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

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

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Looking Back: R2W’s 26th Annual Awards Ceremony (May 2024)

Last year, Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) proudly hosted its 26th Annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating the dedication of volunteers and community leaders who have helped veterans and people with disabilities return to work and life. 

Two Celebrations, One Mission 

To better serve our honorees and engage local communities, we held ceremonies in both Englewood, Florida and Boulder, Colorado. Special thanks to: 

  • Ronald Aylward, Executive Director of Heritage Oaks of Englewood, for hosting in Florida 
  • Chris Lites, for opening his clubhouse in Colorado 
  • General Thomas Mills, who presented medals in Colorado 

Presidential Honors 

Gold medals were awarded through the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, with recognition from President Joe Biden: 

Florida Honorees: 

  • Fern Ballou 
  • Debbie Henderson 

Colorado Honorees: 

  • Rob Brazell 
  • Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr. 
  • Larry Gustafson 
  • Jay VanderWerff 
  • Chuck Wright 

Additionally, Rob Brazell received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and R2W was honored with a Company Gold Medal. 

Spiritual Leadership and Community Support 

Prayers were led by: 

  • Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Chaplain, Denver Sheriff’s Department (Colorado) 
  • Chaplain Jim Mosely, American Legion Post 113 (Florida) 

Rob Brazell also read a prayer from the Committee on Publications, 1st Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida, where Fern Ballou and Debbie Henderson are members. 

Words That Inspired 

The ceremonies featured moving testimonials and speeches from: 

  • Fern Ballou, Debbie Henderson, and Ron Aylward in Florida 
  • General Thomas Mills, Chuck Wright, Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Larry Gustafson, and Rob Brazell in Colorado 

Notable attendees included neighbors, church members, first responders, and dignitaries such as Elisabeth Patierno, President, and Robert Patierno, Commander, American Legion Post 113, Rotonda West, Florida. 

A Personal Reflection from Fern Ballou 

“I thought my working years were over when my company moved away. But after a chance meeting with Rob Brazell at our church in Englewood, he asked for my resume and hired me. I never imagined it would lead to this award. It’s been deeply gratifying to help veterans and others with disabilities return to work and life. I’m still volunteering and grateful every day.” 

Support Still Needed 

As economic conditions evolve, grant foundations increasingly require nonprofits to demonstrate strong individual and corporate donor support. Every contribution helps sustain R2W’s mission. 

“Heritage Oaks of Englewood doesn’t just say ‘This isn’t like home, it is home’—they live it. Thank you to Ron, Kimberly, Chris, and all the staff and volunteers who made this celebration possible.”
— Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain and Director 

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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The Fight Continues – A Dream Come True

By Raghav Singh, Lead STEM Intern.  

R2W helped its first soldier nearly three decades ago.  With just two months left before completing his active-duty military service, Sergeant Logan Jubeck had to prepare for a new chapter in life—one filled with opportunity, purpose, and hope. Thanks to the support of the nonprofit organization Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W), Logan was able to envision a future that he once felt out of reach.

SGT Logan Jubeck was R2W’s first soldier via the National Guard’s Community Based Health Care Organization (CBHCO) nearly three decades ago.

Without [R2W] I probably could have found a job on my own, but it wouldn’t have been as easy.”  Seargent Logan Jubeck

Injured while serving in Iraq, Jubeck found himself on another path with the National Guard’s Community Based Health Care Origination (CBHCO) where he met Rob Brazell, R2W’s Founder, and his father and Uncles at a special Muster for injured soldiers. When he learned about R2W, he saw a chance to move forward with confidence.

Rob and Fran Brazell quickly found an employer in a civil engineering field that Jubeck was just dreaming about.  He didn’t have the prerequisite education or experience, but the employer waived the requirements for Jubeck and mentored him while providing a high salary that helped stabilize his family after his combat injuries.

“I had a little bit of schooling and a little bit of experience, but I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to apply…”  Seargent Logan Jubeck

R2W was founded in 1998 by Rob Brazell, his mother Frankie (Fran) Nixon Brazell, his father Ray Brazell, and his lifetime mentor, Malcolm Crawford out of his victories over severe injuries and terminal illness.  They created R2W to help injured Guard and Reserve members transition from military to civilian life. “… we offer extensive vocational rehabilitation services,” Brazell explained. “And right now, there are a lot of employers looking for soldiers.” 

R2W partners with businesses and volunteers across the country to connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities. The organization has helped over 10,000 individuals find jobs they never imagined possible—jobs that match their skills and values to bring out their resiliency.

Logan’s story is a testament to R2W’s mission empowering veterans to reclaim their futures. “These soldiers have an attitude that just can’t be beat,” said Brazell. “They may have lost their arms or legs, but they have a spirit that says, ‘I’m going to fight, I’m going to win, and I’m never going to give up.’

“These soldiers have an attitude that just can’t be beat.”   Rob Brazell.

 

As Logan separated from the military, he was able to renew his hope and find a clear path forward—thanks to the unwavering support of Project: Return To Work Inc.  (R2W) .

 

About The Author

Raghav Singh
– Lead STEM Intern
“As a Business Intelligence Developer with three years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Information Science, I transform complex data into actionable insights. I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly in empowering veterans, disabled civilians, and sundry communities, through my work with Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W).”  (read more)

 

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A Summer of Purpose at R2W

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern

This summer at Project:  Return to Work Inc. (R2W) showed me what it really means to make a difference.

From crafting news posts that highlight success stories to organizing event posts that bring our community together, every piece of content I created had a purpose bigger than myself. I attended dog shows, participated in heartbeats sessions, and helped coordinate workshops, all while watching how these efforts directly impact veterans and others seeking meaningful employment.

R2W STEM Interns enjoying a free meal at Naked Lunch

What started as a summer position became something I couldn’t walk away from. The work isn’t just rewarding, it’s essential. Veterans have given so much to our country, and being part of their journey back into civilian careers feels like the least I can do to give back.

That’s why I’m continuing with R2W this semester. When you find work that aligns with your values and creates real impact, you hold onto it. This isn’t just a job for me anymore. It’s a mission I’m proud to be part of.

As we head into fall, I’m excited to keep connecting veterans with opportunities, one post and one workshop at a time.

 

 

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A Win for Community and Canine Champions

By Raghav Singh, R2W Lead STEM Intern Summer 2025  

Project:  Return To Work Inc.  (R2W) just co-hosted its most innovative Heartbeat yet with the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver (STCGD) at their Specialty Shows this year.  Sponsors, job seekers, employers, volunteer mentors, and mascots– it all came together for one of our community’s most impactful events yet.

The Greeley Kennel Club wrapped up its highly anticipated 2025 All-Breed Dog Shows this weekend at Island Grove Regional Park, drawing thousands of spectators and over 1,900 canine entries per day. The five-day event featured three All-Breed Shows, two Hound Group Shows, and more than 23 Breed Specialties, along with Obedience and Rally Trials, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, and the AKC National Owner-Handled Series.

Among the standout participants were Olive (Yang) and Bilbo (Yin), two purebred Scottish Terrier puppies representing Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W)—a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, disabled civilians, and military families find meaningful employment. These Scotties, bred from champion lines by Charlie Gann of Gallica Scottish Terriers and Annel Henderson of LockerB Kennel, earned First Place and Best Puppy honors, bringing pride and excitement to the R2W team.

In a video released by R2W, Rob Brazell, R2w’s Founder, and Anell Henderson of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver appeared alongside the winning dogs, celebrating the joy and healing that animals bring to the organization’s mission. “We were very happy to return to the Greeley Kennel Club with the help of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver,” said Brazell. “Both of our beautiful mascots, Bilbo and Olive, won first place ribbons—and we look forward to many more.”

R2W’s participation in the show reflects its broader commitment to community engagement and holistic rehabilitation. “Thank you to everyone for your support, donations, and tireless work toward making our mission possible,” said a spokesperson in the video.

📺 Watch the video:

👉 Coming soon to R2W’s YouTube channel

📖 Read more about Charlie Gann and Gallica Scottish Terriers:

👉 https://return2work.org/2025/08/01/charlie-gann-a-life-led-by-loyalty-love-and-scottish-terriers

💙 Support R2W’s mission:

👉 https://return2work.org/donate

 

 

Greeley, CO — August 18, 2025

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Greeley Kennel Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Top Dogs and Community Impact

The Greeley Kennel Club marked its 75th anniversary with a spectacular five-day celebration of canine excellence at Island Grove Regional Park, drawing over 1,900 entries per day across conformation, obedience, rally, dock diving, barn hunt, and more.

Among the standout participants were Olive (Yang) and Bilbo (Yin), two purebred Scottish Terriers representing Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W)—a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, disabled civilians, and military families find meaningful employment. The Scotties, bred from champion lines by Charlie Gann of Gallica Scottish Terriers, earned First Place, Best Puppy, and other top honors in their categories.

The event featured over 23 breed specialties, three All-Breed Shows, and special competitions like the AKC National Owner-Handled Series, Best in Bred-by Exhibitor Group, and the Best in Specialties Show, which awarded a $1,000 prize to the top specialty winner.

R2W Founder Rob Brazell and Anell Henderson of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver were present to celebrate the wins and highlight the therapeutic and community-building power of dogs. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get together with the workers of R2W and have dogs be a part of it,” said Charlie Gann, whose legacy in the Scottie world continues to inspire.

The show was sponsored by Royal Canin, with vendors and breed clubs from across the country participating. The atmosphere was festive, inclusive, and deeply rooted in tradition—an ideal setting for R2W to showcase its mission and the joy that animals bring to healing and reintegration.

📖 Read Charlie’s full story:

👉https://return2work.org/2025/08/01/charlie-gann-a-life-led-by-loyalty-love-and-scottish-terriers

💙 Support R2W’s mission:

👉 https://return2work.org/donate

 

By Raghav Singh, Technical Consultant – Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W)

Greeley, CO — August 14–18, 2025