A Navy veteran, discharged in July 1984, was referred to the DVOP by the Allentown VA Clinic and met with DVOP on June 3, 2025. The veteran had recently lost access to transportation, which resulted in their separation from Cronos Construction on April 17, 2025, where they had been working through a temp agency as an unlicensed electrician. Although the veteran initially received Unemployment Compensation (UC), their benefits were later halted due to perceived ineligibility, and the veteran was in the process of appealing the decision.

During the initial assessment, the veteran provided a résumé that was not compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems because of formatting issues and extremely small font. The DVOP redesigned and formatted a fully ATS‑friendly résumé to support the veteran’s job search. The veteran, residing near 13th and Washington in Easton, needed employment accessible by public transportation due to lack of personal transportation. The veteran possessed basic tools and experience as an electrician, including familiarity with up to 480V and 3‑phase systems.

Over the following months, the DVOP supplied bus passes obtained from community partners, allowing the veteran to conduct job searches along local bus routes. Communication became sporadic during this time. In mid‑August 2025, the DVOP re‑established contact, and the veteran disclosed that they were struggling with alcohol addiction. Shortly thereafter, the veteran voluntarily admitted themself into a VA 28‑day inpatient treatment program. For the remainder of 2025, there was no further contact.

In December 2025, the veteran reached back out and resumed services with DVOP. Bus passes were once again provided through community partner Battleborn, enabling the veteran to continue their job search efforts. The veteran began receiving SSI in late January 2026 and expressed interest in securing part‑time employment to supplement their benefits. Throughout early 2026, outreach attempts by the DVOP went unanswered.

In June 2026, the veteran unexpectedly contacted the DVOP to wish them Happy Father’s Day and to share positive news: they had secured full‑time employment along a bus route as a Maintenance Technician with Walgreens in Allentown, earning $25 per hour.

This success story highlights the veteran’s resilience during significant personal and financial challenges, as well as the ongoing support provided by the DVOP and community partners that contributed to the veteran’s eventual job placement and stability.