The WorkPlace Inc., a Bridgeport-based nonprofit workforce development firm, recently rolled out its Platform to Employment program for use across the state.
Earlier this year the Connecticut Legislature approved $3.6 million to produce a statewide program to specifically help the long-term jobless.
By partnering with the state Departments of Labor and Vocational Rehabilitation and the states”™ four other workforce investment boards, the Platform to Employment is designed to serve 500 Connecticut residents during its first program year. The first students ”“ part of a statewide cohort of 125 ”“ are set to begin employment-themed classes at the Burroughs Community Center, 2470 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport, by Sept. 30.
The Bridgeport effort is being duplicated in Waterbury, New Haven, Hartford and Norwich/New London.
The WorkPlace in a statement said the platform “takes active steps to meet the needs of Connecticut employers while providing access to customized re-employment services specially designed for the long-term unemployed, including emotional, social and financial interventions.”
Dignitaries at the roll-out included state Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk/Darien; state Rep. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield/Trumbull; state Rep. Terry Backer, D-Stratford; and Joseph M. Carbone, president and CEO of The WorkPlace.
Last year, the WorkPlace secured a $300,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Labor’s homeless veterans reintegration program. That money, too, was designated for job training, but also for other needs, such as clothing, temporary or permanent housing referrals, and services like peer coaching and counseling.
