WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Jim Himes (CT-4) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) announced today that the WorkPlace, Inc. will receive a $300,000 grant to help give formerly incarcerated veterans a second chance to successfully transition in the civilian world. The program will specifically assist these at-risk veterans in their efforts to secure employment and avoid homelessness.

“Transitioning into civilian life after experiencing combat presents unique and terrible challenges to some veterans,” said Congressman Himes. “This assistance will help these men and women, who so generously sacrificed for our country, get the specialized help they need to join the workforce continue to contribute to their communities.”

This grant is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service and is designed to address the complex problems faced by formerly incarcerated veterans. In addition to helping individual veterans secure employment, the funding will also help create a local system to improve and coordinate the delivery of the necessarily specialized services to veterans who are trying to overcome the additional challenges associated with a having a criminal record.

“We owe it to our veterans, who have given so much for this country, to provide them with the assistance they need to be part of the workforce,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “This funding will ensure that veterans who are eager to renew their lives and move forward have the opportunity to make a better life for themselves.”