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DeLauro, Himes Announce Nearly $8M in Senior Community Service Program Funding for The WorkPlace

September 30, 2020

BRIDGEPORT, CT— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) today announced that The WorkPlace in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been awarded a total of $7,796,968 under the U.S. Department of Labor's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

These federal funds Reps. DeLauro and Himes helped secure for SCSEP will be used to sponsor employment and training programs targeted specifically for low-income, older individuals who seek to enter or re-enter the workforce.

"As the Chairwoman of the subcommittee that determines the funding for SCSEP, I am thrilled The WorkPlace is one of 21 recipients to receive these critical federal funds to support their mission," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "The coronavirus pandemic has worsened existing workforce barriers throughout Connecticut, and our older community members have been left with even fewer job opportunities. The WorkPlace is doing incredible work to provide a pathway to job seekers, and I am confident these federal funds will change the life of every participant. I will continue fighting for additional funding for these programs and delivering for the people of Connecticut."

"Offering professional development trainings to members of the workforce at all ages is essential to ensuring Southwest Connecticut's economy remains competitive," said Congressman Himes. "It's never too late to develop a new skill set, particularly when we're living in a time of great technological change. Low-income seniors face many obstacles when reentering the job market, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WorkPlace's program ensures that over 1,200 seniors will have the training they need to be competitive applicants. It's been a privilege to collaborate with The WorkPlace in the past, and I'm confident their work will continue to benefit our communities' workforce. I look forward to continuing to bring federal dollars back to Southwest Connecticut."

"We are extremely pleased to be selected to provide this very important program that will expand opportunities for older, low-income adults to achieve economic self-sufficiency," said Joseph Carbone, President and CEO of The WorkPlace. "Our experience serving individuals facing barriers to employment has prepared us to provide the most promising workforce strategies to learn the employment skills needed to obtain good jobs and achieve financial stability. Our great appreciation goes to Congressmen DeLauro and Himes along with rest of Connecticut's delegation."

This federal funding will subsidize the employment of 1,216 seniors across the Northeast, including 354 Connecticut seniors. Through this program, participants receive paid work experience at local public or non-profit agencies and develop the skills and training to eventually find employment outside of SCSEP.