The United Way of Long Island has received a $40,000 grant toward VetsBuild, a program that provides career training and employment opportunities for Long Island veterans and their families, from the PSEG Foundation. The grant will make possible a hands-on education in green construction for 20 veterans as they work to transform the United Way of Long Island headquarters in Deer Park, New York, into a Net Zero building that produces as much energy as it uses.
VetsBuild is part of United Way of Long Island’s Workforce Development Training Academy, providing free hands-on training focused on creating a foundation and pathways to secure careers in the renewable energy industry for Long Islanders. Veterans are able to transition back to a civilian routine and gain clear, long-term career path development that is complemented by online financial empowerment workshops. Graduates become proficient in the installation of clean heating and cooling technologies, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, solar panels, and EV Charging.
“VetsBuild equipped me with the knowledge and skills that I needed to make a career change,” said Matt, VetsBuild Graduate and now PSEG employee. “Because of United Way of Long Island, I have a pathway to opportunity, self-sufficiency, and the American Dream.”
“PSEG Long Island is proud to support the veterans with the United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild program. The program helps teach the participants how to construct renewable energy building designs on Long Island,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island, who is a United Way of Long Island board member. “An important part of our mission is to give back to the communities where we live and work. Supporting the VetsBuild program helps veterans and provides a more sustainable future for Long Island.”
“Our thanks to PSEG for providing this important grant,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “The VetsBuild program will provide workforce development training to connect veterans with the confidence and skills needed to obtain employment and return to everyday life.”
VetsBuild participants will also receive training at United Way’s E3 SmartBuild Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Graduates will work toward earning industry-recognized certifications in green building, such as BPI (Building Performance Institute) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
“The PSEG Foundation has a long history of supporting veterans and their families. We are grateful for the efforts of United Way Long Island and their commitment to providing meaningful resources, including career development and employment opportunities that help veterans thrive and better support their families and communities,” said Maria Spina, Senior Manager, PSEG Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility. “At PSEG and PSEG Long Island, we are energizing the communities we serve – and that goes beyond delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy. We are pleased to partner with organizations across New Jersey and Long Island – such as the United Way of Long Island – that help our neighbors overcome challenges and build more stable lives.”
A signature program of the United Way of Long Island, VetsBuild provides career training, employment, and wrap-around services to veterans who have served post-2001 and seek a career path. The program combines formal education with on-the-job training and engages local businesses and unions to hire graduates.
To learn more about United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild program, visit: www.unitedwayli.org/vetsbuild.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.
With deep local roots, United Way sees how the communities’ greatest challenges are connected and how to bring people and resources together to address them. United Way is creating opportunities for the youth, improving health and well-being, securing stronger financial futures, and building community resiliency. United Way invests in community partnerships to help our most vulnerable and at-risk residents through organizations and programs that grant access to resources and services across the region. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.unitedwayli.org, call 2.1.1, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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