Commonwealth awards $2.6 million for re-entry workforce development grants to train formerly incarcerated individuals

• Aug 13, 2024 Updated Aug 13, 2024

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced $2.6 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration grants awarded to 11 organizations to train 365 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the workforce for job opportunities in culinary, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare.

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones joined state and local officials, grantees, and workforce partner organizations to make the announcement at Positive Action Against Chemical Addictions, Inc (PAACA) in New Bedford. PAACA received $250,000 to provide training to 20 returning citizens with a focus on Health Care and Addiction Treatment Services. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as community health workers, recovery specialists, recovery coaches, recovery counselors, peer navigators, and outreach workers at High Point Treatment Center and Seven Hills Foundation.

“As an administration, we want to ensure individuals re-entering our communities gain relevant skills and experiences to thrive in today’s workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The partnerships reflected in each of these grants with public safety, employers, and workforce training organizations are opening doors for individuals deserving of a second chance and an opportunity to pursue career pathways right here in Massachusetts.”

“We are committed to strengthening our workforce by reducing barriers individuals may experience to build skills and a career,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Through this Re-Entry Workforce Development grant program, we are teaming up with collaborators across many regions to deliver critical job training and skill development that will benefit jobseekers, employers, and local communities.”

This latest round of Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Grants Program was funded by Fiscal Year 2024 grant funding through the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency within EOLWD. This grant program, which received continued funds in the FY25 budget, aims to improve workforce outcomes for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration.

“As the Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to invest in a more competitive and equitable workforce, our strategy needs to lead with intentionality and people first,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Building on our administration’s workforce agenda, these announced grants will support a key population of untapped talent—formerly incarcerated individuals who deserve a second or third chance supported by targeted job training, wraparound support, and employment opportunities that reduces barriers, breaks the cycle of incarceration, and empowers personal and professional success for Massachusetts residents.”

“Creating meaningful and lasting job opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals is crucial for their successful reintegration into society and reducing repeat offenses,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Workforce training grants aim to connect returning individuals with essential community support, enabling them to acquire valuable skills for in-demand jobs, improving outcomes and empowering participants to lead positive and fulfilling lives. These programs not only offer individuals a second chance but also help to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

“By partnering with Massachusetts employers dedicated to growing our diverse and skilled talent, this funding furthers inclusive employment in Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO for Commonwealth Corporation. “CommCorp applauds these 11 grantees for creating pathways to success for incarcerated individuals, and for working to reduce recidivism across the state.”

The following is a complete list of the organizations awarded Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants for Fiscal Year 2024:

Bridge Club of Greater Lowell, Lowell: $250,000

Bridge Club of Greater Lowell will partner with Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 30 returning citizens with a focus on the Culinary Arts industry and Manufacturing industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as line cooks at Lenzi’s Catering and warehouse workers, machine operators and package handlers at Spruce Environmental.

Community Action of Pioneer Valley, Greenfield: $165,000

Community Action of Pioneer Valley will partner with Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 18 returning citizens with a focus on the culinary industry and Manufacturing industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as line cooks and production workers at High Brow, Local Burger, Herrell’s Fitzwilly’s, and Franklin County CDC Food Processing Center.

Community Work Services, Boston: $250,000

Community Work Services will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 60 returning citizens with a focus on the Clean Energy Technology industry and the Culinary Arts/Hospitality industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as solar photovoltaic installers, electrical power analysts, terraponics farm to table workers and hotel hospitality managers at Nexamp and Finesse Hospitality.

Future Home Apprenticeship and Recovery Programs, Inc., Dorchester: $244,464

Future Home Apprenticeship and Recovery Programs, Inc will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 48 returning citizens with a focus on the Building Trades industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as skilled laborers, roofers, painters and carpenters at Cross Country Painting, Inc., Build Better 55, LLC., Legacy Estates, Inc., and Harvey’s Professional Painting Company.

New England Culinary Arts Training, Boston: $249,593

New England Culinary Arts Training will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 88 returning citizens with a focus on the Food Services and Hospitality industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as line cooks, prep cooks, sous chefs and first-line food prep supervisors at Tatte Bakery, Sodexo, Hilton Boston Park Plaza and Earls Kitchen and Bar. 

Positive Action Against Chemical Addictions, Inc., New Bedford: $250,000

Positive Action Against Chemical Addictions, Inc will partner with Bristol County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Health Care and Addiction Treatment Services industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as community health workers, recovery specialists, recovery coaches, recovery counselors, peer navigators and outreach workers at High Point Treatment Center and Seven Hills Foundation.

Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester: $239,216

Quinsigamond Community College will partner with Worcester County House of Correction to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Culinary and Hospitality industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as food preparation workers at SnapChef and MA Restaurant Association members.

Snapchef Foundation, Dorchester: $219,626

Snapchef Foundation will partner with Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 18 returning citizens with a focus on the culinary industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as cooks at SnapChef and Southside Tavern Restaurant. 

STRIVE Boston, Boston: $250,000

STRIVE Boston will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Health Care and Social Assistance industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as security workers, patient transport workers, food and environmental service workers, direct and relief positions and therapeutic mentors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Justice Resource Institute, Inc.

Uncornered, Dorchester: $250,000

Uncornered will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Health Care and Social Service industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as social and human service assistants at Uncornered and at Inner City Weightlifting.

WeReach, East Boston: $250,000

WeReach will partner with Essex County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 23 returning citizens with a focus on the Information Technology industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as cybersecurity support technicians and computer support specialists at Roads Consulting Group, Boston Project, DPV Transportation and Assura, Inc.

This article was originally posted by MassNonprofit News.