- January 26, 2026
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Gene Luca, a veteran and member of the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, said in a recent club meeting that he was amazed to learn the extent of what Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services does to help community members find jobs after they return home from serving.
"When you come out of combat, you're a very different person," he said before commending staff for working to meet people where they are to find a path forward.
Goodwill staff shared insights into the variety of ways they reach community members during the Jan. 20 Rotary meeting at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church.
Luca welcomed the evening's guest speakers, GMVS Vice President of Mission Services Margie Genter and Career Development Facilitator Randy Wright.
"They really do something very significant," Luca said of GMVS. "They work with veterans to help them and their families — and families of active servicemen and servicewomen — find meaningful employment."
Wright and Genter explained how the organization works to provide veterans with essential services like job training and placement. However, it also does much more to help community members feel heard and supported.
"We employ 1,500 people, some on the west coast of Florida and some on the east," Genter said. "But what's true for both sides is that 70% of the people we employ have a barrier to self-sufficiency."
Common barriers may include PTSD or other mental health challenges, financial constraints, a history of incarceration and substance abuse disorders, as Genter detailed.
"We are very proudly a second-chance employer," she said.
Genter said she is also proud of the Supported Jobs Plus program, which helps individuals with significant physical, psychiatric or intellectual disabilities build work skills through Goodwill.
Those employed through Goodwill's programs can also get support with life coaching, learning computer skills, earning a GED, or otherwise doing what they need to find a career they are passionate about pursuing.
She and Wright encouraged veterans to check out the Lutz Buddy Up Manasota meetings for a chance to socialize with people who have shared similar experiences. The group welcomes military and first responders to swap stories over a meal.
During the Nov. 8 celebration of Veterans Day and the town of Longboat Key's 70th anniversary, Rotarians presented GMVS with a $7,500 check to support outreach services.
At the Jan. 20 Rotary meeting, members followed it up with an additional $5,600 contribution.
"We hope this will be helpful to you," Luca said while presenting the check.
For more about the variety of veterans services offered, visit ExperienceGoodwill.org/VeteransServices or call 941-355-2721.
Rotary President Terri Driver noted that the club's next regular meeting has been shifted to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 to accommodate guest speaker Ben Jameson to talk about the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. For more, visit LongboatKeyRotary.org.
