News Summary
Boots on the Ground, a nonprofit in Detroit, is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for veterans through sustainable boot manufacturing. Their mission extends beyond job placements to help veterans build sustainable careers, addressing challenges like PTSD while offering environmental-conscious products. Collaborating with local partners, they aim to ensure a successful transition for veterans back into civilian life.
Detroit’s Boots on the Ground Nonprofit Aims to Employ Veterans Through Sustainable Boot Manufacturing
In downtown Detroit, a nonprofit organization named Boots on the Ground is actively working to create employment opportunities for veterans by manufacturing urban utility boots. The initiative seeks to tackle the ongoing issues of unemployment and underemployment that many veterans and young individuals face in today’s job market.
The organization strives to achieve more than just job placements; it aims to help veterans build sustainable careers. This focus is particularly crucial given the unique challenges faced by transitioning veterans, including those struggling with conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The initiative aims to provide comprehensive support that goes beyond a mere paycheck, facilitating pathways to meaningful work and community reintegration.
Led by co-founder and CEO Jarret Alan Schlaff, Boots on the Ground emphasizes the importance of creating environmentally-friendly products. The team is determined to develop what they claim will be the world’s most sustainable boot, showcasing a commitment to both high-quality manufacturing and ecological consciousness. In addition to the boots, the organization has plans to expand its product line to include sustainable shirts and hoodies in the future.
Collaboration is a key aspect of the organization’s approach. Boots on the Ground has partnered with New Work Collective in Detroit, which assists with design prototypes and branding efforts, ensuring a professional and appealing product line. The team is currently fine-tuning its manufacturing processes and gearing up for a crowdfunding campaign set to launch in the summer of this year.
Recognizing the anticipated demand, Boots on the Ground expects a limited run of boots to sell out quickly upon release later this year. The organization has already made strides by employing its first veteran. Currently, it also boasts a team of 17 volunteers who contribute their time and skills to the mission.
Boots on the Ground’s overarching goal is to create a supportive environment where veterans can transition back into civilian life successfully. By providing not only employment opportunities but also resources for housing and personal support, the organization aims to help veterans regain their purpose and dignity through meaningful work.
Founded in response to the high rates of veteran unemployment, Boots on the Ground is focused on developing a sustainable model that benefits veterans and contributes positively to the local community. The initiative reflects broader societal efforts to address the challenges faced by returning service members and to facilitate their reintegration into the workforce.
The case of Boots on the Ground illustrates a growing commitment to helping veterans find lasting and fulfilling careers. In a landscape where many veterans struggle to transition from military to civilian life, initiatives such as this play a critical role in promoting job creation that aligns with the values of sustainability and service.
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
