Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Department of Labor Awards $20.5 Million to Support the Employment of Former Offenders

Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) awarded $20.5 million in grants to help ex-offenders gain the support services and employment assistance necessary to successfully return to their communities. Awards were made to 18 nonprofit organizations in high-poverty, high-crime communities throughout the country. The awarded funds will be used to provide job training, mentoring, housing services, substance abuse programs and mental health treatment to ex-offenders.

According to DOL, a majority former offenders return to criminal activity upon release when there is a lack of jobs, educational opportunities and support services in their communities. The funds awarded last week – the fifth in a series of Reintegration of Ex-Offenders Program awards – aim to reverse this cycle and provide former offenders with the job opportunities and support needed to return home and avoid future criminal activity.

For a list of grantees, please click here.

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