MILWAUKEE— Milwaukee Tool, a Wisconsin based company, donated a truck full of tools to veterans in need.

It was an exciting day for the team at the Center for Veterans Issues. Delivery day came with a special delivery of tools donated by Milwaukee Tool.

The Center for Veterans Issues has had a small woodworking program running for years. But now, this program is expanding and blossoming in one of their newly remodeled garages. They wanted to expand to be able to allow more veterans to be a part of the program.

Inside the walls of the garage is a new beginning for veterans. The room started out empty and has transformed into a workshop for veterans living in transitional housing through vets place central.

“This program allows veterans to reintegrate into the community. It allows them to gain the very necessary skills and job skills to get employment, to get back with their families and have a productive life and be a productive member of society,” Center for Veterans Issues VP of housing and development, Dr. Berdie Cowser says.

CVI will now be able to host woodworking classes for veterans, teaching job skills and doing hands on work.

“It warms our heart to know that these tools are going to be in the hands of veterans providing that really impactful work. Really providing the sense and feeling of being able to accomplish things using these tools in their everyday life,” Milwaukee Tool chief of veterans society, Jeff Searl says.

That feeling of accomplishment is something Army veteran James Richards knows all too well.

“It’s an emotional sight for me to see this,” Center for Veterans Issues director of facilities, Richards says.

Richards is now running this woodworking program. It’s a full circle moment for him because he was once a veteran in CVI’s programs and through the experience he got, he landed a job as their director of facilities and has been with them for over 27 years.

“It’s been an unbelievable ride here. Nothing that I planned,” Richards says.

So as he got to watch tools fill his new workshop, he got emotional. He says knowing the impact he will now be able to make on veterans and have a hand in changing their lives is something truly special.

“I’m hoping to catch at least a few of them to make a better life. To have a richer life, maybe it opens their life so they can do things. That’s what i’m hoping for,” Richards says.

This place will be a new outlet for veterans who are working to better their lives, providing them with the tools they need for success.