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ETA News Release: [07/27/2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $10 Million Ready4Work Grant in Jacksonville, Fla.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $10 million grant to Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) to help ex-offenders ages 18 to 34 make a successful transition to community life and long-term employment. The grant announced Tuesday at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., will benefit former offenders in Jacksonville and 13 other cities nationwide. The grant is part of a $54.6 million effort to assist returning inmates and their families.

“This $10 million grant is part of President George W. Bush’s vision to help former offenders turn their lives around,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This grant will help ex-offenders find employment, housing and education opportunities, and provide them with transportation and access to child care as they prepare for new jobs. This comprehensive, compassionate approach gives former offenders a chance to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their families and communities.”

Aimed at reducing crime and recidivism rates and providing lasting employment among ex-prisoners, P/PV has been administering the Ready4Work Initiative in 14 cities across the nation since January. Each separate initiative has been engaging local businesses, workforce development agencies, criminal justice personnel, and faith and community-based partners to achieve their goals. The collaborative effort works to connect ex-offenders to the workforce, strengthen their social and support networks and provide them with other support services, including transportation, child care and drug rehabilitation.

With this additional grant, P/PV will attempt to coordinate a variety of other federal, state and local funds including the Food Stamp Employment and Training Program, in order to provide more comprehensive services to ex-offenders.

View an event photo.

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