« All News

Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) Selected as Exhibitor at PVMH Veterans Mental Health Conference

By Farid Ahmadov, STEM Intern

Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) is proud to announce that we have been accepted at the PVMH conference as an exhibitor. The PVMH conference, otherwise known as the Partnerships for Veterans Mental Health conference, is an annual conference designed to elevate veterans mental health issues and needs. The event, scheduled for September 3-6 at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz medical campus, is an excellent place to highlight the needs of veterans with mental issues, and is attended by a wide variety of people such as veterans, current service members, and everyday community members. The event is scheduled to have multiple guest speakers such as inspirational speakers, expert panels, and scientific tracks. Chief among them will be now retired master sergeant Cedric King, who will share his story on resilience. The movie Brothers After War will also be shown, with many more events being scheduled to take place over the 4-day event. 

See R2W @ the “Lightning Rounds” on September 5th.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Discounts will be available for veterans, service members, and their families. We hope to make a lasting impact at this year’s PVMH conference, and hope that you can show up and give your support too. To find out more about the event, please visit the event webpage, link.

 

« All News

Charlie Gann: A Life Led by Loyalty, Love, and Scottish Terriers 

At the heart of Gallica Scottish Terriers is a woman whose life has been transformed by a breed known for its bold spirit and unwavering loyalty. Charlie Gann, owner of Gallica Scottish Terriers and a proud member of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver, has been a cornerstone of the Scottie community since 2000. Alongside her husband, Bob Gann, Charlie has dedicated over two decades to nurturing, showing, and celebrating these remarkable dogs. 

“From the time we acquired our first Scottie in 2000, we had gone full on in everything Scottish Terrier.” 

Charlie’s journey began with a single Scottish Terrier—and from that moment, she and Bob dove headfirst into everything Scottie-related. Their passion has taken them across the U.S., and even to the UK, where Charlie qualified to show at the prestigious Crufts Dog Show in 2022. Her home-bred wheaten-colored girl, Sorcha (CH. Gallica’s Edelweiss), won Best of Breed at the national specialty—an honor not seen for a wheaten Scottie since 1986. 

“It was a great honor. The last time a wheaten-colored Scottish Terrier won the national was in 1986.” 

Charlie’s involvement with the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver spans 18 years, during which she has served as President, Vice President, Newsletter Editor, and Board Member. Bob, equally committed, has been the club’s webmaster for 15 years and is also an AKC Earthdog Judge, certified to judge at all levels across the U.S. and Canada. 

“Bob has judged all over the US and Canada. He’s passed all qualifications to judge at every Earthdog level.” 

Beyond conformation events, the Ganns are active in AKC Scent Work, Barn Hunts, and are now exploring AKC Tracking. Charlie also contributes nationally, having served on the board of the Scottish Terrier Club of America for five years and currently holding committee positions. 

Their love for Scotties extends to the next generation. Charlie affectionately refers to Bilbo and Olive as her “grand-Scotties.” These energetic pups are descendants of her champion Sorcha, through her wheaten male Lars’ son, Gallica’s Sea Dragon. Bilbo is cherished by Rob, and Olive by Annel Henderson—both deeply involved with R2W. 

“Bilbo and Olive are fun-loving, energetic, and very lucky Scotties to be loved by Rob and Annel.” 

Charlie’s connection to Project: Return To Work (R2W) has been a meaningful one. “After being introduced to Rob, it has been wonderful to witness his love for our military members and his endless dedication to helping them,” she says. The opportunity to bring dogs into the fold of R2W’s mission has added a joyful and healing dimension to the work. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to get together with the workers of R2W and have dogs be a part of it!” 

Charlie Gann’s story is one of devotion—to her dogs, her community, and the people she’s met along the way. Through Gallica Scottish Terriers and her work with R2W, she continues to inspire others with her warmth, expertise, and the enduring charm of the Scottish Terrier. 

 

By Nathan Megersa, STEM Intern 

« All News

Bridging the Gap: Project: Return to Work’s Mission to Reintegrate Veterans into Civilian Careers

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a tough problem facing many veterans today, with many proposed solutions either not working or not working well enough. Veterans often lack the proper skills demanded by the job market, or they face discrimination due to the disabilities they incurred during their service. These obstacles can lead to unemployment, underemployment, or financial stress. Below, we outline Project: Return to Work’s (R2W) unique approach in reintegrating veterans into civil society.

Project: Return to Work focuses on vocational training to help build up the skills veterans will need to reintegrate into civil society. R2W works with a wide array of career counselors to work with clients to make individualized career plans that align with the clients’ personal skills and interests. Our services also include job search assistance, resume and cover letter writing, and ongoing job placement support. Furthermore, we provide guidance by disclosing any disabilities a client may have so that they can get the accommodations they need. Military spouses are also provided with help to help them navigate any hurdles they may face while their spouses seek employment, such as relocation assistance and networking opportunities. 

Our program has many success stories, many of which can be found on our website, return2work.org. We have placed many veterans in many different industries, leveraging their own personal skills and our connections to these industries. Military spouses also have benefited from our support, finding fulfilling employment that also accommodates their own personal circumstances. 

We look forward to expanding our services to reach and help even more people, as well as to connect with more organizations to help provide employment. We hope to inspire other organizations by sharing our model with them so that they adopt similar approaches to help contribute to a more equitable and supportive employment landscape.

By Farid Ahmadov, STEM Intern

« All News

A Legacy of Empowerment: R2W’s Journey Since 1998 and Vision for the Future

In a heartfelt interview on Comcast Newsmakers over 16 years ago, Rob Brazell, founder of Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W), shared the story of an organization built on hope, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Founded in 1998, R2W was created to help veterans and disabled citizens overcome barriers and return to the workforce with confidence and dignity. 

Rob outlined R2W’s innovative model—one that integrates vocational, physical, and therapeutic rehabilitation to support job seekers holistically. It wasn’t just about employment; it was about restoring purpose and independence. He also issued a powerful call to action, urging employers across industries to partner with R2W and become part of a movement that transforms lives. 

Today, that mission is not only alive—it’s thriving. 

Over the past two decades, R2W has helped thousands of individuals find meaningful employment through personalized support, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. The organization continues to serve as a trusted bridge between untapped talent and inclusive employers, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of each job seeker. 

Looking ahead, R2W is setting its sights even higher. The goal: to serve one million clients over the next decade. This ambitious vision is fueled by powerful collaborations with organizations like StaffCV and Microsoft, whose technologies and platforms have propelled R2W’s reach and impact. These partnerships enable R2W to deliver cutting-edge tools, streamline job matching, and provide the best possible support to those seeking employment. 

But the journey is far from over. 

R2W is actively seeking new volunteers, job seekers, and employers to join its mission. Whether you’re looking to give back, find your path forward, or hire exceptional talent, R2W is here to help you take that next step. 

From its founding in 1998 to its future vision, R2W remains a beacon of hope, empowerment, and opportunity. Join us in shaping the next chapter.

By Nathan Mergusa, STEM Intern

« All News

Alexander Baker

Meet Alexander Baker: STEM Intern Managing Digital Operations and Community Engagement

Hello! My name is Alexander Baker, and I’m excited to be a STEM Intern at Project: Return2Work (R2W). I am currently a rising junior at the University of Colorado Boulder, studying Computer Science.

At R2W, my role focuses on keeping our organization in touch with both clients and the wider community. I manage our website, sharing upcoming events and news stories that showcase the journeys of the people we serve. A big part of my work involves managing talent pools on StaffCV, our applicant tracking system. I help organize candidate profiles and connect job seekers with suitable opportunities.

I also actively take part in R2W’s heartbeats and workshops. These events offer valuable chances to connect directly with clients and see the real impact of our work. They have deepened my appreciation for R2W’s mission and shown me how meaningful this work is.

Working with R2W has shown me how technology can serve as a powerful tool for social good. Every website update, talent pool improvement, and community interaction helps individuals rebuild their careers and regain their independence. I see the clear link between the technical work I do and the lives it affects, whether it’s helping someone find information about our services or organizing candidate data so the right person finds the right opportunity.

Alexander Baker

Alexander Baker – STEM Intern
“I’m a driven and curious student who thrives at solving tough problems and making a difference in the world through my work. I’m impressed with R2W’s mission, and I am privileged to be a member of a team that serves veterans through impactful work.”

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern

« All News

Return To Work Inc. (R2W): Restoring Purpose Through Employment 

Return To Work Inc. (R2W) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities find meaningful employment and vocational rehabilitation. Since 1998, R2W has been a national leader in using technology-driven assessments, personalized career matching, and direct recruiting services to empower individuals to re-enter the workforce with confidence and dignity. 

Founded by Rob Brazell, an engineer turned social entrepreneur, R2W was born from a deeply personal journey of recovery and reinvention. Rob’s experience overcoming life-threatening illness and later traumatic injury gave him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by those trying to return to work after life-altering events. His vision was clear: create a system that not only supports people in finding jobs but also helps them rediscover their sense of purpose. 

Why R2W Matters 

The need for R2W’s services is more urgent than ever. According to recent data: 

  • Over 2 million veterans are receiving disability compensation from the VA. 
  • Many face higher unemployment rates than their civilian peers, especially those with service-connected disabilities. 
  • Military spouses experience job instability due to frequent relocations and limited access to career development resources. 

R2W addresses these challenges by offering: 

  • Vocational assessments tailored to individual strengths and interests 
  • Job placement services that connect clients with employers who value their unique skills 
  • Supportive coaching and rehabilitation programs that build confidence and resilience 

Join the Mission 

Whether you’re a veteran seeking a new career, a professional looking to give back, or a supporter who believes in the power of work—R2W invites you to be part of the solution. 

Together, we can build a future where every veteran and person with a disability has the opportunity to thrive through meaningful work.

 

« All News

Summer Social Media Strategy: The R2W Difference in Action 

This summer, Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W) has launched a bold new social media strategy designed to deepen community engagement and amplify our mission to help disabled civilians, injured veterans, and their spouses find meaningful employment. With a proud history dating back to 1998, R2W has served over 10,000 Americans, and we’re now setting our sights on reaching 1 million clients within the next decade. 

Daily Digital Engagement 

Our strategy centers on daily communication with our audience through: 

  • Video content captured at live events using professional digital cameras and audio mics 
  • New articles published regularly on our website 
  • Labor market news and updates on vocational rehabilitation 
  • Mission-driven storytelling through interviews with partners like the Scottish Terrier Kennel Club of Greater Denver and local community members 

We currently post on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, and plan to expand to TikTok as we build our short-form video library. Our content is designed to reflect the R2W Difference—a combination of advanced technologies and compassionate, skilled staff offering services free of charge, thanks to generous grants and donations. 

Early Results & Growth 

Though we’re less than a month into this strategy, the impact is already clear: 

  • LinkedIn: 
  • Follower growth rate up 50%, now averaging 34 new followers per month 
  • Daily page views up 36.5% 
  • Unique visitors up 22.4% 
  • Impressions up a staggering 454.6% 
  • Facebook & Instagram: 
  • Daily reach between 158–456 people 
  • Using Meta Business Suite to expand reach and engagement 

Integrating Fundraising & Community Events 

We’ve recently registered with the PayPal Giving Fund, streamlining our fundraising efforts and integrating them into our weekly Job Workshops (Fridays at 3:30 PM—link available on our events page) and monthly Heartbeat Events, including the upcoming dog show in Greeley on August 15th. 

R2W Programs & Vision 

Our programs include: 

  • Direct Recruiting & Service Learning Apprenticeships 
  • Mentorship & STEM Internships 
  • R2W House & R2W Village—spaces dedicated to work therapy and veteran support 
  • Research & Development—pursuing scientific studies to measure and improve our impact 

We are actively spinning off client services to Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) as part of our strategic plan to scale and serve more people. 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

 

« All News

Raghav Singh: A Technical Consultant’s Mission at Project: Return to Work 

Raghav Singh, a data analyst with a knack for storytelling and a deep-seated belief in giving back, found his true calling at Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W). Having navigated various professional landscapes, from the intricate data pipelines of a startup to the complex systems of atmospheric research, nothing resonated with him quite like the mission of R2W: re-engaging veterans, especially injured military service members and their spouses, disabled civilians, and diverse communities by helping them find productive and fulfilling jobs. 

“We owe veterans a debt to society that we don’t always live up to,” Raghav often reflected, a sentiment that fueled his every effort as a Technical Consultant at R2W’s Boulder, CO (remote) office. He understood that R2W, with its long and proud history dating back to 1998 and its impressive track record of helping over 10,000 Americans get back to work, was a beacon of hope. They leveraged advanced technologies and a genuinely caring staff, offering client services free of charge thanks to generous grants and donations. 

Raghav managed a dynamic team of seven, a crucial cog in R2W’s ambitious vision to serve one million clients within a decade. His team was the backbone, handling everything from the ATS system and job listings to grant research, web development, SEO, social media campaigns, content gathering, content creation, and the intricate logistics for every live event. 

One of his proudest achievements recently had been the launch of a social media campaign. It was more than just posts and likes; it was about building a bridge to their audience. The results spoke for themselves: a remarkable 20% increase in page views over just two months. This wasn’t a fleeting success; it was the foundation for something more profound. “We’ve just started to regularly communicate with our audience and integrate them into our live events,” Raghav explained, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. “Now, we have so many opportunities to engage the community.” These engagements were vital, especially as R2W looked to its strategic plan of spinning off client services to multiple Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) through initiatives like the R2W Village incubator. 

His days were a whirlwind of activity. He’d start by reviewing the analytics dashboards he’d meticulously crafted, tracking the impact of their digital outreach and the efficiency of their client services. He’d then dive into grant research, identifying opportunities like the MAP EJ and Albertsons grants, which he’d successfully submitted, collectively requesting over a million dollars in funding. These funds were critical for R2W’s various programs, including Tier 1 and 2 Direct Recruiting, the deeper work therapy programs at R2W House, and the vital Research and Development initiatives aimed at empirically determining their impact. 

Raghav also dedicated significant time to mentoring. He had onboarded and managed six STEM Interns, guiding them through the complexities of vocational rehabilitation technology and instilling in them the same passion he felt for R2W’s mission. He saw himself not just as a manager, but as a facilitator of growth, both for his team and for the veterans they served. 

The challenges were real, of course. The R2W House in Florida, a crucial part of their Tier 3&4 work therapy programs, had been damaged by Hurricane Ian, and repairs were a constant concern. The Colorado house also needed attention. But Raghav and his team tackled these obstacles with the same dedication they brought to every aspect of their work. 

As the sun set over the Rocky Mountains, Raghav would often reflect on his journey. He had built custom dashboards for C-suites, analyzed complex financial data, and even developed applications that automated intake processes. But the work at Project: Return to Work was different. It was about tangible impact, about helping individuals reclaim their lives, and about honoring a debt he deeply felt society owed. Every line of code, every social media post, every grant application was a step towards their vision of serving one million clients within a decade, and Raghav Singh was proud to be at the heart of it.

Raghav Singh
– Lead Administrative Assistant
“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 diverse communities, through my work with Project: Return2Work.”

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

« All News

🐾✨ Yin & Yang Shine Bright at Castle Rock! ✨🐾 

We’re bursting with pride as our beloved mascots, Yin (Bilbo) and Yang (Olive), brought home new ribbons from the Castle Rock Dog Show! 🏆🐶 Under the expert care of Anell Henderson and with the incredible support of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver, these two stars continue to amaze us. 

But their impact goes far beyond the show ring. At Project: Return To Work (R2W), Yin and Yang are more than just champions—they’re healers, companions, and symbols of hope. 💙 

Their calming presence brings comfort to our veterans and job seekers with disabilities, helping create a space of healing, growth, and connection. Whether they’re greeting guests or offering a quiet moment of peace, they embody the heart of our mission: compassion, dedication, and excellence. 

👉 Ready to make a difference or take the next step in your career? Visit return2work.org to apply today—whether you’re looking for meaningful employment or want to help others find their path forward. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive workforce together. 🐾💼 

#R2W #YinAndYang #TherapyDogs #CastleRockDogShow #VeteranSupport #DisabilityInclusion #HealingThroughCompanionship #DogsofInstagram #ServiceWithHeart #JoinUs 

By Nathan Mergesa, STEM Intern

« All News

Meet Farid: STEM Intern Using Tech Skills to Transform Lives at Project: Return2Work

Hello! My name is Farid Ahmadov and I have been a STEM Intern at Project: Return2Work since January of 2025. I am a current senior at the University of Colorado Boulder pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science. My current goal is to land a stable software job where I can put my skills to use in building and improving software to make people’s lives easier.

Working at Project: Return2Work has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only have I developed valuable technical and professional skills, but I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for how technology can be used to empower and uplift those who need it most.

My work has focused on the StaffCV system as well as outreach. I help guide job seekers through the system so that they can quickly be set up with an employer. I reach out and keep in touch with job seekers to make sure that they have all that they need to successfully gain employment.

Furthermore, working and helping disabled veterans, among other classes of society that need help with employment, has been both humbling and rewarding. Getting to help people who need our help has always been a goal of mine, as I have always looked for ways to contribute back to society.

I look forward to continuing my work with Project: Return2Work to help people who need our help.

Farid Ahmadov – STEM Intern
“I am a current fourth year student at the University of Colorado Boulder with a passion for helping people. R2W has been a great opportunity for me to explore this passion, as well as being privileged to work with an excellent team that shares my passion.”

By Farid Ahmadov, STEM Intern