The U.S. Department of Labor announced May 23, grants totaling $20,518,598 to 18 nonprofit organizations across the country to fund employment-related services for formerly incarcerated adults who are returning to high-poverty, high-crime communities. These grants represent the fifth round of funding under the department's Reintegration of Ex-Offenders-Adult program, through which more than $98 million has been awarded to date.
"A strong support network is the key for formerly incarcerated individuals to successfully transition back to their communities," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The federal grants announced today will help to establish this network, while also providing job training to ensure long-term stability and success."
Grantees will use the funds to provide occupational training that leads to credentials in high-demand industries; mentoring; and assistance in connecting formerly incarcerated adults with supportive services such as housing, substance abuse programs and mental health treatment.
In 2010, nearly 709,000 people were released from state and federal prisons, an increase of almost 20 percent from 2002. Research indicates that, without assistance to make a successful transition, the majority of former offenders return to criminal activity. This program aims to break that cycle.
The Tri-County Urban League (Peoria, IL) was awarded $1,042,908.
To read the full article, please visit: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-labor-department-announces-205-million-in-grants-to-support-help-ensure-success-of-formerly-incarcerated-adults-returning-to-work-in-their-communities-2012-05-23
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