Finding a job in the current dismal economy can be nearly impossible, even for those who are educated, trained, qualified and experienced. For military spouses, many of whom relocate every few years and might have difficulty maintaining career continuity, finding work can be even more challenging. But the Heroes at Home 2 program, which launched last month at the Stone Education Center, is seeking to assist spouses stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with training, tuition, career counseling and job placement.

The program, made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to the Washington State Employment Security Department and overseen locally by WorkForce Central and the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, is funded to support 825 military spouses who lost their jobs in order to accompany a Servicemember on a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move or Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) dislocation to JBLM.

The creation of three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams over the past eight years, along with the effects of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, has led to a 65-percent increase in the active-duty service member population since 2003.

There are currently more than 41,000 Servicemembers (and 53,000 family members) assigned to JBLM, said John Norgren, legislative liaison and community relations representative at the JBLM Public Affairs Office.

And many of those spouses - whether they have been working part or full time, with or without a college degree - need help finding a job.

There are local jobs available, said Linda Nguyen, chief executive officer of WorkForce Central, but matching the right company to the right employee is not always simple.

"People just aren't able to find each other easily," she said. "Our job is to provide training and job placement."

To be eligible for Heroes at Home 2 assistance, spouses must meet the following criteria:

• Must have dislocated from a job (either full or part-time, career or survival) due to a PCS move or BRAC-related reassignment since 2005

• Servicemember must be assigned to JBLM

• Servicemember must be active duty or Title 10 (activated) member of the National Guard or Reserve

For qualified applicants, the program provides funds for tuition, certification fees, lab fees, books and even support services such as short-term child care, transportation costs and rent. Eligible applicants can even receive vouchers for appropriate work clothes, uniforms and equipment.

Heroes at Home 2 is not just for those spouses who need assistance with education or specialized training - those who already have a degree can benefit as well.

For instance, the program can assist with resume building, interview skills refreshment and even provide funds for training in a new, high-demand career field, if the spouses' current skills are no longer in demand.

Spouses who aren't quite sure if they need any of the available services should still apply, Nguyen said.

"Just get in and get verified," she said, "even if you think you don't need it yet."

To apply for the program, call (253) 966-7366 or (360) 570-4271 or stop by the Stone Education Center in building 6242 on JBLM Main and set up an appointment.

Applicants will meet with one of the program's career coaches, who will verify eligibility, then complete an employment assessment and set up an action plan.  

"They'll assess your needs and ramp them up for the end goal," Nguyen said, "employment."

For more information, visit www.heroesathome2.com.