BOOTS2ROOTS

Program Description
Boots2Roots provides workforce preparation coaching for active duty military members up to a year before they transition (separate or retire) to living and working in Maine. Early connection and transition coaching is key to their immediate success, health, and wellbeing. The Boots2Roots program provides two essential services. First, we translate military skills into experiences relatable to civilian hiring managers through our network of resume and interview coaches. Second, we introduce our Teammates to a network of successful veteran mentors already living in Maine, and to a range of industry opportunities. In Maine, knowing someone in a business or industry is still an important aspect of the job search and hiring process.

Translating experiences and skills from military to civilian is not as simple as translating a few key words. It is about teaching the transitioning military member how to think and talk about his or her military experiences in a way that resonates with employers. For example, the skills required for an effective military leader are often the same skills that are required in effective civilian project managers. This may not be intuitive, but our transition coaches work with our Teammates to create resumes and teach interview skills that make these correlations understood and natural. Transition coaching provides a positive first impression with hiring managers unfamiliar with the talents and experiences unique to military members that will benefit their companies and Maine’s workforce.

In addition to the transition-to-work services listed above, Boots2Roots offers financial coaching to better prepare our Teammates for the financial stressors often associated with making a career transition and family relocation. Boots2Roots also provides recommendations and connections with the wide network of Maine based Veterans Service Organizations like the Maine Military Community Network, Department of Labor Career Centers, the Veterans Administration Healthcare Services and even local realtors to provide information on the communities that best match the needs of the veteran and his or her families. Being able to connect transitioning military members to local Maine agencies and organizations is one of the areas that differentiate Boots2Roots program and services.

Boots2Roots doesn’t charge for its services. Best outcomes for our Teammates, Maine businesses and Maine’s workforce is our focus.

Goals
That our Teammates will
1) Find meaningful employment within two months of arriving in Maine
2) Remain in their first post-military job for at least one year