United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild program receives $40K grant from PSEG Foundation
The United Way of Long Island (UWLI) recently received a $40,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation, helping the organization’s mission to empower veterans in their careers.
The grant supports UWLI’s VetsBuild program, which provides career training and employment opportunities for Long Island veterans and their families. The funding will be used for a hands-on education in green construction for 20 veterans as they work to transform the United Way of Long Island headquarters in Deer Park into a Net Zero building that produces as much energy as it uses.
VetsBuild is part of UWLI’s Workforce Development Training Academy, providing free hands-on training focused on helping Long Islanders to secure careers in the renewable energy industry. As veterans in the program become proficient in the installation of clean heating and cooling technologies, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging, they are able to transition back to a civilian routine and develop their careers.
“Our thanks to PSEG for providing this important grant,” said Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “The VetsBuild program will provide workforce development training to connect veterans with the confidence and skills needed to obtain employment and return to everyday life.”
VetsBuild participants will also receive training at United Way’s E3 SmartBuild Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Graduates will work toward earning industry-recognized certifications in green building, such as BPI (Building Performance Institute) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
“The PSEG Foundation has a long history of supporting veterans and their families, and this program emphasizes all three of our key pillars – environmental sustainability, social justice and equity and economic empowerment,” said Maria Spina, manager, PSEG Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility. “VetsBuild is the type of program that will help veterans thrive in the new economy, enabling them to better support their families and communities while also caring for our planet.”
To learn more about United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild program, visit www.unitedwayli.org/vetsbuild.
