Duke Energy partners with Enable America to put wounded warriors back to work in North Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and Enable America, a non-profit organization working to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, today announced a partnership to support employment initiatives for transitioning military members at Ft. Bragg, N.C.

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Funded by a $38,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, Enable America will produce a series of VetConnect Job Skills Workshops for current military members who are working through Ft. Bragg's Wounded Transition Battalion to develop skills that enhance employment opportunities and  integration into post-military life.

"Military veterans have incredible skills to offer North Carolina's workforce," said Paul Newton, Duke Energy's state president – North Carolina. "After the tremendous service these men and women provided, we're proud to connect them with resources for successful employment beyond their military careers."

"Duke Energy recognizes that the men and women who have sacrificed in the name of freedom are our most deserving citizens," said Richard Salem, Enable America founder and chairman. "We greatly appreciate the Duke Energy Foundation's support of our mission to help wounded warriors make a successful transition into the civilian workforce, and look forward to expanding that work through Ft. Bragg's Wounded Transition Battalion."

Through its VetConnect Job Skills Workshops, Enable America matches human resource professionals with disabled veterans and wounded warriors looking to improve skills needed to find meaningful employment. In both small group sessions and one-on-one meetings, participants receive career counseling, practice interview skills, review resumes and get expert advice that can better help them compete for jobs in a challenging economy.

Enable America launched its Ft. Bragg VetConnect program in 2012 and has continued the program at the request of the Wounded Transition Battalion. Duke Energy's donation provides a year of funding for the VetConnect program.

About Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation's long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation's dollars and guide the foundation's giving. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. In 2013, the foundation will make an additional one-time commitment of $20 million to support low-income energy assistance and workforce development in North Carolina.  To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.

About Enable America
Since 2002, Enable America has worked nationwide to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, celebrating its ten-year anniversary last year with expansion into the Washington, DC area. Direct engagement programs that include Job Skills Workshops, Career Mentoring Days, Community Connection and Business to Business meetings all work to unite members of the disability community and improve employment opportunities for the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities.

People with disabilities who would like to participate in future Enable America events, as well as companies interested in sponsoring a program at their site, can find out more and register on the group's website, www.EnableAmerica.org.

Duke Energy Contact: Amy Strecker
Office: 919.546.2660 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853
[email protected]

Enable America Contact: Chris Jadick
Office: 813.222.3204
[email protected]

SOURCE Duke Energy