Monday, September 29, 2014

Grants Awarded to Help Prepare Individuals for Employment

The Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has awarded more than $1 million in Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) grants to various non-profit agencies and educational institutions to provide activities to help prepare eligible individuals to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Individuals who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA) or Food Stamps (FS) and are deemed “to-work” ready are eligible for enrollment as established by the New Jersey State Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD).

The funded programs incorporate paid and unpaid work experiences, life skills training, work readiness and occupational skills training to help participants advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace.

“Participants will be exposed to a variety of work experiences and opportunities to help them achieve self-sufficiency and eliminate their need for public assistance,” stated Rhonda Lowery, Executive Director of the Atlantic Cape May WIB. “These programs encourage individuals to become contributing members of their communities. In many cases, these experiences are life changing.”

According to Lowery, “private and public sector employers may also participate by offering work experience and internship opportunities. There is no cost or wages paid by the business, however each business is asked to provide supervision and a place for individuals to apply classroom instruction to the workplace.”

Organizations currently funded include: America Works, Atlantic County Public Works Department, Career Opportunity Development, Inc, Cape May County Technical School, Cape May County Board of Social Services, Community Quest, Inc., Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity Center and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Funding is provided by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Public assistance is available based on eligibility and varies from program to program. Those In need of public assistance may call (609) 348-3001 in Atlantic County and (609) 886-6200 in Cape May County for information and eligibility determination.

Click here for more information.

County News