Since 2020, INvets has been proudly supported by the State of Indiana. With a cumulative investment of $7 million from state funding, we have delivered an economic return of over $40 million. We welcomed 650 new residents, former military, and their families to Indiana this last year alone.
The skills acquired in the military, including but not limited to leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, working under duress, and a mission-driven mindset, are exactly what today’s employers need.
At INvets, we build Indiana’s workforce by connecting these skilled veterans and transitioning service members to meaningful careers. We help employers fill critical talent gaps and strengthen communities across the state by ensuring veterans and their families thrive right here in Indiana.
The work we do and the resulting demonstrated positive impact was insufficient to save us, or many other organizations, from a reduction in funding. The reduction of 50% in our funding left us with no option but to review everything the INvets team does, to reduce spending, and to restructure. As a result, we have had to make incredibly complex decisions, including a reduction in force (RIF). These decisions were painful and deeply felt. Anyone in business knows that behind every line item on a budget, there is a person, a teammate, a contributor to the mission.
Please know for INvets this is a reset, not a retreat. As we start this fiscal year, we will remain an energetic, vital team, with a shared mission. Our commitment to serving transitioning military, veterans, their spouses and family, and growing Indiana’s workforce remains steadfast and vital. We serve those who serve their country, never knowing if it will result in them making the ultimate sacrifice.
The restructuring has taken away resources, but as always, there are positive outcomes for some of our TEAM members. Dana Lescoe will take on the Chief of Staff role, Andrew Messmer has been named Director of Operations and Jesse Pimental will be the Director of Special Projects. However, I believe they read the small print and know they will all have multiple hats to wear daily.
INvets is now in a season of intense focus. We are moving forward with even more discipline and determination. We have evaluated every dollar we spend, every service we offer, and every strategy we pursue. We are dedicated to doing more with less—and to emerge stronger, more efficient, and more impactful.
However, we can’t do this alone.
If you are an employer, partner, donor, or advocate who believes in the power of veteran talent to transform communities and companies, we invite you to connect with us. Help us build what is next.
Indiana still needs workers. Veterans still need opportunities. INvets still has work to do. The path ahead is not easy, but our purpose remains clear. INvets will continue to lead where impact matters most.
With optimism for the future,
Sarah Harrison
Sarah Harrison | CEO | INvets
Dana Lescoe | VP | INvets