Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Project Success Recognized as a Best Practice Program

Atlantic County's Project Success initiative was recently recognized as a "best practice" program by the New Jersey Urban Counties Community Development Association (NJUCCDA) at its third annual Community Development and Resource Conference held on June 4 at Trump Marina, Atlantic City. Project Success was introduced by the county's Department of Family and Community Development in January 2002 to help unemployed residents obtain employment by overcoming social, economic and cultural barriers.

More than 600 residents have participated in the unique program over the past two years, including immigrants from the Far East, Europe, South America and the Caribbean who had difficulty assimilating into the American culture. Each participant received thorough interpersonal contact with staff and fellow students to address existing and emerging problems and to develop strategies that enhanced their marketability in the workplace.

"Project Success is recognized as a premier working model for job readiness programs," said County Executive Dennis Levinson. "I congratulate the participants for successfully completing the program and applaud our county employees for their efforts to make a difference in lives of so many others."

The NJUCCDA's annual Awards of Excellence celebrate innovative, effective and exemplary activities in the areas of community development, economic development, homeless/assistance, affordable housing and Home Investment Partnership programs.

For more information, please contact Forrest Gilmore, Family and Community Development Department Head, at 343-2377.

County News