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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-6871, Ext. 153
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) will award grants totaling up to $3,250,988 to seven
organizations to conduct demonstration programs to address the specific needs
of older dislocated workers, Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman announced
today.
"Being laid off is difficult for any worker," said Herman.
"But older workers face additional obstacles to reemployment -- impediments
that may be overwhelming if the workers do not get additional support. I am
pleased that such assistance will be available through these grants."
The seven grantees will use the funds to develop and test
specialized combinations of services needed to retrain and reemploy older
workers. Data indicate that, while dislocated workers in general are receiving
significant assistance, there is still a need for specialized services for
those who face particular barriers to employment.
These awards are authorized under Title III of the Job
Training Partnership Act and will operate for a period of 24 months. The
grantees and project descriptions are as follows:
(1) Jewish Vocational Service
Boston, Mass. $500,000
This project will offer skills training and support
services to address the specific needs of dislocated workers over the age of
50. The program will serve residents of Boston and surrounding communities.
Participants will have the choice of three training options: (1) an
employer-based food service program for limited English speakers; (2) a 20-week
office skills training program; or (3) supported training for older workers
participating in other mainstream training programs.
(2) Operation ABLE
Chicago, Ill. $499,930
The project titled "Put Experience to Work" will examine a
method for delivery of services to dislocated older workers "mainstreamed" into
a "One-Stop" model, in which services from a number of sources are brought
together and coordinated to meet the needs of each individual. This project
will compare results achieved between the delivery of services to older
dislocated worker through the "One-Stop" model, compared to results achieved in
traditional "categorical" programs for older workers. The project also will
share this information as a "best practices" guide to other employment and
training programs through Operation ABLE's Web Site on the Internet.
(3) IAM Center for Administering Rehabilitation & Employment Services
Upper Marlboro, Md. $500,000
This multi-state project for older dislocated workers will
test its effective service delivery system utilizing CARENET, a reemployment
network, combined with age-sensitive work life planning and technical
assistance services. The grant will assist older workers in Connecticut,
Oregon, Texas, Missouri and Mississippi to reenter the workforce in jobs that
utilize the vast pool of knowledge, skills and work ethic that characterize
these workers.
(4) Green Thumb, Inc.
Des Moines, Iowa $499,631
This demonstration project is designed to ensure
employability for 800 Iowa residents over age 50, who are drawing unemployment
benefits and have been profiled by the Iowa Workforce Development Center as
being likely to exhaust their benefits before finding employment. The program
will improve the prospects for employment of these older individuals through
readjustment services, including training tailored to the needs of people age
50 and older
(5) Green Thumb, Inc.
Mansura, La. $285,859
The project will: (1) implement a comprehensive retraining
program that will test the concept of pairing older workers with younger
welfare recipient trainees to promote mentoring and bonding between the two
groups, fostering a positive impact on the performance of both groups in
looking for and attaining meaningful employment; (2) facilitate data collection
on the various service components provided in this project as delivered in a
primarily rural environment, compared to a primarily urban environment, so that
effectiveness and compatibility of components can be better evaluated; and (3)
develop a comprehensive training system tailored to meet the specific and
unique needs of older workers that other areas may replicate.
(6) Vermont Associates for Training
and Development, Inc.
St. Albans, Vt. $500,000
This demonstration project will test the effectiveness of
a comprehensive package of (1) pre-enrollment holistic assessment and
counseling and (2) a post-enrollment combination of training and post-placement
retention services. Outcomes in this project will be measured by: (1) job
placement; (2) participant and employer satisfaction; (3) reduction in the
duration of unemployment; and (4) improved financial status that meets the
participant's monetary goals.
(7) Southern Mississippi Planning
& Development District
Hattiesburg, Miss. $465,568
This project will demonstrate that broad-based training
options and flexible scheduling assist in creating self-esteem and promote job
retention for older workers. It will use a case management approach to identify
and eliminate barriers that keep older workers from reaching their employment
goals, orchestrating a unique coordinated effort to provide comprehensive
services to the targeted group through five site locations.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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