WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) and The WorkPlace, Inc., President & CEO Joe Carbone today announced $650,000 in two separate grants to provide job training for veterans to prepare them for civilian jobs. Both grants are critical for The WorkPlace to continue existing successful programs.
“We are very pleased to be selected to continue our work helping veterans re-enter the workforce, develop job skills and find employment. These are important programs which help meet the needs of our veterans and their families,” commented Carbone. “Our thanks go to Congressman Himes for his support of this opportunity which will enable us to make a real difference for veterans in Southwestern Connecticut.”
The two grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. A Veterans Workforce Investment Program grant will provide $500,000 to fund the third year of The WorkPlace’s program that helps veterans enter the civilian workforce. Participants receive training and networking assistance to prepare for and find jobs in “green” industries. Additionally, The WorkPlace will receive $150,000 to continue their Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program. This program helps formerly incarcerated veterans who are at risk of homelessness by providing them with career counseling, job training, housing, health care, and other benefits and services. According to the Department of Labor, funding extensions were awarded to organizations that demonstrated success in administering the programs.
“Ensuring veterans have the tools they need to re-enter the workforce is the least we can do for those who risked everything to protect us,” said Himes. “Our local veterans couldn’t have a better partner than The Workplace, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration to help match workers with jobs.”