City gives grants to support Boston jobs
Posted on July 8, 2014
The city of Boston’s Office of Jobs and Community Services (JCS) will provide over $7 million in grants to support Boston jobs.
The grants will support workforce training, education, ESOL programs, adult literacy, and social services in the new fiscal year, which begins today.
Funding comes from a variety of local, state, and federal sources, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT), Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the City’s Alternative Education Initiative (AEI), and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE).
Approximately $1.8 million in WIA and AEI funds will be used to assist 14 organizations that provide summer and year-round career exploration and education programs for young people, as well as alternative education programs.
WIA funding will go to local Career Centers and training providers for workforce training. DESE funding will be provided to 8 local programs for adult basic education services. Over $2 million is allocated for these services.
The grant awards will create positive opportunities for thousands of adults and youth across the city that might not otherwise have access to such supportive programming.
Community organizations will work with 2,000 adults to reduce barriers to their employment by addressing issues such as housing instability, low literacy, domestic violence, substance abuse, and CORI problems. An additional 450 adults will be able to receive occupational skills training and job placement assistance.
“Without the Walk to Work program and CDBG funding , I do not think I would have realized my dream or succeeded and accomplished most of the things I have done,” said Natasha Similien of the Fenway CDC, a grant recipient. “I strongly feel it is essential to continue funding programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency through job readiness, life coaching, training, education, and help in accessing community resources such as housing, fuel assistance, childcare, food stamps and other referrals.”