Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

OWENS ANNOUNCES $174,296 IN STATEWIDE GRANTS TO PROGRAMS THAT TARGET EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS

Counties receiving grants include Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, El Paso, Mesa and Weld Counties

DENVER- Governor Bill Owens announced today that $174,296 in grants aimed at reducing the barriers hindering people from finding employment has been given to programs in six counties: Arapahoe, Boulder Denver, El Paso, Mesa, and Weld.

"Our challenge is clear," said Gov. Owens. "People want and deserve to work, and the programs supported through these grants will help them succeed. Over the next twelve months, these grants will increase employment opportunities in communities across Colorado. At the same time, we will continue to seek ways to create a more streamlined system that makes it easier for everyone to find training and employment."

Arapahoe County has been awarded $39,344 for Workforce Centers, which will use the funding to offer job placement services to 500 skill training graduates and assist the county in the coordination of the annual Governor’s Summer Job Hunt.

Boulder County has been awarded $17,500 for the Workforce Centers to provide year-round services to 200 youth, provide outreach to employers and coordinate the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt.

Denver County has been awarded $30,971 for the Department of Corrections’ Work and Family Center and the Denver Workforce Center to provide employment services to 350 felons in assisting them with their transition back to society.

El Paso County has been awarded $24,981 for job development contracts for 150 young people. The money will help connect young people and employers and to develop and conduct focus groups to improve youth services.

Mesa County has been awarded $12,000 to fund a work-readiness test for job seekers with multiple barriers. The test is used to assess a client’s needs for intensive services before a job referral is made. The county has also been awarded $13,500 to fund intensive assessment for 50-70 clients per week for appropriate referral to partner programs.

Weld County has been awarded $36,000 for the Tiage Program, which provides intensive services to disabled, ex-offenders and non-English speaking job seekers.

The grants, which are applied for locally, to programs targeting employment barriers assist communities in employment outreach and are administered by both state and county employment offices.

Funds are administered by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and come from the Wagnor-Peyser 10% funds, which are provided to states by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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