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ETA News Release: [06/28/2006]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 06-1088-NAT

Department of Labor Awards $4 Million in Funding for Faith-Based and Community Organizations

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $4 million in grants to 55 faith-based and community organizations competitively chosen to help hard-to-serve populations prepare for and succeed in employment opportunities.

"This administration appreciates the effectiveness of faith-based and community organizations in helping workers find jobs and build a brighter future for themselves and their families," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The grassroots projects funded through this $4 million initiative will reach out to those most in need by providing guidance and support in making use of employment services available through local One-Stop Career Centers."

Projects receiving awards will serve individuals who face significant hurdles to employment, including welfare recipients, high school dropouts, and ex-offenders. Grantees will provide personalized care and supportive services, such as mentoring or life skills coaching, to enable individuals to fully utilize the employment services offered at local One-Stop Career Centers.

"Faith-based and community organizations reach into communities, connecting individuals with barriers to employment to the resources available through local One-Stop Career Centers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "These organizations often provide the bridge to assistance that changes lives and contributes to the stability of families and communities."

The grants are part of the Labor Department's ongoing effort to partner its existing programs with effective faith-based and community organizations to better serve the needy. Today's awards more than triple last year's funding and will allow recipients to expand services into their communities.

"We can always do better for Americans in need when we work together with every willing partner," said Jedd Medefind, director of the Labor Department's Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. "The personal involvement and caring touch of faith-based and community organizations often make the critical difference between recurring struggles and new beginnings."

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

List of grantees.

Listen to the audio news release.