We had the pleasure to meet former CT State Senator Cathy Cooke, who presently is the Executive Director of Work Vessels for Veterans. Begun 15 years ago, WVfV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is "to equip America's returning veterans with the tools they need to start a business or pursue career education," and it started with the a fishing boat given to a returning vet.
Cathy presented a short video which showed some of the Vets who have benefited - from an ATV to a van. They match new Veteran entrepreneurs with experienced mentors for support and match corporate or individual equipment donations to provide the tools needed for their trade. This is an all-volunteer organization with over under 1% - has offered a "Hand up to thousands of returning military veterans in all 50 states." Over 2900 injured veterans have been assisted and more than $3.9 Million dollars in equipment awarded, over $2.5 million dollars in corporate "in-kind" donations. Entrepreneurship provides the ability to work around service-connected disability with time-off when needed for medical or therapy care as needed. To learn more about Work Vessels for Vets, Inc. go to www.WVFV.org, facebook.com/workvesselsforvets, or write to them at PO Box 215 West Mystic CT 06388.
