|
 Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [10/17/2002]
Contact Name: Elissa
Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Department of Labor Center for Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives Launches Pilot Initiative in Memphis
WASHINGTON – As part of President Bush’s national
initiative to engage more faith-based and community organizations in the
delivery of public services, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Center for
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives announced a new partnership in Memphis,
Tenn. The initiative will bring about unprecedented levels of cooperation
between the local workforce investment board (WIB), elected officials and
grassroots, faith-based and community groups to improve employment outcomes for
Memphis residents.
“Memphis has tremendous potential to become a model for cooperation
between faith-based and community groups and local government,” said Brent
Orrell, director of the department’s Center for Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives. “We look forward to working with Mayor Herenton, Bishop
Patterson and the Memphis Workforce Investment Board to create a model for the
rest of the country.”
Memphis was selected as a pilot site because of the strength of its
faith-based and community groups, as well as the support for the concept from
local elected leaders and the workforce investment board. Over the next year,
the Department of Labor will work alongside the Memphis Area Career Center, the
Mayor’s office, local community and faith-based organizations and other
community stakeholders to develop strategies and specific plans to include
faith-based and grassroots organizations in workforce development programs. A
key goal will be to remove barriers to cooperation between the WIB and local
faith-based and community groups. This planning process may include focus
groups, town hall meetings, conferences, training sessions and one-on-one
mentoring or coaching.
Out of the Memphis experience, the Department of Labor will develop a
curriculum and training materials that will be used across the country by other
workforce investment boards, which carry out strategic planning, policy
development and oversight of local programs funded by the Workforce Investment
Act.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
