Thompson Announces $500,000 in Federal Workforce Development Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson announced a $500,000 grant for Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania to provide training and workforce development for individuals in recovery from substance use.

The funding comes from Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) initiative, which works to create or expand opportunities for workforce entry or re-entry.

In addition to ARC funds, $506,420 in local funding will be made available for a total project cost of $1,006,420.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania’s three-year project is called “PROSPER- From Recovery to Career” and it will serve six counties: Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter.

Through PROSPER, 120 participants will receive training and become Certified Recovery Specialists. In addition, 70 job seekers in recovery from substance abuse disorder will receive customized career planning support to help secure employment, and 70 employer partners will receive training and gain skills to better understand and support the SUD-impacted workforce.
 
“For those who are the path to recovery, employment is an invaluable tool in making lasting changes,” Rep. Thompson said. “Bringing the Workforce Investment Board, industry partners, and those who specialize in recovery to the table in a collaborative manner will help people get back on their feet and will be positive for the local economy.”
 
“The PROSPER - From Recovery to Career initiative is a collaborative project that will provide job seekers who are in recovery from substance or other drug use disorders a sustainable plan for job re-entry or job enhancement," said Pamela Streich, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania. “Workforce Solutions will partner with existing providers of alcohol and drug treatment programs, our PA CareerLink centers and other agencies in the region we serve to address the barriers to employment these individuals face. We will promote awareness and training for employers to reduce the stigma that employees may face when re-entering the workplace.”
 
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ABOUT THE ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.