2 weeks Ago
AUSTIN, Texas — For many veterans, transitioning to everyday life after serving can be difficult. Goodwill Central Texas is doing its part to help veterans get back on track through its Veterans Support Program. Samantha Condo joined the military in 2008 and was on active duty before transferring to the reserves.
Although she still serves, she spends a good chuck of her time helping veterans who have left. "Transitioning from military into civilian life was kind of a big halt," Condo said. "Everything's really super fast-paced and a certain environment.
" Condo is part of the program and helps people find work, education and resources, and is the chair for the Veterans Support group at Goodwill Central Texas. "Some people are ..
. ready to get out. Some people are scared to get out," Condo said.
"Some people don't know what they're doing ...
it can be scary." The program has career coaching that helps with everything from skill development and resume building to job search and placement. There's also financial planning and educational advancement that helps people earn their high school diploma through a free public high school for adults.
"It's the feeling you get. That sense of belonging that you kind of missed when you were in the military," Condo said. John Dawson has been part of the program for four years.
He served his country in the 1970s for three years. While Dawson said his time transitioning wasn't difficult, he did find peace when coming into the program. "It's a good place to be," said Dawson.
Dawson said for anyone struggling, the best words of advice he can offer is to be yourself..
