Every two weeks, a class of military veterans separates from the service at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey. To each departing group, Mike Ferraro or one of his fellow career coaches at Bridging the Gap delivers a presentation at the joint base, letting veterans know there’s an organization to assist them with their transition to civilian life.
“A lot of military members have a tough time,” says Ferraro. “They’re on their own. It’s dog-eat-dog.”
A native of Howell Township, Ferraro served for 32 years in the Air Force, retiring as command chief master sergeant. Knowing the “pain points” suffered by many veterans, he launched Bridging the Gap in February 2016. The Manasquan-based nonprofit offers classes that help veterans identify their skills and abilities, while also working on interviewing and resume-writing skills.
Every quarter, Bridging the Gap holds speed-interviewing events where dozens of vets practice their personal pitches in real meetings with 30-40 companies. The service routinely places veterans with New Jersey employers such as Prudential, Monmouth County and QuickChek.
Additionally, the organization provides free business suits, discounted rescue-dog adoption and other supports.
Funding for Bridging the Gap comes from corporate grants, individual donors and the Coffee Platoon, a nonprofit coffee-distribution company Ferraro launched in 2019.
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