Q: Tammy, you mentioned the unique nature of your operation compared to traditional AJCs. Can you elaborate on that?
Tammy:
In EDSI’s traditional job seeker AJC office, people come in for resume work, mock interviews, and various other services. We don’t have that. Our funding continuity is critical for the supportive services we provide, when funding is cut, other offices can still function in several ways, but ours can’t. While I can catch up on case notes and case management, I’m unable to provide direct services. When soldiers go through CSP and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), many of those services are already provided. Their resumes are done, they don’t need mock interviews or tuition assistance, and many go to unions like Millwright, Ryder, etc.
Q: How does this difference impact your approach to supporting Veterans?
Tammy:
Our role is to back up these soldiers. They already know their locals, have intent letters, and have spoken with their union reps. We run completely differently from a typical AJC, and grant funding is so critical to the success of the work we do. These soldiers aren’t going to come through our door unless we can provide great benefit and supportive services, and I refuse to waste their time by enrolling them for nothing. We’re here to provide tangible support, not just check-ins.
