TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the State of California to receive $138,816 in Workforce Investment Act funds to operate the California New Start/Prison-to-Employment program and to execute any needed subsequent amendments; and increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network (Pacific Gateway) administers the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other employment and training funds received annually by the City. These funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the Career Transition Center, Youth Opportunity Center, Torrance Career Center, Harbor WorkSource Center, and selected community-based organizations to assist local residents in acquiring skills leading to employment in high demand occupations by local employers.
In 2008, the Departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Labor and Workforce Development entered into a partnership working on improving the reintegration of parolees into local communities, thereby reducing the recidivism rate. As a result, Pacific Gateway is one of 19 Workforce Investment Boards (out of 49) that will receive resources for this strategy.
The goal of California New Start is to connect ex-offenders to employment opportunities, training, and services while in custody and following their subsequent release. In addition, this statewide partnership links parolees to employment services in their respective communities. With an emphasis on public safety and job retention, California New Start hopes to ultimately lower California’s recidivism rate. The Network will receive $138,816 in Governor’s Discretionary Workforce Investment Act funds for Program Year 2010-2011 to support dedicated and increased career counseling to assist with referrals from CDCR.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City At...
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