Military Veterans Matched with Mentors

December 3, 2013
4 mins read

American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a nonprofit organization based in New York that is dedicated to helping military veterans transition into a civilian career. Military veterans in Jacksonville have a wonderful opportunity to link into this important and free civilian career service, which provides a one-on-one, year long mentorship between a veteran and willing business mentor in their field of interest.

“ACP has been built upon the understanding that returning veterans need the tools for long-term career development through mentoring, career counseling and networking opportunities,” says Sid Goodfriend, founder and chairman. “With our mission at the forefront of our efforts, ACP continues to grow and serve an increasing number of returning vets.”

Mentors in Jacksonville from CSX and CitiBank are already stepping up to the plate. In Jacksonville, veteran Michael Craig is working with a mentor from Johnson & Johnson, who is located in Pennsylvania. Together, they are working on Michael’s small business, The Silly Faces Project, a current project to create children’s books using his drawings.

“Having been at J&J for over 20 years, there is a strong belief in the need to network and build mentorships throughout the organization. I have been involved in this for most of my career, and what gets me most excited about the ACP program, is that we are now able to mentor outside of J&J as well.” Says mentor Chris Calabretta.

“I have really enjoyed being part of the ACP mentor program for two main reasons. First, I am honored to work with our Veterans. It is one way I can say “thank you” for all that they have sacrificed. Secondly, I enjoy the collaborative, innovative and thought provoking conversations that I have with these very driven and focused people. They really want to succeed!

J&J is widely known for Our Credo, a guiding document that we use in our everyday activities. Being a part of this program is in direct alignment with Our Credo, as one of the key tenets is our responsibility to the communities in which we live and work. This program helps me fulfill this promise.”

“My mentor is helping me by critiquing the products I have developed, the books, art, and silly faces trading cards,” says Craig, whose website is www.nobodiesartwork.com. He is more than half way through the mentorship, focusing on entrepreneurship. “I’m very appreciative that there are people who give their time to mentor others. ACP is great, and they take care of any concern or issues that come up. They give me guidance and are interested in seeing the mentor and mentee work together to succeed.”

Veteran Dan Bearl started last September, and is working with a local CitiBank mentor in Jacksonville. Bearl went back to school at UNF, and is beginning a career in the IT industry, the same industry as his mentor. This experience is giving Dan firsthand knowledge and specific information about developing a career path in the IT industry.

“When I went back to UNF, I obtained Veterans’ Assistance, so, I was on the mailing list and received information about American Corporate Partners,” says Pearl. “I was in the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq three times. The transition can be very difficult. My mentor and I meet one-on-one and once a month in Jacksonville. Plus, we are both in Jacksonville. He helps me recognize the pitfalls.”

Current Issue

Recent Posts

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit Events

Advertisements

Blackberry Smoke at the AMP

Date

Title

Current Month

Follow FOLIO!

Uber Jacksonville Transportation
Previous Story

Uber is chic and it’s in Jacksonville!

Next Story

Precious Is The Gift Of A Child

Latest from Charitable

WOLFSON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CHRISTMAS IN JULY: A FESTIVE SUMMER TRADITION

Words by Angelica Santini Hernandez Every year as the summer sun reaches its peak, Jacksonville residents find a delightful and unusual yet heartwarming Christmas in July celebration. Organized by Wolfson Children’s Hospital, this event has become a beloved tradition, bringing the joy and magic of Christmas to the heat

Educational Clean Up at Blue Cypress Park

Educational Cleanup – 7.17.24 (11 AM – 3 PM) Blue Cypress Park 4012 University Blvd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32277 YOU’RE INVITED! A Fun Event for All Ages!  Help Keep Our Beautiful River Clean! Special Guest Appearance by Johnnie the St. Johns River Monster! Delicious Pizza & Beverages for Registered Participants!

Strikes of Compassion

Travis Etienne Jr. Charity Bowling Night Words by Carson Rich In a sport that brings fame and fortune to so many young players, it also creates people who care and want to make a difference. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. held a celebrity bowling event for charity last

Karissa Wade

Karrissa Wade is the most booked, most visible and the “hardest working” drag performer in Northeast Florida. Go ahead and add numerous crowns and accolades for her performances including her comedy shows. Her domain runs as far north as Yulee, Florida and as far south as St. Augustine. She has
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

Feud Exclusive: Chef Nina G Popular Among Jaguars’ Fournette, Ngakoue

“Steel Cut Oats. Egg whites, with Mozzarella cheese. Turkey bacon,

6 Restaurants Opening Downtown

Article by Kristen Pickrell, courtesy of Metro Jacksonville  is in