DOL Has $3.6 million for Hard-to-Employ Populations
DOL's Employment and Training Administration announced two competitions April 5 for grants totaling $3.6 million for faith-based and community organizations to help members of hard-to-serve populations obtain jobs.
"Faith-based and community organizations have unique strengths that supplement the career-oriented resources available at local One-Stop Career Centers," Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco said. "Organizations that successfully compete for these funds will provide the extra help that some individuals need to prepare for and ultimately succeed in the workplace."
Welfare recipients, homeless individuals, and ex-offenders will benefit, DOL said, from mentoring and life skills coaching. "Government can always do better for people in need when we join in service with every willing partner," said Jedd Medefind, director of DOL's Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. "Faith-based and community groups often bring a personal touch, dedicated volunteers, and long-term commitment to those they serve. For people facing great challenges, this can make all the difference." An application is available at www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm; the competition is open until May 8.