A six-county region in Pennsylvania has been awarded a $256,400 grant from the state to help ex-inmates reintegrate into society.
The Workforce Solutions for North Central PA program will use the money to recruit, re-engage, and assist youth and young adults ages 18 to 24 who were formerly incarcerated or have interacted with the Pennsylvania judicial system, reports the Meadville Tribune.
The goal is to reduce recidivism and prepare them for employment or post-secondary education opportunities.
"One of the biggest challenges this target population faces is connection to resources and services," says Pam Streich, executive director for Workforce Solutions.
"This project will allow for a point person and/or mentor to help guide the participant through such basic connections as housing, food, healthcare, education, accessing documentation, getting a driver's license, employment, etc., as well as connection to legal, mental health, and treatment services."
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
In the world of social enterprises, failure is a cringe-worthy moment nobody wants to talk about. But, social entrepreneurs can benefit from their failures.