ETA News Release: [October 20, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post or Chad Aleshire
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or 202-693-2703
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Awards St. Louis, Mo., Group $500,000 To Train Older Workers
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $500,000 grant to MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries in St. Louis to provide employment and training opportunities for low-income older workers. Today's announcement is part of a $2 million effort under the Department's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
"The Labor Department's program for seniors has thousands of success stories across the country, which shows the immeasurable value of America's older workforce," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "These grants, totaling $2 million, will connect mature workers with the employment and training resources they need to successfully transition into new careers."
With the $500,000 grant, MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries will draw on its network of more than 200 employers in high growth industries and 17 community-based service centers to serve at least 200 eligible participants, 150 of whom will be placed in unsubsidized employment. Using a holistic, family-oriented approach, the program will provide a 31-module curriculum, much of which is available in Spanish, in four skill areas: career, life management, behavior and interpersonal skills. The 28 Goodwill stores in the proposed service areas will be used for outreach and partnerships with refugee and related programs to ensure participation of minority groups and those with the greatest need.
"The Department of Labor is committed to helping all Americans access the tools they need to stay competitive in our changing workforce," said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "We want to build on our success and continue preparing senior workers with the skills employers need as our economy continues to change and grow."
For more than 30 years, SCSEP has served the training and job placement needs of older workers by working in partnership with national organizations and state and local agencies that provide services to senior constituencies.
For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.
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