4/18/2005
Media Contact:
Jo Lynn Garing, [317] 327-3690
Jill Vandegriff, Workforce, Inc., [317] 575-8835 |
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Indianapolis chosen to participate in transitional jobs initiative
INDIANAPOLIS - The City of Indianapolis and local non-profit Workforce Inc. have been selected to participate in a transitional jobs initiative by a coalition of national organizations. The initiative will develop programs that provide employment opportunities for targeted hard-to-serve populations, including persons recently released from prison, the homeless and people suffering from mental illness or other challenges.
The program will provide much needed work experience to prepare these individuals for long-term employment opportunities in the community. The coalition -- National League of Cities (NLC), National Transitional Jobs Network (NTJN), Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), and Transitional Work Corporation (TWC) - cited Indianapolis' commitment to helping individuals gain work experience, secure permanent jobs, and progress toward self-sufficiency as reasons for its inclusion in the national initiative to promote programs for individuals with barriers to work.
"For a wide variety of reasons, many persons in our community are unable to find and keep good paying jobs appropriate for their education and skill levels. Paid work experience in structured, well-supervised settings is the best preparation for permanent employment," said Mayor Peterson. "Inclusion in this initiative will help our city develop a transitional jobs program to benefit those who are striving to overcome barriers to employment and rejoin the local workforce."
As one of seven entities selected for the Transitional Jobs Project, Workforce, Inc. will receive 18 months of technical assistance, access to national experts and opportunities to work with leading experts on common challenges. Through this effort, Workforce, Inc. and a project team made up of local leaders in workforce development and offender re-integration will explore options for providing work opportunities in a service-enriched transitional or "incubator" setting for persons with serious barriers to employment. Services available in conjunction with participants' employment might include drug and alcohol rehabilitation, mental health counseling, transportation and childcare.
The program will be administered through the NLC's Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute); NTJN; CEO; and TWC. These four partners will work with Workforce, Inc. and the City of Indianapolis to develop an action plan and implement strategies for improving employment opportunities. Experts from CEO and TWC, two large Transitional Jobs programs in New York and Pennsylvania, respectively, will serve as the main technical assistance providers.
"We have been impressed with Mayor Peterson's commitment to improving the local workforce and promoting economic security for all residents," said NLC Executive Director Donald J. Borut. "Through this project, Indianapolis will set an example for other cities of what can be accomplished through innovative municipal leadership."
Workforce Inc. is a non-profit venture designed to help central Indiana companies with their workforce needs through targeted growth and retention strategies in specific industry clusters. For more information, visit www.work-force-inc.com.
The Transitional Jobs Project is funded through grants from the Joyce Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts.
The National League of Cities, the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States, serves as a resource and advocate for 18,000 cities nationwide. The National Transitional Jobs Network is a coalition of Transitional Jobs programs, policy organizations, and government officials who work to increase the number and effectiveness of Transitional Jobs programs across the nation. For more information about the project partners, visit www.nlc.org (NLC), www.transitionaljobs.net (NTJN), www.ceoworks.org (CEO), and www.transitionalwork.org (TWC).
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