Christina McKnight is a veteran and member of the United States Army Reserve.

She has served our country for 16 years with a special passion for her “brothers and sisters,” she says, who come home and look to establish themselves as fully employed members of society.

She’s brought that mission to St. John the Baptist Parish and the greater River Region with an eye on helping veterans who may have fallen through the cracks or are living on the fringes.

As a specialist with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program operated through the Louisiana Workforce Commission, she set up shop locally three weeks ago and has been working ever since to make contact with veterans looking to secure employment and gain solid financial standing.

“I have them come in,” she said. “I can assist them with getting the training they need, whether if it’s that they want to do welding or if they need computer assistance. I actually show them how to put together a résumé. Once we get all that together, I assist them with the job search. We actually have someone here within the office who refers them to jobs to hopefully get them placed into something to help them make money.”

As a specialist, McKnight carries out intensive services and case management to meet the employment needs of eligible veterans with the following priority in the provision of services:
• Disabled veterans.
• Veterans who have barriers to employment.

• Veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged.

“I work with any vets that may come in who are homeless,” McKnight said. “I work directly with the Volunteers of America who assist veterans with transitional housing. From there, they are case managed and they learn different life skills, receive counseling and get anything they might need.”

Homeless veterans can be those living with their parents or with friends. They are considered homeless because at any given time they could be kicked out of their housing.

Veterans with service-connected injuries or who are between 18 and 24 and struggling with joblessness are also being targeted for help. They can receive assistance with employment, housing or education.

McKnight said veterans can call her at 504-458-3723 or email cmcknight2@lwc.la.gov. Veterans can also visit her office at 975 Cambridge Drive at the Business Career and Solutions Center in LaPlace.

“They can call in and set up an appointment or just come in,” she said. “The traffic is really light right now, because I’m just starting out and have only been here three weeks. I’m trying to get the word out and let the vets know in the River Region I’m here to assist you.

“On Tuesdays, I go to St. James Parish. On Wednesdays, I work out of St. Charles Parish. If they can’t get here to this office (in LaPlace,) I certainly try to meet them half way.”

McKnight describes her job with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program as an amazing opportunity to assist veterans with employment, housing and educational benefits.

“Unfortunately, the River Parishes have not had my particular expertise for about three years, so I would like to get the word out to vets within the area,” she said.

Anyone who served in the Armed Forces for more than 180 days will be considered for help.

McKnight said in 2011, there were approximately 900,000 veterans across the U.S. who came home unemployed. With the help of efforts like the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, the number has been knocked down to approximately 573,000.

It’s an improvement, but no one is satisfied.

“I’m very passionate about people, especially soldiers,” McKnight said. “I want to do anything I can to make them productive citizens. Any tools I can give to them is something I want to continue to do to get that number down. It’s an amazing program and I am truly excited to be a part of it.”

If you know a veteran in the River Parishes who may need assistance, please encourage them to contact McKnight.

Stephen Hemelt is publisher and editor of L’OBSERVATEUR. He can be reached at 985-652-9545 or stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com.