New Veterans Employment Center Open in Norfolk

March 30, 2018

The Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center officially opened in Norfolk March 30, offering services and programming intended to assist service members and their families transitioning into the civilian workforce.

The center, which is a partner in the American Job Center Network, will feature services provided by about 25 organizations, including Old Dominion University. The center was organized locally by the South Hampton Roads Local Planning Group, which was led by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce with Opportunity Inc. of Hampton Roads.

Organizers intend the center to serve as a streamlined and unified community resource that advances employment opportunities for transitioning service members, military veterans and their families in south Hampton Roads through individual assistance in identifying, navigating and accessing services and resources needed to achieve employment goals and support successful transition.

Nancy J. Stephens, One-Stop director for the Oppinc One-Stop Workforce Center, said the center's mission is to establish and maintain a customer friendly, "high touch" physical center, with affiliate sites throughout the community.

There, "one on one" professional staff assistance will be available to assist customers with the development and implementation of an individual employment plan, Stephens said.

In addition to Old Dominion University, participating organizations include:

• Opportunity Inc. of Hampton Roads;
• Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce;
• Virginia Employment Commission;
• Fleet and Family Support Centers - Navy Region Mid-Atlantic;
• Virginia Values Veterans;
• Virginia Ship Repair Association;
• Tidewater Community College;
• USO Pathfinder Program;
• Onward to Opportunity;
• Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance;
• United Way of South Hampton Roads;
• Virginia Tidewater Consortium's Educational Opportunity Center;
• Bank of America;
• Walmart; and
• The Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

"There are numerous Veteran Friendly Employers throughout Hampton Roads that are anxious to hire transitioning Service Members and Veterans, this center will help to create those linkages, said Robert Clark, director of military activities liaison and special projects. "ODU will have a presence at the center so we can assist folks should they have questions about higher education or benefits."

To learn more about the center, which is located at 861 Glenrock Road, in Norfolk, visit the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center website or all 757-807-0423.