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Free – Local Family Donates Seven Purebred Walker Hound Puppies

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Boulder, CO – Project:  Return To Work Inc,  (R2W) announces a heartwarming partnership with the Macy family, who are donating seven Walker hound puppies to loving families in our community. 

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING? Contact us immediately at https://return2work.org/contact/ – Priority given to Guard and Reserve families. 

Meet the Puppies 

Born July 29th, these seven pups (4 females, 3 males) are offspring of Sis, a sweet-natured running walker, and Boone, a well-minded hunting companion. Individual photos showcase each puppy’s unique personality and appeal. 

    

Ready Now 

Puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their forever homes. Walker hounds offer gentle temperament, intelligence, and loyalty – excellent family pets with natural hunting instincts. 

Pickup & Delivery 

  • Pickup: Boulder, Colorado or Rock Springs, Wyoming 
  • Shipping: Available nationwide (costs apply) 
  • Health: Contact us for shot records and healthcare information.

About the Donation 

The Macy family – extended family of R2W founders Rob, DeLisle, Fran, and Ray Brazell – continues their tradition of giving back to the community through this generous donation. 

 

Apply now: https://return2work.org/contact/ 

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern 

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R2W Village LLC Seeks Rehabilitation Counselors for Florida Contract

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The incubator for Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W), R2W Village LLC, is excited to announce several positions for Rehabilitation Counselors in Florida. Join a company that has helped disabled Americans and veterans find fulfilling work for more than 26 years, has won numerous awards, and has a proud history of winning government contracts. Since 1998, R2W has established a solid, purpose-driven organization that genuinely improves people’s lives. We have received praise for our creative approach to vocational rehabilitation and our steadfast dedication to helping people get “Back to Work, Back to Life.”

With an emphasis on Tier 3 Employment Services and Tier 4 Supported Employment, we are hiring up to seven certified professionals to support our contract with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the State of Florida Department of Education. For counselors with a track record of success and genuine confidence in their abilities, this remote-friendly role offers competitive compensation that surpasses industry standards, along with generous commission opportunities. In addition to certification from recognized organizations, qualified candidates must hold a BA with relevant experience or a PhD or Master’s degree in a related field. Join a team that has been changing lives for decades and start your own fulfilling career in vocational rehabilitation if you’re passionate about helping people with personal, social, and professional challenges become as independent and employable as possible.

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern

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R2W Job Seeker’s Workshops: Your Gateway Back to the Workforce

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With our extensive Job Seeker’s Workshops, created especially for Veterans, Americans with disabilities, and anyone else prepared to confidently reenter the workforce, Project: Return to Work, Inc. (R2W) continues to empower job seekers. Our workshops offer individualized guidance from compassionate professionals who understand your unique challenges, whether you’re a disabled person looking to explore new career paths, a wounded warrior transitioning from military service, or someone just looking to brush up on your job search techniques.

New to R2W? We invite you to attend our Job Seeker’s Workshops to learn more about how to get started. There, you will meet people going through similar experiences and gain the skills and confidence needed for a successful career. Our workshops create a friendly, community-based setting where participants can exchange stories, rehearse interviewing skills, and get input from both professionals and peers.

With over 25 years of experience helping thousands of Americans return to meaningful work, R2W’s workshops have become a trusted stepping stone for those ready to write the next chapter of their careers. Contact us today and check out our events page to learn more about upcoming workshops and take the first step toward your “Back to Work, Back to Life” journey.

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern

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R2W Launches New PayPal Giving Campaign: Vote4Us

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We’re thrilled to announce that Project: Return to Work, Inc. (R2W) is now an authorized charity with PayPal, opening exciting new opportunities for our community to support our mission of helping disabled Americans and veterans get “Back to Work, Back to Life!” Since 1998, we’ve provided free vocational rehabilitation services, career counseling, and placement support to wounded warriors, their spouses, and people from diverse communities nationwide. This PayPal partnership means we can now create ongoing fundraising campaigns like our new Vote4Us initiative, making it easier and more secure than ever for supporters to contribute to our life-changing programs.

Through PayPal’s trusted platform, you can now make one-time donations or set up recurring monthly support to directly impact the lives of veterans and disabled Americans who are ready to re-enter the workforce. PayPal Giving Fund passes along 100% of donated funds to charities, ensuring your contribution goes straight to providing specialized vocational evaluations, career counseling, employer networking, and the personalized support our clients need to succeed. Whether you’re donating for veteran employment, disability inclusion, or second chances in the workforce, your Vote4Us contribution helps us continue our 26+ year mission of connecting skilled, committed candidates with employers who value their unique strengths. Visit our PayPal campaign page to help us build a more inclusive workforce for all Americans.

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern

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Looking Back R2W’s 2009 Welcome Event for Wounded Warriors at Fort Carson

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FORT CARSON, CO — In 2009, Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W) played a vital role in honoring and supporting wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan through its signature “Wounded Warrior Welcome Social” at Fort Carson. 

At the time, the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) served as a critical waypoint for injured service members—some preparing to rejoin their units, others beginning the transition to civilian life through medical discharge. Regardless of their path, the Welcome Social offered a moment of recognition, connection, and hope. 

The event was part of a long-standing tradition initiated in 2006 by LTC Joe Gmelch, who began hosting monthly socials to welcome and uplift transitioning soldiers. By 2009, these gatherings had become a cornerstone of community support, even as the frequency shifted to quarterly due to a decline in combat-related injuries. 

The January 2009 social drew notable attendees, including U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Mrs. Colorado Christina Sacha, reflecting the community’s deep appreciation for its service members. Major General Mark Graham, then Commanding General of Division West, First Army and Fort Carson, was also present to personally greet the soldiers. 

Rob Brazell, President of R2W, attended alongside his father Ray Brazell, a WWII Marine, and a team of R2W Employment Specialists—many of whom were veterans themselves. R2W’s mission was clear: to provide free vocational rehabilitation services to injured soldiers, using a unique blend of advanced technology and personalized job placement strategies. 

The event allowed R2W specialists to connect directly with wounded soldiers and Marines, offering guidance and reassurance about life after service. “Once the word gets out about what we do, R2W is always requested and accepted,” said one specialist. “The soldiers walk away knowing they’ll be taken care of.” 

R2W’s slogan—“Back to Work, Back to Life”—captured the spirit of the event and the organization’s enduring commitment to helping veterans reclaim their futures. 

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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R2W Sponsors: Powering Possibilities for American Heroes

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At Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W), we are proud to partner with some of the world’s most innovative and impactful organizations—including Microsoft, Google, Suitable, and many more. These sponsors share our mission to empower Americans with disabilities, injured veterans, and their families through meaningful employment and career development.  

Why Sponsorship Matters. 

 

R2W believes in the power of collaboration. By networking with community leaders and industry giants, we amplify our ability to deliver life-changing services. Our sponsors contribute not only funding, but also technology, expertise, and visibility—helping us reach more people and create lasting impact.  

 

Each year, R2W participates in highly publicized events where sponsor logos are proudly displayed across our website, marketing materials, and media coverage. Members of our elite Employers Corps—pillars of the community—are recognized at events and in interviews for their outstanding support.  

Programs You Can Support  

 

Sponsors and donors can choose to support a variety of impactful programs:  

  • General Fund  
  • A JOB FOR LIFE Endowment  
  • Sponsor Events  
  • Sponsor Injured Veterans & Families  
  • Job Posting & Screening Services  
  • Mentor Program  
  • STEM Internship Program  

 

These programs are designed to provide long-term support and career pathways for those who need it most.  

Join the Movement  

 

R2W has helped thousands of American Heroes and their families over the decades. With your support, we can continue to grow our reach and deepen our impact. Whether you’re a tech company, a local business, or an individual donor, your contribution helps build a more inclusive workforce.

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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Fran Nixon Award 2018

Retrospective: R2W at the White House – A Defining Moment in Advocacy for Wounded Warriors

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In July 2011, Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W) reached a pivotal milestone when its founder, Rob Brazell, and board member Jay D. VanderWerff were invited to a daylong White House briefing. This event was more than a ceremonial visit—it was a powerful recognition of R2W’s grassroots impact and its unwavering commitment to serving disabled veterans and Wounded Warriors. 

A Seat at the Table 

The White House gathering brought together community leaders from across the nation to engage directly with senior officials. For R2W, this was an opportunity to elevate the voices of veterans and their families at the highest levels of government. Rob Brazell’s remarks—calling it “the most open White House in history”—captured the spirit of collaboration and transparency that defined the event. 

Policy Meets Purpose 

The discussions centered on federal initiatives supporting disabled Americans, with a strong emphasis on veterans’ affairs. R2W’s mission aligned seamlessly with the administration’s priorities, particularly through the Joining Forces initiative, which aimed to support military families through employment, education, and wellness programs. 

This alignment catalyzed a strategic shift in R2W’s operations. Following the White House visit and subsequent engagements with the Department of Defense and other agencies, R2W began restructuring its business model to more rapidly respond to the employment needs of Wounded Warriors. This transformation laid the groundwork for future partnerships and program expansions. 

Legacy and Impact 

Looking back from 2025, this moment stands as a testament to R2W’s credibility and influence. It validated the organization’s work since its founding in 1998 and helped shape its trajectory in the years that followed. The White House visit also reinforced R2W’s role as a bridge between federal policy and local action, ensuring that the needs of veterans were not only heard but addressed. 

Today, as R2W continues to evolve—navigating funding challenges, expanding digital outreach, and reimagining workforce development—the 2011 White House briefing remains a proud chapter in its history. It reminds us that meaningful change begins with courageous conversations, and that grassroots organizations like R2W can indeed shape national policy.

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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🎯 Using AI to Improve Outreach: R2W Launches User Engagement Research Initiative

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August 31, 2025 — Project Return to Work Inc. (R2W) is proud to announce a new research initiative led by Raghav Singh, a Business Intelligence Developer at R2W and a graduate student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Colorado State University. This project aims to uncover patterns in user engagement on the R2W website to enhance outreach and messaging strategies. 

The research explores a central question:
“What patterns in user engagement on the Project Return to Work website could help inform and improve outreach or messaging efforts?” 

To answer this, Raghav is combining cutting-edge analytics tools with thoughtful survey design. A Qualtrics survey will be deployed to gather qualitative insights from visitors—asking how they arrived at the site, what content resonated with them, and what emotions they experienced during their visit. These responses will help contextualize the quantitative data collected through Google Analytics, including metrics like: 

  • Click-through rates 
  • Page views and time on page 
  • Bounce rates and exit pages 
  • Traffic sources and user flow analysis 

“This is about finding the intersection between numbers and narratives,” Raghav explains. “If someone says they felt inspired by a veteran success story, and we see high scroll depth and time-on-page for that story, that’s a strong signal. But if users bounce quickly from the homepage, that tells us something needs to change.” 

The survey will be accessible via the R2W landing page and promoted across social media platforms. On-site feedback forms and pop-up surveys may also be used to increase participation—balanced carefully to avoid overwhelming users. 

Beyond improving the website, this initiative has strategic implications. By identifying which traffic sources bring in the most engaged users—not just the most users—R2W can prioritize outreach efforts more effectively. For example, LinkedIn may attract fewer visitors, but those visitors might be more likely to donate or engage deeply with content. 

Raghav’s work reflects a broader commitment to data-driven decision-making at R2W. “Setting up a GA4 property and web stream is a profound contribution,” he notes. “But it often requires advocacy and persistence. The insights we gain will help us better serve our mission and connect with the people who need us most.”

 

By Raghav Singh, Business Intelligence Developer