FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elisa Munoz
203-797-4511
January 7, 2009
CITY OF DANBURY ANNOUNCES EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS
The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board and City of Danbury-Welfare Division have teamed up to create an innovative employment program for homeless individuals using the City of Danbury’s Emergency Shelter at 41 New Street. This program has 3 Phases. Phase 1 consists of homeless individuals being tested on their Math and English skills at Danbury’s local Department of Labor One Stop on 152 West Street. If an individual does not test at an 8th grade level, individuals will be given remediation assistance in order to bring their scores up. Once individuals score at an 8th grade level, he or she is ready for Phase 2. Phase 2 consists of receiving training for ServSafe Qualified Food Operator Certification. Phase 3 consists of enrolling in an internship, job readiness workshops and eventually becoming employed.
Mayor Boughton said, “We hope that, by creating Phases and incentives, this program will attract a large group of individuals who are struggling to meet their employment goals and needs. Each Phase provides a new qualification, creating a more confident individual who will one day become employed and self sufficient.”
Each time a participant successfully completes a Phase, he or she will be given an incentive (i.e. stipends, bus passes, etc.) to motivate the individual to keep reaching their goals in the program. This program is free of charge and only clients using 41 New Street services are eligible to participate.
“It has been a wonderful experience working with Cathy Awwad in order to create this program. Our local Department of Labor One Stop offers so much in the way of job training and career services. This program will really open up the doors to those in our shelter who have difficulty in following through with their employment goals,” said Caitlin Reese, Director of Welfare.
The City of Danbury-Welfare Division seeks to provide the community and its residents with access to municipal and community social services in an expeditious, cost effective and comprehensive manner. The division’s efforts are focused on improving access to housing and emergency shelter; improving access to medical care and coverage and improving social conditions for residents via collaboration and advocacy at the local, state and federal level by identifying needs and working to create systems of access that are inclusive of all residents in need.
If you have any questions regarding this press release, please contact Caitlin Reese in the Welfare Division at 797-4569.