Over one million service members will leave the military and make the transition to civilian life in the course of the next five years. That’s a lot of boots being traded for work shoes. RallyPoint/6 (RP/6) is helping current service members, veterans and military-connected families through that transition so they can reach their “next objective”.
When RP/6 founders and Army veterans, Anne Sprute and R. J. Naugle, left their careers in the military, they faced a jumble of programs designed to help with the transition. It’s not that there was a lack of programs or organizations willing to help. In fact, there was an overwhelming assortment of them. After navigating their way through the process they decided there had to be a better way.
Volunteering to serve their country taught them that things only get done if someone steps up to do the work. Seeing a need, they set out to design a system that would help guide people to their best outcomes. Their goal was to create a resource that veterans and soon-to-be veterans and their families, could use to find “the right front door” – someplace that could help them find the shortest path to the next stage in their lives.
The organization doesn’t provide direct services, rather, they are a point of access, a connector to other organizations. RP/6 has developed a four-phase process they call the SCOUT Program. Each client is paired with a “Scout” who will be their partner throughout the journey. First, they help the client “Get Centered.” They use a structured set of questions to determine where the individual is in their life. That way the Scout can understand them and the best way to start their journey. RP/6 has also developed cloud-based technology to aid with the individualized assessments.
Next, the client “Gets Focused.” They develop an action plan, based on their individual assessment, which charts the steps needed to reach their goal. The plan considers not only their career goals, but also the needs of their family, their eligibility for programs, and the best service options for their unique situation.
Once an action plan is developed, it’s time to “Get Targeted.” Decisions are made about which partner organizations will provide the best fit, checklists are created to help keep the client on track, and their Scout helps keep them motivated and focused.
The final step is to “Get Connected.” The Scout helps them make contact with the right organization, and then stays in touch with all parties to confirm that services are provided, that quality standards are met, and that clients reach their objectives.
RP/6 helped over 2,500 people through their military transition in 2015, and so far this year has worked with 2,000 more. Chief Operations Officer Kylee Durant estimates that with their current facility and staff, RP/6 could assist over 4,500 annually. Durant stresses that vets should not see transition to civilian life as a matter of entitlement. Much of RP/6’s work, says Durant, is teaching veterans how to “show up as the most skilled worker, don’t show up as a veteran first.” They help vets translate their military experience into civilian life.
In partnership with the USO, the RP/6 model is being replicated across the country. To learn more about RP/6, take a tour and meet their team. They can always use donations, volunteers, and more partners. Once you meet them, you will be inspired by their story.
To learn more about RP/6, visit its website at www.rp6.org. To arrange a tour, contact Taylor Rowell at (253) 777-0556.
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