25 Sep — OIC of South Florida Awarded Pathway Home 5 Grant to Help Justice-Involved Individuals Reintegrate into Communities
Local Organization Receives Federal Funding to Provide Critical Job Training and Reduce Recidivism
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 27, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded over $56 million in grants to assist justice-involved individuals in obtaining the necessary job training to facilitate their successful re-entry into their communities. OIC of South Florida is proud to be one of the recipients of the Pathway Home 5 grant, a testament to its ongoing commitment to reducing recidivism and providing valuable skills training.
The Pathway Home 5 grant funding is part of a strategic initiative to build on the successful findings of the Linking Employment Activities Pre-release pilots and implementation study. This study underscored the importance of strong partnerships between correctional facilities and workforce development programs in achieving positive outcomes for participants.
Authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, these grants will enable justice-involved individuals to complete training in skills highly valued by local employers. The U.S. Department of Labor announced these awards following a funding opportunity announcement on February 8, 2024.
“The Pathway Home grants we announced today will allow justice-involved individuals to get the training they need to secure good jobs as they re-enter their communities following a term of incarceration,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “The Biden-Harris administration recognizes that our communities are safer when formerly incarcerated Americans have access to good jobs. These grants enable participants to begin skills training before their release, better preparing them to start their new lives.”
OIC of South Florida will collaborate with state correctional facilities to reach participants prior to their release, ensuring a seamless transition into its workforce development program. By leveraging connections with local employers and trade unions, OIC of South Florida will ensure that the training provided aligns with the demands of local industries, thereby enhancing job placement opportunities for participants.
“We are honored to receive the Pathway Home 5 grant and are committed to making a significant impact in the lives of justice-involved individuals,” said Newton Sanon, President & CEO of OIC of South Florida. “This funding will allow us to expand our efforts in providing comprehensive training programs that not only equip participants with valuable skills but also support their successful reintegration into the community.”
For more information about OIC of South Florida and its programs, visit https://www.oicsfl.org.
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OIC of South Florida Media Contact:
Vicki Timiney
Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement
OIC of South Florida
(954) 368-5605
vtiminey@oicsfl.org
About OIC of South Florida
OIC of South Florida is a community-based, non-profit organization that provides quality education and job training for individuals in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties who are looking to enter or advance in the workforce. With a focus on skill development, career placement and economic empowerment, OIC of South Florida serves more than 8,000 youth and adults annually, positively impacting South Florida communities for nearly 25 years. Follow OIC of South Florida on social media.