Maricopa County Awarded $1.5 Million Grant to Expand Services for Incarcerated Veterans

Phoenix, Ariz. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Maricopa County has been awarded a three-year, $1.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor's Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program to expand workforce development services for incarcerated veterans, creating a more streamlined pathway to employment and successful community reintegration.

Phoenix, Ariz. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Maricopa County has been awarded a three-year, $1.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor's Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program to expand workforce development services for incarcerated veterans, creating a more streamlined pathway to employment and successful community reintegration. "Every veteran in our community deserves a meaningful opportunity to build a stable and successful future," said Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. "Veterans are highly valued members of the workforce, and adding such a meaningful reentry program ensures quality employment opportunities will be available upon release. This is an investment in the economic opportunity, independence, and the long-term success of veterans." The funding, totaling approximately $500,000 per year for three years, will serve veterans in local correctional and long-term care institutions by providing individualized career planning, skills assessments, and employment support, including training, apprenticeships, work-based learning and opportunities with fair-chance employers in in-demand industries. The program will also build on the County's existing Smart Justice initiatives by expanding services specifically for veterans who have recently been released from incarceration. Smart Justice helps justice-involved individuals prepare for, obtain, and succeed in meaningful employment through career coaching, workforce training, job resources, and paid work opportunities. The grant will fund a new full-time Program Coordinator – Veteran Reintegration position to oversee program implementation and strengthen partnerships with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Bound by Valor Unit, Phoenix Veteran's Affairs, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, and other local community organizations that are involved in bringing the program to life. Until the position is filled, veterans can access services through the County's existing Workforce Development and Smart Justice programs. By creating a dedicated veteran reintegration pipeline, Maricopa County aims to reduce barriers to employment, strengthen connections to housing and community resources, and help veterans transition from incarceration to stable employment and long-term self-sufficiency. Learn more about Maricopa County's efforts at Maricopa.gov/SJ. About Maricopa County Human Services The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at Maricopa.gov/HSD.