NSB Donates $2,000 to Boots2Roots and Veteran Assistance Effort in Maine

FREEPORT—“We went from not having a home, friends, or jobs here in Maine to having all of the above, and it’s all thanks to Boots2Roots,” said a U.S. Marine veteran.

Helping active-duty military members find meaningful work and security in Maine, even before they leave the service, is viewed as more than a noble goal by Boots2Roots, it’s a vital mission that gives back to individuals and families that have given us so much.

“Boots2Roots is a Maine nonprofit and the only organization in the state exclusively focused on attracting and preparing active-duty military members and their families to choose Maine as the place to put down roots after they transition from active service,” said Bill Benson, Executive Director of Boots2Roots who also spent 24 years on active duty with the U.S. Army. “Boots2Roots is here to help ease their anxiety and set them up for success in a beautiful place with a great quality of life and a well-established support network for veterans.”

The Freeport-based organization’s Transition-to-Work program assists more than 200 active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses through resume and interview coaches, partnerships with successful veteran peer/mentors, and connections with business and employment opportunities.

Boots2Roots has attracted assistance from a number of Maine organizations impressed with its purpose, including Norway Savings Bank, which continued its ongoing support of Boots2Roots with a $2,000 donation this month. 

“Having the support of local Maine institutions like Norway Savings is important both financially and for demonstrating the value that military workforce talent and families bring to Maine communities,” said Benson. “Our services are personalized and there are no politics, bureaucracy, or charges, just people who have gone through what they are going through and are driven to help.”

The efforts also confront another perennial challenge facing the state.

“Boots2Roots is improving the lives of returning heroes and their families, but the impact extends even further. Their programs infuse talent into our workforce and help revitalize our communities,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Helping to facilitate their mission and the difference they make is incredibly important, and NSB is happy to play even a small role in this amazing work.”

Future goals for Boots2Roots include increasing outreach around the country, expanding transition coaching capacity, and developing long-term partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the organization and its programs so the stories of veterans flourishing in our state continue to march in.

“I can’t even begin to explain how helpful Boots2Roots was for us,” said a U.S. Army veteran. “My wife and I both had jobs secured two months prior to us even moving to Maine.”

“Boots2Roots provided the peace of mind that my family and I needed to be able to make the decision to come home,” said a U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant.

Learn more about Boots2Roots and discover the many ways in which you can help by visiting the organization’s website at www.boots2roots.org.