LANSING, MI- Peckham, Inc. has been recognized as a certified gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.  MVAA recognizes organizations based on their commitment to recruiting, hiring, training and retaining veteran talent. This certification is a promotion, as Peckham has been certified as a silver-level Veteran-Friendly Employer in previous years.

Peckham, Inc receiving the gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer at the award ceremony granted by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency on August 12, 2019

“The Peckham Veteran Services program consistently encourages the recruitment and hiring of Veterans not only within Peckham, but in the community as well,” said Carlos Castillo, Veteran Services Specialist. “We want to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for veterans because we understand the success and skill set veterans bring to the workplace.”

Employers must meet certain requirements to be recognized as gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employers. There must be a 75 percent retention rate among employed veterans over a 12-month period as well as multiple veteran-specific programs or hiring initiatives. 

Peckham has strategic relationships with government agencies and community service providers including Department of Veteran Affairs, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, as well as many contracts with the Department of Defense. This allows for veterans working at Peckham to continue to serve while creating a sensitive and welcoming environment. Peckham Veteran Services program also provides a Veterans Peer Specialist who is a combat veteran passionate about providing support and connecting veterans to both Peckham and community resources. Beyond this assistance, Peckham recognizes the importance of peer support which has led to the creation of a veteran peer group which provides opportunities for veterans to connect with others for support in their journey. 

“It is an honor to be named as a gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer. At Peckham, we strive for inclusion and want to make each Veteran’s journey to reintegrate into the workforce a success,” said Mitch Tomlinson, President and CEO of Peckham. 

Peckham, Inc.
is a nonprofit community vocational rehabilitation organization that values quality, diversity and performance. The mission is to provide a wide range of opportunities to maximize human potential for persons with disabilities who are striving for greater independence and self- sufficiency. Peckham has operations through five locations in Michigan including Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and Charlotte. Peckham also has operations in Phoenix, Arizona and London, Kentucky. To learn more about Peckham, visit www.peckham.org. 

About the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
MVAA serves as the central coordinating point for Michigan veterans, connecting those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, to services and benefits throughout the state. Learn more at MichiganVeterans.com or call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).