Grant to provide training and employment services for 170 adults
Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. has been awarded a $1.35 million “Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry” federal grant to provide training, case management, mentoring and employment services to incarcerated adults transitioning back into the community. Goodwill in conjunction with several community partners will serve approximately 170 men and women who are in work release programs, recovery houses, and residential release centers.
The grant is part of $59 million the United States Department of Labor recently awarded to nonprofit agencies to develop or expand programs to improve the employment opportunities for adults and youth involved in the criminal justice system.
“The Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry grant is a solution to the growing economic problem of poverty and recidivism in Northwest Ohio,” said Bob Huber, President/CEO Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. “Through this investment, Goodwill will collaborate with local employers, training providers, and workforce development organizations to empower returning citizens with vocational training with in-demand professions in the region.”
Career pathways for the program participants include carpentry, brick laying, pipe fitting, masonry, mechanics, HVAC, welding, ironworking and sheet metal working. Career pathways will culminate in an industry-recognized credentialed program that will enable participants to advance within their professions.
Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is collaborating with multiple businesses, development entities, and workforce agencies including Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, The Correctional Treatment Facility, Lucas County Department of Planning and Development, Northwest Ohio Construction Education, Northwest Ohio Trades Council, Ohio Means Jobs, Owens Community College, Pathway, Recovery 2 Work, Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio, Terra Community College, Volunteers of America, Lucas County Court Rehabilitation and Correction Services (Work Release Department), and The Zepf Center.
