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ETA News Release: [09/30/2005] Contact Name: David
James or Stephanie Cathcart Phone Number: 202-693-4676 Release Number:
05-1850-NAT
U.S. Department of Labor Launches "Pathways to
Employment" Initiative Expanding Employment Services for Hurricane
Survivors
Career Counseling and Resources for Youths and the
Disabled Aim for Rapid Return to Work
WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a new
"Pathways to Employment" initiative to help evacuees and other survivors
of the recent hurricanes find employment and training opportunities.
"Pathways to Employment" provides targeted assistance to people based on
individual needs, through the nationwide network of 3,500 One-Stop Career
Centers located across the country.
"Our 'Pathways to Employment' initiative will provide
individualized counseling and assistance to hurricane survivors to help them
get back on their feet," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This is a
multi-prong approach. One, we are deploying experienced career counselors to
evacuee centers and other relocation centers where there's a concentration of
evacuees. Two, we're sending specially-trained experts who can help people with
disabilities find employment opportunities and needed services. Three, we're
providing 4,000 Job Corps scholarships to young people impacted by the
hurricanes and need a fresh start."
Under the first part of this initiative, reintegration counselors will
be deployed for up to six months in areas with high concentrations of evacuees.
Counselors will expand the capacity of One-Stop Career Centers using local and
educational opportunities to connect evacuees to employment and supportive
services, as needed. Areas with large numbers of evacuees may receive funding
for more than one counselor. A total of $15 million will go toward this effort.
To assist individuals with disabilities, DOL will deploy additional
Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) in hurricane-affected states. DPNs are
trained individuals experienced in working with persons with disabilities to
make employment connections through the One-Stop system and connect to needed
benefits and services through the government or community organizations.
"One-Stop Career Centers are on the front lines providing assistance to
hurricane-affected individuals who have talent, skills and experience to offer
potential employers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and
Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "Counselors and other workforce professionals
will be in areas with high concentrations of evacuees to supplement the
resources already available through the public workforce investment system."
Finally, DOL's national Job Corps program is expediting enrollment and
transfers of young people affected by the hurricanes. Along the lines of
scholarships, Job Corps will provide education, room and board for up to 4,000
economically disadvantaged young people ages 16 through 24.
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