. This not only goes for our client relationships but in everything we do as a company. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and make your experience as a client stronger.

All of our guiding principles are carried out through Freedom Makers’ core values. We deliver FREEDOM through PROFESSIONALISM which includes: reliability, accuracy, availability, decision making, and communication. It is our goal for every client/ Freedom Maker relationship to be a success. We go the extra mile to ensure that our Freedom Makers complete their work accurately, on time and in a professional manner.

 

Service Area:
California
Hives for Heroes

Hives for Heroes is on a mission to save bees and save vets.

We are a national military veteran non-profit organization focusing on honey bee conservation and a healthy transition from service.

We are a national network of beekeepers and veterans providing purpose, education, and healthy relationships fostering a lifelong hobby in beekeeping.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com helps veterans learn about the benefits of non-traditional postsecondary education and other important details about vocational and apprenticeship programs, such as eligibility, costs, and transitioning to working civilian Vocational schools and apprenticeships are an attractive option for veterans who intend to further their education — these programs are generally more affordable than traditional college, and yet they often offer even better career opportunities than many jobs that require a four-year degree.

 

Service Area:
Washington
Krieger Gaming (KRG)

ABOUT US

Krieger Gaming is a Veteran and 1st Responder owned mental health support & online gaming community that is open to EVERYONE! Our mission is to combat suicide and depression by building meaningful connections through online gaming. Connections save lives! We use all available means to support the programs and organizations that fight against mental illness nationwide!

General Purpose – The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Specific Purpose – The specific purpose of the Corporation is to combat suicide and depression by building meaningful connections through online gaming. The focus of which shall be primarily on military veterans and first responders. Any revenues will be used to offset operational costs of the website, Discord, virtual or physical team building events, training, and all other necessary applications directly in support of the previous. Any profits generated will be donated to help further the tax-exempt purpose of existing local 501(c)(3)s, specifically those aligned to Veterans and First Responders or those dealing with Suicide Prevention.

Krieger (pronounced Kree-Gur) is the German word for Warrior. We chose that name because it reflects our dedication to a life of service to others. Our original group of the same name was created by US military veterans around the year 2009. We’ve kept in touch over the years and rebuilt with the goal of providing a drama free, politics free, team oriented gaming experience and support community for our members.

Our Patch is also a reflection of who we are. The snake is the personification of mental illness, suicide, and depression. The eagle, on the other hand, represents courage and freedom in the face of an inner adversary. Courage to meet the enemy head on, and the freedom to soar to new heights.

Are you interested in joining? We operate entirely out of our Discord server! Come check us out!

How to help

You don’t have to be a member of Krieger to help our cause! If you want to help, consider taking a class on Suicide Prevention or Emotional Crisis. Call, text, or visit a friend, family member, battle-buddy, or coworker you haven’t spoken to in a while. Help others see that they are valued and that they matter! Connections save lives! A good place to start is by visiting our Mental Health page! We provide links to free outside resources and information. Feel free to use and share anything you find!

If you want to be a member AND help our cause, the BEST way to do that is by participation in our Discord server! Get to know your fellow members, invite each other to games, and talk in the chat! Help us make this a community where people feel welcomed! We also accept applications for our various departments! This includes Marketing & Public Relations, eSports, Buddy Check (our version of mental health counselors), and Human Resources!

Visit our Discord server for more information.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. MVAA was created by Executive Order 2013-2 and began operations on March 20, 2013, the 10th anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

MVAA is a state government agency and is housed within Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The agency works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. Unlike the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides health care, educational, compensation and pension benefits, and more, the MVAA assists veterans and their families by connecting them to their federal resources and benefits, as well as those state benefits they have earned. The agency does this by working with various state departments and agencies, as well as hundreds of community-based veteran programs to create a no-wrong-door access to benefits and services.

Services provided by MVAA include:

The Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center (800-MICH-VET) and MichiganVeterans.com website provide one-stop access for veterans and their families seeking information, resources and staff support.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund grants help combat-era veterans and their families weather unforeseen, temporary financial emergencies.

MVAA’s Discharge Document Retrieval Service provides veterans copies of DD-214 discharge documents.

MVAA’s Vision:

For Michigan to be the place veterans choose to live, raise a family, work and retire.

 

Service Area:
Michigan
Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA)
Choose your learning path
NEW! Cybersecurity Operations (CSO)
Topics include infrastructure and security fundamentals, core cybersecurity as well as Microsoft Azure security technologies.Become a cybersecurity operations professional who can protect and defend both on-premises and cloud infrastructures. Be part of a team defending IT infrastructures against malicious cyberattacks.

Server and Cloud Administration (SCA)
Topics include creating Windows Server workloads, implementing networking, virtual machines, authentication and authorization, cloud models, and Azure administration. Become a system administrator who can install, configure, manage, and support IT resources on premises, in the cloud or in a hybrid environment to meet the technology needs of major organizations.

Cloud Application Development (CAD)
Concepts include database programming, data integration and manipulation, C# application programming with ASP.NET Core MVC application development in Azure. Become a C# programmer to build local, server based and cloud-stored applications.

 

Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce

OUR MISSION

To ensure that all active duty and veteran military spouse business owners have the tools and resources they need to strengthen their families, communities, and our economy.

OUR HISTORY

Founded by military spouse entrepreneurs with over 30 years of collective experience in the nonprofit and for-profit world. We are determined to provide the best in class resources to help our spouses succeed.

OUR TEAM

Our team is committed to empowering and advocating on behalf of our nation’s military spouse business owners and budding entrepreneurs from Capitol Hill to communities across the United States.

Who is Eligible to be a Member?

U.S. military spouses are eligible to join MSCC as a member if they are considering starting a business endeavor; are already a business owner; work in the gig economy or as a freelancer; are self employed; have a side hustle; or consider themselves to be entrepreneurial.

We honor an inclusive definition of a military spouse:

“In the spirit of inclusivity, a military spouse is defined (outside the confines of federal entities) as a current or former partner of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves and Veterans, we include Spouse Caregivers, Dual Military Spouses, and Gold Star Spouses.”

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce

Home of Military Spouse Owned Business

OUR MISSION
To ensure that all active duty and veteran military spouse business owners have the tools and resources they need to strengthen their families, communities, and our economy.

OUR HISTORY
Founded by military spouse entrepreneurs with over 30 years of collective experience in the nonprofit and for-profit world. We are determined to provide the best in class resources to help our spouses succeed.

OUR TEAM
Our team is committed to empowering and advocating on behalf of our nation’s military spouse business owners and budding entrepreneurs from Capitol Hill to communities across the United States.

 

Military Spouse Jobs

Home of Military Spouse Owned Business

Our Mission
To expand employment opportunities for military spouses & dependents through one-on-one employment placement assistance, focused on the use of gap skills training and targeted resume and interview assistance, LinkedIn optimization, and connections to employer partners in order to create a smoother transition process.

Who We Are
We are the #1 online resource for military-affiliated job seekers looking to attain a rewarding career and maximize their earnings.

Over the past 19 years, we have placed over 87,000 Veterans, Transitioning Military Members, National Guard and Reserves, and Military Spouses, into industry leading & high-earning careers. Our hiring numbers are verified by a third-party review by Deloitte, via the Call of Duty Endowment. 63,000 of our candidates have taken and completed our training courses.

What We Do & How We Do It
Military Spouse Jobs has honed a very successful, proven method for ensuring our job seekers connect with the career opportunities they deserve.

Our approach has three parts: people, technology and education.

People. Our people — all of whom are highly-educated veterans and military spouses themselves — get to know our job seekers personally. They work to understand a candidate’s military service, the skills they’ve acquired and how that translates to today’s job market. We then provide personal, high-touch, free job placement support, leveraging relationships with hundreds of leading national employers.

Technology. After we get to know our candidates personally, we tap into a world-class technology backbone which enables us to access over three million high-paying job openings, donated through DirectEmployers Association, plus view applicants and track hiring outcomes the same way top employers do. Further, we track our job seekers’ progress after we place them, helping to ensure they succeed. As they progress along and advance in their career – we’re right there with them to help as needed.

Education. For candidates who need extra support, we have developed top-notch training, educational tools, career development resources and mentoring. Our training team — which includes professionals who have developed curricula for prestigious American universities — works closely with each job seeker to guarantee they’re positioned to get the job they deserve.

Our Values
We believe a big part of what sets us apart is our core values, which were deepened through serving our country. Those values include:
Integrity – We don’t accept funding from any branches of the Military or the Government; our singular allegiance is to the job seekers we serve.

Respect – We have the deepest respect for those who are serving, have served, and surround those wo have served; that reverance guides every decision we make.

Commitment – We don’t think it’s enough to just help a veteran or spouse get a job. Nobody goes deeper, or stays involved longer, to help military-affiliated job seekers attain a rewarding career.

Focus – We have never strayed from our founding charter. If it doesn’t help active duty military, veterans or military spouses connect with a high-paying career, we won’t do it.

Efficiency – We are tirelessly devoted to ensuring every penny we spend advances our mission. Deloitte audits show that 96 cents on the dollar goes to that mission.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Military Transition Roundtable (MTR)

Many military personnel today are frustrated with the transition process. Stories of submitting dozens, if not over hundreds of resumes, with no response are not uncommon. While Department of Defense (DoD) and non-military transition programs are focused on the skills required to transition, they have not resolved this frustration.

 

Our MasterMind cohorts take like-mined individuals who will meet on a regular basis to share challenges, receive feedback/ideas, and discuss/refine action plans. Our goal in this program is to build an accountability group within cohorts. The MasterMinds group would be implemented as “Top Off” and “Capstone” programs that would augment and enhance the current DoD provided Transition Assistance Programs

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC)

Let’s Grow Together!

By joining NVSBC, you’re meeting other veteran small business owners to share experiences, get support in finding government contracts, and have endless networking capabilities. We are veterans helping veterans in business.

What it Means to be in NVSBC

NVSBC is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that provides Training, Networking, and Advocacy for Veteran small business entrepreneurs in the federal market to ensure they are Procurement Ready and have enhanced access to opportunities to start, operate, sustain, and grow competitive and strong businesses serving Federal agencies and other government contractors.

Join chapters and other veteran small business owners in promoting policies that affect your small business.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
About US

     NaVOBA is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and two-thirds of NaVOBA’s Board of Directors seats are held by corporations to ensure its alignment with the needs of corporate supplier diversity programs. NaVOBA’s VBE/SDVBE certifications directly mirror those of the MBE and WBE certifications and ensures that any certified VBE/SDVBE is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more U.S. military veterans.


NaVOBA has trademarked the “Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise™” and “Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise™” designations wordmarks and seals, making NaVOBA the exclusive organization certifying VBEs/SDVBEs for the private sector.


NaVOBA’s process collects the applicant’s military service record information directly from the U.S. Federal Government on the veteran’s behalf immediately upon initializing the application to eliminate the possibility of fraudulent submissions (e.g. the OPPOSITE of self-certification) while simultaneously accelerating the process.


Like other certifications, site-visits will be conducted in 100 percent of cases however, VBE/SDVBE certifications are good for two (2) years. NaVOBA employs a dedicated team of full-time documentation analysts, dramatically increasing efficiency and reducing processing time relative to existing programs. Finally, and most importantly to the veteran-owned firms, the cost is substantially less than any other private sector veteran-owned business certification.

     In April of 2019, NaVOBA joined the National Business Inclusion Consortium joining our partners at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Disability:IN, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), US Black Chamber of Commerce (USBCCC), US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAAC, WEConnect International, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
PATH

PATH STORY
It all started with a letter written by Claire and Rev. Charles Orr, calling for the community to address the ever-increasing issue of homelessness. In response, on the night of December 8, 1983, 60 people gathered together to figure out how to help people who were experiencing homelessness in their neighborhoods. On that night, PATH was born.

The group started by distributing food and clothing to people living on the streets. As homelessness continued to grow nationwide, research revealed that Housing First—a best practice model that first connects people to permanent housing and then focuses on stabilization through voluntary supportive services, proved more effective. Now, over thirty years later, we provide services in more than 140 cities in six regions, and have more than 1,500 units of permanent supportive housing completed or in the pipeline.

Across the state, we help people find permanent housing and provide case management, medical and mental healthcare, benefits advocacy, employment training, and other services to help them maintain their homes stably. Since 2013, we have connected more than 9,000 people to permanent homes.

OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
Our mission is to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities. PATH envisions a world where every person has a home. Our values include creative collaborations, strategic leadership, empowerment for all, and passionate commitment.

REGIONS
Greater Los Angeles
Santa Barbara/ Central Coast
Greater San Diego
San Jose / Bay Area
Orange County
Sacramento

 

Service Area:
California
Project Ropa

Our Mission
Project Ropa is a nonprofit organization restoring dignity and empowering the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles by providing clean clothes, hygiene essentials, and employment opportunities while reducing textile waste and minimizing our carbon footprint.

About Us
Project Ropa is the only nonprofit organization of its kind in Los Angeles: our mission is to restore dignity and empower the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles by providing clean clothes, hygiene essentials, and employment opportunities while reducing textile waste and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Our retrofitted van, functioning as a mobile walk-in closet, carries hope as well as a full selection of clothes, shoes, accessories and hygiene products.

To further our mission and help break the cycle of homelessness, we provide transitional job opportunities to people with barriers to employment, including homeless and previously incarcerated individuals.

 

Service Area:
California
RAPIDS ID CARD OFFICE ONLINE

Provides a RAPIDS ID Card online tool to help locate a local RAPIDS ID card office near you, update your CAC, or manage sponsor or family member ID card information.

 

San Antonio Coalition for Veterans

Our mission is to provide leadership, to connect veterans, families and caregivers with community resources to improve their lives

 

Service Area:
Texas
Soldiers to Sidelines

WE ARE ON A MISSION

Soldiers To Sidelines provides training and opportunities for military members to be excellent coaches in various sports so they will inspire, motivate, and encourage athletes.

 

Service Area:
District of Columbia
South Texas Afghanistan Iraq Veterans Association

The South Texas Afghanistan Iraq Veterans Association is a non-profit organization which helps ease the transition for military members of all branches and their families from military to civilian life. Our goal is to help, advocate, educate, assist veterans to any needed resources, funding, medical care and emotional support.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Still Serving Veterans

Our Mission

To serve and honor Veterans and their families by empowering them to build meaningful lives through connections to fulfilling careers, benefits and services; and to proactively strengthen Veteran communities through leadership and collaboration.

Our Core Values
Commitment to Excellence – We provide valued, relevant and tailored services for our clients, partners and communities.

Calling – We serve with passion and commitment. We are called to this significant work.

Teamwork – We are caring, knowledgeable individuals delivering quality services as a team. Everyone contributes to the collective good.

Respect – We honor clients, stakeholders and each other with compassion and dignity.

Stewardship – We are unwavering in the proper handling of the lives, information and resources entrusted to us.

Integrity – We hold honesty, fairness and ethical behavior as non-negotiable.

We can’t fulfill this mission without you! Join us today as we continue to serve Veterans who served us all – many at great cost!

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Suits For Service Members (AUSA Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter)

Suits for Service Members provides two complimentary suits for service members who are transitioning from the military to civilian employment. All branches of the military qualify, including National Guard and Reserve service members currently on active duty orders.

Suits for Service Members provides business clothing for men and women.

Suits for Service Members was established in 2011 and over 10,000 articles of clothing have been distributed to over 6,000 service members since the program’s inception.

Suits for Service Members accepts clothing donations.

 

Service Area:
Washington
Texas Rural Water Association (TRWF) Registered Apprenticeship Program

The TRWA Registered Apprenticeship Program is a combination of On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Related Technical Instruction (RTI) in which the apprentice learns the practice, theoretical aspects and concepts of the occupation. The program is designed to enhance and prepare the apprentice to be fully qualified in multiple aspects of the water/wastewater industry. Apprentices will complete 4,000 hours of OJT and 288 hours of RTI. Upon completion of the program, each apprentice will have acquired three operator licenses: D Water or Wastewater, C Water or Wastewater and CSI. Some systems will be eligible for financial assistance.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Texas Veterans Commission

OUR MISSION

Since 1927, the mission of the Texas Veterans Commission has been to advocate for and provide superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Texas Veterans Commission will aggressively advocate for Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.

The Texas Veterans Commission will provide quality service through eight program areas: Claims Representation and Counseling, Veterans Employment Services, Veterans Education, Veteran Entrepreneur Program, Health Care Advocacy, Veterans Mental Health Program, Women Veterans Program, and the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

The Texas Veterans Commission will provide quality service through a dedicated, professional, and well trained workforce.

The Texas Veterans Commission will connect with all veterans across the state, and tailor its service to meet their needs and the needs of their families and survivors.

The Texas Veterans Commission will take the lead in coordinating efforts between our eight programs and with federal, state, and local governmental offices and private organizations that provide services and assistance to veterans.

The Texas Veterans Commission will ensure that Texas veterans maintain the highest quality of life and well-being through its advocacy and dedication to veterans’ services.

We hold ourselves personally and professionally accountable to provide exemplary customer service to veterans, their families, and survivors through our core values.

PROFESSIONALISM

Perform your duties to the highest standard and providing excellent customer service in every program area.

INTEGRITY

Provide fair, honest and objective advocacy in an ethical manner while displaying the highest standard of conduct both on and off duty.

COMPASSION

Consistently demonstrate care, concern and understanding in every encounter with Veterans, family members and stakeholders.

COMMITMENT

Fully dedicated to develop yourself to become the best you can be in carrying out the mission of the TVC.

TEAMWORK

Working together in a positive and productive manner to accomplish the mission and goals of the agency.

The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 as the State Service Office to assist veterans of the Indian wars, Spanish-American War and World War I. Our purpose has always been to act as the state appointed advocate of Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation’s armed forces.

We are able to do this through our eight program areas:

  • Claims Representation and Counseling serves veterans, their dependents and survivors, in all matters pertaining to veterans’ disability benefits and rights. It is the designated agency of the state of Texas to represent the State and its veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
  • Veterans Education Program approves all programs for Chapter 30, 33, 35, 1606, and 1607 federal educational benefits. Through an approval process, the Texas Veterans Commission ensures that institutions and employers are in compliance with federal guidelines and are qualified to provide the type of training offered.
  • Veterans Employment Services offers employment services to Texas veterans and helps employers find qualified veteran job applicants. The goal of these services is to match veteran job seekers with the best employment opportunities available.
  • The purpose of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP) is to foster and promote veteran entrepreneurship throughout the state of Texas.  The Texas Veterans Commission, with the help of the Governor’s office and several prominent Legislators, passed Senate Bill 1476 in 2013. This allowed for the funding of a team of experienced business consultants to be available for any veteran in the state of Texas to consult with, free of charge to the veteran.
  • Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is a program that makes grants to eligible charitable organizations, local government agencies, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that provide direct services to Texas veterans and their families.
  • The Health Care Advocacy Department is a team of highly-trained Texas Veteran Commission staff, strategically positioned across the state to act as liaisons for Texas veterans in addressing issues involving Veterans Administration health care related services.
  • In collaboration with the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Veterans Commission’s Veterans Mental Health Program consists of multiple initiatives focusing on peer support, clinical mental health care access, and community collaboration.
  • The Women Veterans Program serves women veterans by helping them to obtain their benefits and services. We strive to raise awareness of women veteran contributions and services to our country and state, as well as inform and educate women veterans and their resource providers about the benefits and services to women veterans.

Through these program areas, the Texas Veterans Commission provides excellent service so that each veteran receives every benefit that they deserve. As a veteran works with our counselors, the quality of life for that veteran and their family significantly increases.

Today, Texas is leading the country by making sure each veteran is represented and cared for. The people of Texas have sent a clear message that the sacrifices made by veterans and their families are deeply appreciated, and that there is an agency that will stand by them and take care of them: the Texas Veterans Commission.

 

Service Area:
Texas
The Birdwell Foundation for PTSD

To decrease and eliminate veteran and first responder suicide.  By providing a community of support from fellow warriors who have found their way out of the darkness by a healing process they are now prepared and ready to teach and provide to others.

 

Service Area:
Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington
The K.E.Y.

Overview

What does The K.E.Y stand for?

Keep Elevating Yourself

What is The K.E.Y?

Our intent is to bring everyone together, in hopes that we can help & continue to elevate others – as we are stronger together. The K.E.Y is purely a volunteer endeavor – we DO NOT charge any of the participants who join us. We plan & facilitate events for FREE that we feel our community can benefit from.

We provide/host workshops, presentations & panels for multiple entities that support our milcommunity. We aim to raise awareness & connect our community to one another globally.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Transition to Trades

Transition to Trades

is an approved Career Skills Program (CSP) developed by Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical and U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Campbell. Transition to Trades, launched on July 5, 2016, allows transitioning service members the opportunity to attend Total Tech trade school (a subsidiary of Hiller, LLC) to learn valuable technical career skills while remaining active duty in the U.S. Military.

Total Tech offers a unique approach to technician training through classroom and hands-on laboratory instruction in a 15,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. As part of the program, students are guaranteed an employment interview at a Hiller branch location of their choosing. Service members desiring to return to their hometowns are provided key industry contact information to aid in employment searches in those respective areas.

Our Mission

To provide active duty service members with solid, well-paying, respected career placement options as they transition out of the Army. Careers in Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical are an ideal fit for transitioning service members because of transferable skills developed during their military service. Our goal is to pair these top-tier service members with companies looking to train and employ hardworking individuals for long-term careers.

The Transition to Trades program allows service members to utilize Post 9/11 or Forever GI Bills and start work within weeks, learning from experienced technicians in the field and in state-of-the-art laboratories. We also provide a business network of contractors in the industry who are looking to hire and develop talent in veterans. Transition to Trades is here to help veterans that are transitioning from active duty succeed in their careers.

About Jimmy Hiller

Jimmy Hiller has built an extraordinarily successful, multi-state business on a simple yet powerful concept, “Care is Our Core Value.” When he founded Hiller Plumbing in 1990, Hiller created a business model that focused on three essential elements: a high level of professional skill, a positive attitude and the integrity to do the job right. Customers responded to this straightforward approach, and he rewarded them with a promise that, “Happy You’ll Be or The Service is Free.”

In the years that followed, this two-time Southern Golden Glove boxing champion turned a one-man, one-truck operation into a regional leader, with more than 600 employees and 450 vehicles serving more than 30,000 customers across three states. Since the company’s founding, Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has made more than a million service calls, and continues to grow at a double-digit pace, with the expansion of its service offering and through targeted acquisitions.

Jimmy continues to be actively involved in the day-to-day operation of Hiller, and has turned his focus to building a new generation of professionals whose commitment to the customer experience is driven by the core values on which his business was originally founded. That’s why Hiller created Transition to Trades. This program allows Jimmy to pass along his 33+ years of experience to transitioning service members who have sacrificed so much for our country.

 

Service Area:
Tennessee
U.S.VETS Career Development Initiative

The Career Development Initiative (CDI) provides targeted career preparation, job placement assistance and job retention services to veterans with a focus on post-9/11 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The program expands veteran employment opportunities by growing the network of employers willing to hire these men and women when they complete their tour of service; identifies veterans’ skill sets so that appropriate career matches can be made; directly connects veterans to private employers; tracks employment for 12 months following placement; and collaborates with other nonprofit providers to achieve the greatest number of veteran placements. CDI is a priority for U.S.VETS as it empowers at-risk veterans to become self-sufficient, reducing the likelihood that they will become homeless.

 

Service Area:
California
United Service Organizations (USO) Pathfinder Program

USO Pathfinder® Transition Program

USO COVID-19 Response: In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, our USO Pathfinder® Transition Program locations are strictly adhering to guidance from military installation commands and abiding by CDC guidance on health safety practices regarding center operations.

We remain steadfast in our mission to support transitioning service members and military spouses. There have been minimal disruptions to one-on-one USO Pathfinder services, as we have shifted Transition Specialist meetings to virtual delivery. Program registration remains open with no disruptions to that process.

The USO Pathfinder® Transition Program extends the USO experience to active duty, Reserve, National Guard and military spouses by offering professional development services throughout the duration of the service member or military spouse’s career, as well as when they transition out of the military and settle into their new communities.

Want to be better prepared for future success before transitioning from the military? Are you a military spouse looking for new opportunities?

CONNECT WITH A USO TRANSITION SPECIALIST

USO Transition Specialists can help develop a personalized Action Plan and help you take full advantage of services and resources that are the best fit for you and your spouse in your new community.

How It Works
The USO Pathfinder Transition Program works with strategic partners to connect service members and military spouses to resources through a holistic approach, focusing on:

Employment
Education – Including leading online learning platforms like Skillsoft, IBM SkillsBuild and Coursera as well as the new 8-week course “Making Your Military Transition a Transformation”
Financial readiness
Mentorship
Increased access to relevant veterans’ benefits in their communities
Through the creation of an individualized action plan, USO Transition Specialists collaborate with individuals to identify their personal and professional goals and build a roadmap to achieving them, while also identifying services and resources that are the best fit for their needs. This program offers support to service members up to 6 months after they have officially left service, providing them with resources well along their journey to civilian life.

USO Transition Specialists provide these free services through one on-one support (either virtually, or in person) and help military families create a plan for success now – and for the future.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Vet Journey

Today, we help active-duty service members across the globe build their next career using our cutting edge platform. We offer a personalized experience complete with a curated collection of resources from the world’s largest single veterans transition resource library. Our culminating goal is to equip service members for their next big transition, whether that is in academia, as an entrepreneur, or begin their role in the private sector.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Veterans Center of North Texas

The Veterans Center of North Texas connects Veterans with qualified service providers that can address each Veteran’s specific needs.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Veterans Coalition of Tarrant County

The Mission of the Veterans Coalition of Tarrant County (VETCO) is to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Veterans Service Alliance of Central Texas

Our mission is to measurably improve the quality of life for Veterans by increasing awareness among our member organizations of all the resources available in our community.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Veterati
AMERICA’S MENTORING NETWORK FOR THE MILITARY

Join thousands of Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses in setting up free 1-hr mentorship phone calls with successful professionals. We’re the only Veteran Mentorship Platform to let you choose your own mentors and as many as you would like; our average member selects 4 mentors, and some mentees have 25+ mentors! Create a free profile at Veterati to get unlimited access to thousands of volunteer mentors: CEOs, recruiters, entrepreneurs, managers, Veterans & civilians alike.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Vets - Beyond the Uniform

The VETS Beyond the Uniform program (see Resources below) has been developed by military veterans with the specific goal of helping veterans make a successful journey from the military into the civilian workforce. They also help employers that hire veterans become “Veteran Friendly”. VETS is an acronym representing Veterans Educational Transformation Solutions. As its name suggests, it’s about preparing veterans as they enter the workforce. It’s also about preparing employers for a veteran workforce, especially understanding how to welcome and integrate them.

 

Veteran Employee Retention Services

VETS – Beyond the Uniform’s mission is to build upon the veteran’s military skills and the skills taught by military transition programs. Their goal is to improve the veteran’s chances for successful long term careers. They provide veterans with one-on-one coaching & mentoring, and access to workshops & training that cover the skills-sets used in the civilian workforce.

VETS – BTU provides veterans transitioning from the military service over 200 free soft-skills training workshops, webinars, and self-paced online training. These programs empower them to successfully integrate and become effective in the business world and civilian workforce. They support each veteran’s transformation with workshops, webinars, group training, self-paced learning, and 1 on 1 mentoring and coaching.

Listen to the conversation I had with the Founders about helping veterans with disabilities thrive (see Resources below).

Employer Support Services

Their mission to support veterans doesn’t end with the veteran. They also support the long term success for employers that hire veterans. VETS – BTU coaches and mentors will work with your team to help you understand them all. They’ll work with you to strengthen your veteran hiring & retention programs as well.

Hiring a veteran brings you a candidate possessing natural leadership, strong work ethic, education & training, and tax credits. There are 6 retention-focused components to the support services:

  • Defined Hiring
  • Successful Integration
  • Mentorship Programs
  • Culture Training
  • Skills Training & Utilization
  • Retention Planning

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Warriors Breaking Bread

We are Veterans of the Military and First Responder Communities whose service continues as peer leaders creating gathering spaces each month meant to encourage grassroots meaningful human connection.

 

Service Area:
Florida, Washington
Who Ya Know Show

Welcome to the “Who Ya Know”​ Job Networking Show! Today’s employment search is more complex than ever. It is not always what you know but “WHO YA KNOW”​ can make all the difference. Our goal is to leverage relationships and our professional network to open doors, equip you with the best knowledge, resources, support and education available. Each show you will learn from industry experts on a wide range of topics including search techniques, resumes, interview skills, maximizing employee benefits and more. Trevor Houston – Host of the “Who Ya Know” – Job Networking Show, career search volunteer at Frisco Connect and networking expert who helps build a community of leaders by empowering job seekers to find their passion. Using methods such as; hands on social media training, strategies on key elements of job search networking and his out-of-the-box approaches have proven to be successful. Mark Elder – Networking expert who has spent the past 15 years volunteering in many different organizations to give back and making a difference in the community. He is a faithful part of Frisco Connect, has educated, coached and led career seekers individually, conducted job networking workshops, Host of the “Who Ya Know” – Job Networking Show, provided free professional head-shots, and helped organize local job networking events. Foster Williams – Radio Co-Host and The founder of Search4Uinc.com that powers the Career Search Network, with over 31 years of Global Talent Acquisition expertise and management for companies such as IBM, Citigroup and Verizon, Foster leads and facilitates multiple job seeker networking organizations all over the USA.

 

Service Area:
Texas
WorkSource

Veterans

You may qualify for special services if you served in the military

Here in Washington state, WorkSource helps thousands of military veterans – including disabled veterans – find jobs each year.

As a veteran, you can get priority access to WorkSource services. This includes priority referrals to jobs that are listed with WorkSource, as well as other employment services.

WorkSource centers offer veterans and their military spouses:

Job listings, job referrals and hiring events
Resume, application and interviewing assistance
Use of computers, photocopiers and phones
Skill assessments and referrals to training and other resources

On the WorkSource website, you also can identify yourself as a veteran to make it easier for vet-friendly employers to find you, and you can search for job openings where employers are giving veterans priority over other applicants.

Most WorkSource centers have veteran employment specialists whose sole job is to help military veterans with disabilities and other employment barriers. They’ll assess your skills and interests and help you put together an employment plan that’s right for you.

Employment resources

Veterans can enter their prior military experience and explore comparable civilian careers at My Next Move.

We’re proud to partner with the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource, which provides 24/7 access to support for military personnel and their spouses throughout their service and for up to 12 months after separation. Scroll through the site to view different categories of resources, including Education & Employment, Family & Relationships and more!

Washington’s Veterans Military Crosswalk is an easy-to-use tool for translating your military skills to job openings in Washington state. Service men and women simply enter their current Military Occupation Code and the website finds jobs that match their skills and experience. The website also works on mobile devices.

Explore career opportunities working for Washington state as a civil servant. Additionally, you can link your military specialty experience to current Washington state civil service positions with the convenient military skills translator tool.

Find out if an apprenticeship is right for you.

Veterans who think their employment opportunities under the Uniformed Service Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) have been violated can contact Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

For military spouses:

The Department of Labor website highlights available resources for military spouses, including licensure and credentialing laws, small business opportunities and much more.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs provides details on spouse and family member resources within Washington.

The Washington State Military Family Leave Act allows spouses special leave consideration when their military member is tasked to deploy.

Washington’s major military installations also offer transition services for spouses and transitioning military:

Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM)
Fairchild AFB
Naval Station Kitsap
Naval Station Everett
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

Veteran programs and benefits

POS REP is a mobile, proximity-based social network made expressly for the military veteran community. Short for Position Report, POS REP connects veterans who served together but more importantly allows veterans to discover local peers and resources in the palm of their hand. Download on the App Store.

Veterans facing financial challenges due to military deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan can find help through the Department of Veterans Affairs – Olympia Veterans Service Center.

Washington state Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits, services and programs for veterans. For Puget Sound-area veterans, visit WAServes to access a wide array of community resources.

Get information about the educational benefits available through the GI Bill and other Veterans Administration programs.

Use this form to request military service records or proof of military service.

Credentials/Licenses
Washington state has actively engaged credential and licensing entities to promote transferability of skills and qualifications for veterans and military spouses. Learn more about these efforts at the links below:

Department of License Military Assistance for Business and Professional Licenses
Department of Health Credentialing and Licensure Resources for Military Spouses and Registered Domestic Partners
Department of Health Military Resources and Health Profession Crosswalk
Commercial Drivers Licensing for Recently Separated Military
Expedited E-certification for Teachers, Paraeducators, Administrators, and Education Staff Associates (Upon completing your application, contact Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 360-725-6400, for expedited processing)

Both the US Army and the US Air Force are authorizing up to $500 in reimbursement for qualifying licensing costs to military spouses who must obtain state occupational relicensures or recertifications during a permanent change of station.

Air Force Spouse Licensure Reimbursement Program
Army reimbursement for state licensure and certification costs for spouse of a soldier
Coast Guard Licensure and Certification Reimbursement Policy
Marine Corps Reimbursement for Spouse Professional Licensing after PCS Moves
Navy Spouses Licensure and Certification Reimbursement Policy

 

Service Area:
Washington
Yukti Yoga & Fitness

Our Purpose:
To provide services for active and retired military personnel, their families and their neighbors in our local community to promote the mind-body connection.

The Yukti Difference:
Yukti is different because we were founded and we are run by a Special Operations veteran.

Our Services:
Private Yoga Sessions, Group Yoga Classes, Personal Training Sessions.

Come and experience Yukti Yoga + Fitness. We transform our clients, body, mind, and spirit through yoga and fitness.
Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Yukti brings a fresh approach of the mind-body connection, from a military perspective.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Cardiovascular Training Core and Balance | Meditation | Interval Training Stabilization, Strength & Power | Adaptive and Modified Yoga Alignment Speed, Agility and Quickness
FITNESS CERTIFICATIONS
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Certified Personal Trainer | National Academy of Sports Medicine
200 Therapeutic Yoga Certification
Registered Yoga Teacher
Member of Yoga Alliance
Warrior at Ease Yoga Certification

Physical Fitness Instruction

Instructed High Intensity Interval Training, muscle toning, strength, and endurance; assisted clients with proper body alignment, equipment safety, and weight-loss.
Monitor participants’ progress and movement, evaluating for individuals’ abilities and fitness level, and adapt program or suggest appropriate exercise substitution to facilitate continuous progress.

Yoga Instruction

Designed and instructed yoga programs for military and civilian clients. Therapeutic and Vinyasa classes.
Customize programs to prevent injuries, enhance athletic performance and aid in safe recovery.
Focused on balance, mobility, core strength, alignment, and mind-body connection
Concentrate on structural body alignment and muscular systems increasing range of motion.

Personal Training

Trained to provide personalized attention and professional instruction to maximize member’s health, fitness, and wellness goals and to track individual progress.
Skilled in preparing fitness programs based on client’s goals and motivating clients to get results through individualized goal setting, frequent follow-up, and reassessments to show progress.
Assessed fitness level with pre-exercise testing and questionnaire and assisted with technique and communicated different cues for understanding.
Trained to implement fitness programs and performed fitness assessments such as body fat percentage, body mass index, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

“I am passionate about helping people get healthy and empowered. There’s no better way to show self-love.” – Yaja S.

 

Service Area:
North Carolina