A 12-week hybrid employment readiness series in partnership with the VA Psychological Rehabilitation & Recovery Center — every Thursday, in-person at VA Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center & virtual.
This plan has been prepared by The Houston Launch Pad (THLP) for review by the VA Psychological Rehabilitation & Recovery Center. It outlines the proposed program structure, 12-week curriculum, delivery format, and website integration plan. All elements are open for discussion and refinement prior to MOU execution. Sessions meet every Thursday at 2:00 PM. VA Partnership Contact: Jennis Leblanc, VA PRRC.
The VA Educational Training Program bridges the gap between psychological rehabilitation and workforce re-entry — equipping veterans with the practical skills, confidence, and connections to secure meaningful employment.
Session structure and delivery details
Every Thursday · Weekly
Thursdays at 2:00 PM · 90 minutes per session
12 Weeks · 3 Phases of 4 weeks each
VA Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center
Houston, TX 77054
Secure video link provided weekly to all participants
10–20 veterans per cohort (recommended)
Who this program serves and how
All veterans referred by VA PRRC, including those with psychological/mental health diagnoses
VA PRRC clinical staff refer veterans directly to THLP; intake completed by THLP Employment Specialist
None — all skill levels welcome; sessions are progressive but accessible from any starting point
Online registration via houstonlaunchpad.com or direct referral from VA PRRC staff
Free of charge — no cost to participants
English; bilingual support available upon request
Three progressive phases guide veterans from self-assessment and skill-building through job search strategy and employer connection — every Thursday, one step at a time.
Every session is designed to work equally well in person and online — so no veteran is left out due to transportation, schedule, or mobility challenges.
By the end of Week 12, every participant will have completed a full employment readiness portfolio and have a clear, actionable path to employment.
A polished resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile tailored to their target industry — ready to submit on Day 1 of job searching.
Demonstrated ability to answer behavioral and situational interview questions using the STAR method, with mock interview experience and feedback.
Full understanding of VA benefits they can retain during employment, OJT/apprenticeship options, and how to evaluate job offers confidently.
Ability to navigate USAJOBS, LinkedIn, and veteran-specific job boards confidently — with a personalized weekly job search plan in hand.
Clear understanding of ADA workplace rights, disclosure decisions, accommodation requests, and strategies for sustaining employment while managing mental health.
Connection to THLP's ongoing case management, job placement services, and veteran resource network — the relationship doesn't end at Week 12.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will define the responsibilities of each partner, referral protocols, data sharing agreements, and program evaluation metrics.
THLP Will Provide:
VA PRRC Will Provide:
The Houston Launch Pad has served veterans and their families for over 13 years through federally funded employment programs including HVRP (DOL-VETS), VSTAGP, and GPD Per Diem. Our employment specialists hold deep expertise in veteran-specific job placement, MOS translation, and benefits navigation.
The VA Psychological Rehabilitation & Recovery Center provides comprehensive mental health rehabilitation services to veterans with serious mental illnesses. This partnership bridges clinical recovery with workforce re-entry — recognizing that meaningful employment is central to long-term psychological well-being.
Together, we create a continuum of care that doesn't leave veterans at the recovery center door — it walks with them all the way to a career.
The VA Educational Training Program will have a dedicated presence on the THLP website — making it easy for veterans and referral partners to learn about and register for the program.
Every Thursday at 2:00 PM, participants can join in person at VA Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center or connect virtually. Here is everything you need to participate remotely.
Virtual participants will receive an enrollment confirmation email with the meeting link, passcode, and a digital copy of the program schedule. If you have not received your confirmation within 48 hours of registering, please contact THLP at (713) 637-4174 or email dgilbert@houstonlaunchpad.com. All session materials are available for download at houstonlaunchpad.com prior to each Thursday session.
Share this card with veterans, VA PRRC staff, and referral partners. Print it, email it, or display it at the VA facility.
Houston Launch Pad × VA Psychological Rehabilitation & Recovery Center
Employment readiness education — resumes, job search, interview skills, workplace rights & VA benefits
Every Thursday at 2:00 PM · 90 minutes · 12 Weeks
Orientation: May 28, 2026 · Program: June 4 – August 20, 2026
VA Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center · Houston, TX
Secure meeting link provided upon enrollment · Join from any device
All veterans referred by VA PRRC · No prerequisites · No cost
Jennis Leblanc, VA PRRC
(713) 637-4174 · dgilbert@houstonlaunchpad.com · houstonlaunchpad.com
Each session plan includes learning objectives, discussion topics, facilitator notes, and a materials list. Print individually or all at once.
Keep the tone warm and welcoming — many participants may be anxious about returning to work. Emphasize there is no pressure, no judgment, and no prerequisite experience required. Allow extra time for questions. Collect all intake forms before participants leave. Confirm virtual access is working for remote attendees before closing.
This is the first full session — continue building psychological safety. The strengths inventory should feel affirming, not evaluative. Normalize that many veterans underestimate what they bring. Frame military experience as a competitive advantage, not a barrier. Collect completed worksheets to inform future resume sessions.
Have participants share their MOS/branch and work through at least one translation as a group. Use O*NET On-Line live if a screen is available. Emphasize that this exercise feeds directly into Week 3's resume session — the translation work they do today becomes their resume bullet points next week.
Provide the resume template as a Word document for take-home completion. Walk through a sample "before" military resume and a "after" civilian version together. Encourage veterans to bring their DD-214 or any prior resumes they have. Assign: complete the resume draft before Week 4 — it will be reviewed and refined throughout the program.
Walk through a sample strong LinkedIn profile on screen if possible. Some veterans may not have a LinkedIn or may be concerned about privacy — normalize this and offer privacy-first profile settings guidance. Assign: create or update LinkedIn profile before Week 5. Note: this is an educational overview, not a hands-on lab — participants complete profiles on their own time.
Acknowledge that job searching can feel overwhelming — normalize the experience. Encourage participants to set a realistic weekly goal (e.g., 3–5 applications, 2 networking messages). Introduce the job search tracker so they can begin logging activity. This session bridges directly into Week 10's platform deep dive.
Remind veterans that the cover letter template they create today is reusable — they only need to customize the first and third paragraph for each application. Walk through the before/after examples as a group. Assign: draft one cover letter for a real job they are interested in before Week 7.
Use paired discussion where veterans practice answering one STAR question to a partner — this builds confidence without pressure. Acknowledge that interview anxiety is normal and common, especially for those who have been out of the workforce. Emphasize that preparation is the best antidote. Virtual interview tips are especially important for this hybrid cohort.
This session is sensitive — coordinate with VA PRRC clinical staff in advance if possible. Emphasize that disclosure is always the veteran's choice. Keep the conversation practical and empowering rather than focused on limitations. If the group has strong engagement, allow extra discussion time. Consider inviting a VA vocational rehabilitation counselor as a guest resource if available.
Many veterans fear losing their VA disability compensation if they work — clarify the rules clearly. Compensation typically is not affected by employment (it's based on disability rating, not income). Direct veterans to their VSO or VA benefits counselor for personalized guidance. WOTC overview should be empowering — veterans are a financial asset to employers, which is leverage they can use.
If a projector/screen is available at the VA site, walk through USAJOBS live — it's the most unfamiliar platform for most veterans and the most important for federal employment. For virtual participants, share screen during the demo portion. Distribute the quick reference card as a keep-and-use resource. Remind veterans to bring their job search tracker from Week 5 — they should be actively logging searches by now.
This session should feel like handing veterans a comprehensive toolkit, not overwhelming them with a list. Prioritize the 5–6 most relevant resources for this cohort. Remind veterans that THLP's relationship with them does not end at Week 12 — ongoing case management is available. Preview next week's graduation and ask veterans to reflect on their progress for the closing discussion.
Make this session celebratory and affirming. Allow time for veterans to share one reflection about their experience. Present certificates individually if in person. For virtual participants, mail certificates or arrange a separate pickup. Ensure all program evaluation surveys are collected before closing — this data is shared with VA PRRC as part of the partnership reporting. Invite Jennis Leblanc (VA PRRC) to attend if available.
The Houston Launch Pad is ready to partner, plan, and execute. Let's finalize the MOU, set a start date, and begin accepting referrals from VA PRRC clinical staff.
The Houston Launch Pad · 2636 South Loop West, Suite 560 · Houston, TX 77054
SAM.gov Registered · EIN 76-0567116