The Fran Haasch Law Group has donated $2,500 in scholarships to the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) to help veteran residents continue their educational path toward self-sufficiency.
The gift is part of our 20th-anniversary celebration where Fran will divide $20,000 among eight local nonprofit organizations that align with causes she’s passionate about – homelessness, veterans, food insecurity, community wellness, animals and youth.
Since 1986, HEP has provided housing, food, clothing and support services to homeless and low-income families and individuals, including veterans. Resident case managers and workforce development staff will help identify five veterans interested in or already pursuing advanced learning and award them a $500 scholarship.
“In 2020, there was a 47-percent increase in homeless veterans throughout Tampa Bay, and nearly one-third of HEP’s residents are brave men and women who’ve served our country,” Fran said. “It’s an honor for our firm to give back to an organization that works tirelessly to break the cycle of homelessness, improve the lives of its veteran residents and help them become self-sufficient.”
HEP launched its on-site Workforce Development Program in 2015. Residents learn skills needed to confidently enter the workforce and overcome some of the challenges and roadblocks they face in finding reliable employment. The organization partnered in 2019 with the Pinellas County School Board to focus on continuing education and skill-based employment opportunities, with future plans to bring trades-based educational courses to its 8-acre campus.
Formerly known as Pathways to Employment, HEP’s workforce development center was re-named the North Greenwood Adult Education and Workforce Development Center in 2020. The program offers GED courses, college certifications, resume writing and job skills, and job placement services for HEP residents free of charge, and is now open to the public for services.
“Successful employment helps decrease veterans’ chances of experiencing homelessness again in the future. Our Workforce Development program has an overall 83-percent success rate for residents who can obtain and maintain employment in the community,” said HEP Marketing Director Rebecca Adams.
“We are so excited about this new partnership with The Fran Haasch Law Group because these scholarships will help our veteran residents continue their educational path toward self-sufficiency. We can’t wait to have Fran and her team out here on our campus soon to see who their dollars are helping.”
Listen to Becca’s Fran’s Featured Friends interview on Drew Garabo Live (102.5 The Bone)
