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| Oregon agencies receive grants to help veterans | ||
| 07/20/2006 | ||
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CONTACT: Jim Booker WorkSource Oregon Employment Department (503) 947-1845 More than $1 million of federal grants have been awarded to Oregon agencies to aid in services to veterans. Community Solutions for Clackamas County (CSCC) in Oregon City and Central City Concern in Portland received two of 91 grants awarded nationwide by the Department of Labor. These grants total nearly $26 million, and were created to provide job training assistance to approximately 17,000 veterans. CSCC will receive a $750,000 Veteran's Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) grant and Central City Concern in Portland, will receive a $298,440 Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) grant to assist homeless veterans. ”I believe we have a social contract with our veterans to ensure that in return for putting lives on the line for their county, that they receive the guidance, services and support necessary to transition successfully back into civilian life,” said Maureen Thompson, director of CSCC. “The employment and training services are already in place statewide. Our challenge is to get the systems more streamlined, so no matter which agency door the veteran enters, workforce professionals are informed about veterans issues and eager to provide services for them.” Thompson added that CSCC will be working closely with WorkSource Oregon Employment Department to provide services to veterans. “WorkSource Oregon Employment Department is the statewide clearinghouse for employers to post their vacancies. Utilizing the iMatchSkills system should be the key tool used to match job seeking veterans with employers who wish to interview veterans,” Thompson said. “The Hire Oregon Veterans grant will combine a marketing outreach to veterans with increased service provider coordination and new tools to help Oregon’s Veterans find and retain employment,” said Jim Booker, state veterans program coordinator for WorkSource Oregon Employment Department. “The Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program and Local Veteran Employment Representatives of WorkSource Oregon Employment Department, along with our many partners will be able to access funds to help veterans get job related training and provide for other direct assistance not previously available. I’m looking forward to forging stronger partnerships and making a significant impact for veterans.” HVRP grants help homeless veterans, often with barriers to employment, to reintegrate into the workforce. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search help and job placement assistance, including follow-up services. Officials estimate these funds will help nearly 13,000 homeless veterans. .-30-
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