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VETS News Release: [03/03/2004]
Contact Name: Mike
Biddle
Phone Number: (202) 693-5051
Labor Department Awards $1 Million for Four Pilot
Programs under the New Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program
WASHINGTON—Veterans trying to get a new start in life
received a boost when the Department of Labor (DOL) awarded $1 million for four
pilot programs under the President’s new Incarcerated Veterans’
Transition Program.
“This Administration is committed to helping all veterans,”
said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This $1 million pilot program
provides training and support services to help these veterans make a successful
transition back into the workforce.”
The four grantees, each receiving $250,000 for a performance period of
April 1 to March 31, 2005, are: Volunteers of America of Los Angeles Inc., Los
Angeles; Volunteers of America of KY, Inc., Louisville, Ky.; Joint Efforts,
Inc., San Pedro, Calif.; and Quad Area Community Action Agency, Hammond,
La.
The awards comply with the requirements of the Homeless Veterans
Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001. This law requires the DOL and the
Department of Veterans Affairs to partner in the development, support and
operation of these demonstration projects. The projects are funded under the
authority of the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.
“These projects are designed to assist incarcerated veterans, who
are within 18 months of release and are at risk of homelessness, to re-train
and re-enter the workforce,” said Frederico Juarbe Jr., assistant
secretary of labor for veterans’ employment and training, whose office
administers the program. “In initiating this new program, the President
once again showed his commitment to our veterans.”
Grant recipients will provide direct services through a case-management
approach that networks with federal, state and local resources for support
programs that have clear strategies for employment, job retention and
development of life skills. Projects will provide career counseling, employment
training, job-search and job-placement assistance, life-skills development and
follow-up services.
Projects were selected that provide services to incarcerated veterans at
the federal, state and/or local levels of the correctional system and that help
previously incarcerated veterans reintegrate into the workforce.
The Veterans Employment and Training Service provides veterans with
the resources and services to succeed in the 21st century
workforce.
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