Rep. Diana DiZoglio joined Veterans Northeast Outreach Center Executive Director John Ratka (left) and Career Resources Corporation CEO Brad Howell to announce funding for Haverhill veterans on Friday, March 2. (WHAV News photograph)
Haverhill’s veterans groups received a significant boost from Beacon Hill last week with the announcement of $300,000 in state money earmarked for local outreach efforts.
Advocated for by state Rep. Diana DiZoglio, the money will be shared by the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center and Career Resources Corporation.
While DiZoglio was the one to lobby for funding, she said much of the credit goes to the city-based groups for keeping her up-to-date on the needs of local veterans.
“Without the knowledge they have, themselves as veterans and the organization that they have…bringing up (issues of) homelessness, talking about housing and the mental health issues facing out veteran population, your state delegation wouldn’t know what to advocate for. It’s through these advocates that we actually have the resources to be able to take your fight to the Statehouse and to Beacon Hill,” she said.
It is the first time the center has received state funding, Executive Director John Ratka said. The organization intends to use the money to bolster their food pantry and PTSD counseling programs, and also set aside a portion to assist with veterans’ housing.
Career Resources CEO Bradley Howell tells WHAV, its funds will provide 20 local veterans with job training services and employment opportunities.
DiZoglio and members of the community, including Ratka and Howell, Rep. Andy Vargas and Haverhill City Council Vice President Thomas J. Sullivan, celebrated the grant award Friday during a reception downtown.