One opportunity that comes with military transition is the chance to craft the next chapter of your life on your terms. Service members and their spouses not only face career decisions but also are likely choosing where to live for the first time in their adult lives. It’s among the many reasons why a Maine-based organization is working to highlight why the “Pine Tree State” should be your next move.
Boots2Roots, a nonprofit that begins preparing transitioning service members and their spouses 12 to 18 months out, is the go-to organization to find meaningful work in Maine while establishing roots.
“Over 200,000 people exit the military every year,” Randy Bell, program director for Boots2Roots, pointed out. “Many of them either are from Maine or have a strong desire to be in the state of Maine, but there’s not a lot of resources to help them do so.”
Maine is a state well known for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and strong sense of community. It contains more than 17 million acres of forests and boasts 3,500 miles of coastline. It also does not tax military pensions or survivor benefits.
“After many trips to Portland (Maine state capital), we knew this was where we needed to be,” Olivia Fitzpatrick, a veteran spouse, said. Her husband, Troy, served eight years as an officer in the Army and learned of Boots2Roots from a friend. Soon after, they were meeting with Bell themselves to see what opportunities might await them in Maine.
Boots2Roots, she said, provided the support they needed to feel confident and prepared for what was next in their lives.
“The team not only helped with reviewing our resumes and cover letters, but they also went above and beyond in connecting both Troy and I with local companies for informational interviews, furthering our professional connections in the area,” Fitzpatrick stated. Boots2Roots even helped the couple find the appropriate resources necessary to conduct their long-distance search for a new home.
Bell explained that Boots2Roots is exclusively funded by grants and charitable contributions. To date, it has helped more than 350 individuals and families to get established in Maine.
Bell proudly pointed out that, before helping out at the organization, he came to them for assistance, himself.
“After 23 years in the Navy,” he said, “I needed to be located near my mother,” who lives not far from Maine, in Canada.
“I went through the process from start to finish,” he shared. “Now, I lead the staff, connect teammates with our volunteers, and interface with employers.”
“It’s helpful to the individuals we serve, that I went through it myself,” Bell added. “My experience is fairly recent, and I’ve leveraged every single relationship that I’ve made with these employers to best serve the teammates.”
Resources provided by Boots2Roots are centered on two primary pillars: coaching and networking.
“We assist them with exploring their desires and finding purpose in the work that they might think they want to do,” Bell said, such as helping them translate military skills and experience into language that hiring managers in the civilian sector can understand and relate to their business. The organization also provides interview, career, and financial coaching as well as referrals to trusted agents in its network.
Often, those individuals can secure employment in Maine well in advance of their move. That advantage can be significant for someone seeking home loan approval. To someone leaving the military and in need of a job and a place to live, Bell explained, that sort of assistance can relieve a lot of pressure.
Fitzpatrick agreed and stressed that the advocacy and partnership provided by Boots2Roots contributed to her own family’s successful move.
“Boots2Roots was instrumental in making our move to Maine happen,” Fitzpatrick said. “The organization’s connections in the area, including partnerships with relocation specialists and local companies, helped us feel confident as we navigated our move.”
Visit Boots2Roots to learn more.
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