Shannon Nisbett, Franklin’s Veterans Services Officer, wants veterans to know about the resources available to them through the Franklin Veterans Services Office, located within the Franklin Senior Center, as well as local veterans’ organizations and other resources. This month, in collaboration with Masshire, the Franklin VSO will host a Virtual Career Fair, open to anyone from the community on Wednesday, February 8th, with access to the career fair for veterans at 3:30 p.m. and for the community at large at 4:30 p.m. The event will conclude at 6:30 p.m.

“Several months ago, Masshire reached out to me to discuss the vast resources and services they provide for veterans. I was very impressed with their work and wanted to find an engaging way for veterans to access all they have to offer. Masshire stepped up to host this Virtual Career Fair, which is easily accessible to veterans with busy schedules and home lives,” says Nisbett. “The employers at this career fair are enthusiastic about hiring veterans, recognizing their unique skills, strong work ethic, and leadership capabilities.” Nisbett explains that veterans face unique challenges, including translating military job duties into civilian terms, and, for Reservists and National Guard members, the possibility of being deployed. 

Nisbett explains that the Franklin Veterans Services Office already refers Franklin veterans to Masshire and other partner organizations when they are seeking help with employment.  

“Masshire has a Veterans’ Employment Representative, Jack McKenna, at their Norwood Career Center,” says Nisbett, “Other partners we work with include VA Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist John Silva, New England Center and Home for Veterans, and Veterans’ Inc. We’re also connected with non-profits who provide training and support for veteran entrepreneurs.”

In addition to employers seeking veterans, there will be resources for veterans including local VSO’s, veterans’ organizations, and Veterans Administration (VA) representatives. These groups will provide information about VA benefits, VA health care, VA education benefits, housing, mental health, and the state Chapter 115 financial safety net program for veterans.  Surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for some of these programs.  

Nisbett wants to highlight that her office is available to assist veterans in town in various capacities.

“We continue to provide case management to any Franklin veteran we refer (to Masshire) and assist them with other areas such as VA claims, VA Health Care, Chapter 115, public housing applications, and property tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities,” says Nisbett. “If a veteran from another town comes to us, we refer them to the VSO in their community of residence. We also host social and patriot events throughout the year, including a monthly Veterans’ Coffee Social and monthly Veterans’ Council meeting. We work closely with American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402.  Visiting our office is a great way to get connected and involved with the veteran community!”

Anyone from the Franklin and surrounding community, including our veterans, can register here: https://app.premiervirtual.com/events/6559fc74-7755-4e57-8ad5-444371e042fe/greater-franklin-virtual-...  (PLEASE NOTE- All attendees must also be registered in Mass JobQuest as you need your JobQuest Job Seeker ID to complete your registration. Please visit: https://jobquest.dcs.eol.mass.gov/jobquest/LandingPage.aspx to register.) You may also call or email the Franklin Veterans’ Services office, (508) 613-1315 or [email protected], for registration information.

Any veterans with questions or concerns can contact: Shannon Nisbett, Veteran Services Officer, Town of Franklin: [email protected] or Jack McKenna, DVOP, MassHire Career Centers: [email protected].