Project HOME Annual PECO/Exelon-sponsored Veterans Gathering

On the beautiful Fall evening before Veteran’s Day, Employment Services hosted our 3rd annual gathering of veterans which included the current graduation class to those who were graduated in 2009, out first class.  It is always a joy to see the graduates so pleased with their accomplishments and the many Alums who return to share this day with them and their fellow classmates.   

The gathering opened with each alum introducing him/herself to the current class, sharing with them what their earlier life experiences had been, where they were now with regard to life and employment and how the apprenticeships had helped them reach their level of achievement. 

The current class followed with introductions of themselves, sharing some of their earlier life experiences, where they became employed through the apprenticeship and their goals for their lives moving forward.  

During the social portion of the gathering when the groups mingled, it was heart-warming to see alums speaking to the graduates on various topics such as: recovery, employment and housing.  A common theme was the importance for the grads to remain in touch with their classmates but more importantly with their Project Home contacts. 

Attending this gathering and seeing the camaraderie among the veterans provokes a sense of the value of this program.  Our gratitude goes out to the fine gentleman, Ed Speedling, who was instrumental in initiating the program.  We also offer our thanks to PECO/Excelon for their continued support of the program.