Department of Labor Gives $10.3 Million Grant to Help Unemployed New Yorkers

Award is the Largest in the Nation and Will Fund Job Coaches at 53 Career Centers

New York State has received $10.3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of its Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) initiative.

The grant will help the state provide individualized job search and training services to individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits in order to get unemployed New Yorkers back to work as quickly as possible.

New York’s grant was the largest among the 42 that were awarded nationwide, as recognition of the success of the state's One-Stop Career Centers.

"New York's One-Stop Career Centers have helped connect thousands of unemployed New Yorkers with businesses looking to hire," Governor Cuomo said.

"This federal grant recognizes the success of our One-Stop Career Centers and that New York State is a leader in helping the unemployed find a job. We will continue to focus on jobs, jobs, jobs, and do all we can to help unemployed New Yorkers get back into the workforce."

The federal grant will be used to support 115 existing job coaches and add 20 more at 53 One-Stop Career Centers across the state. Job coaches work aggressively to review the local labor market, reach out to businesses with job openings listed on the Governor’s Jobs Express website (www.jobs.ny.gov) and be the link between unemployed New Yorkers and businesses looking to hire.

A comprehensive skills assessment is also done with every jobseeker to determine and provide immediate training needs. Past REA grants have resulted in jobseekers connecting to jobs an average of up to two weeks sooner.

New York State received the largest grant in recognition of its leadership in developing an aggressive reemployment model that requires unemployed individuals to visit career centers, undergo skills assessment and receive personalized attention, all in an effort to get them back to work sooner.

New York's reemployment model has been cited by USDOL as an example for other states to follow. The One-Stop Career Centers are part of a series of initiatives the Governor has launched to assist unemployed New Yorkers, including the NY Works initiative, Jobs Express Website, NY Youth Works Program, career fairs across the state, and grants to help communities hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee hire temporary workers.

The state's One-Stop Career Centers helped more than 400,000 New Yorkers find work in 2011. New Yorkers can find a One-Stop Career Center through the following link: 

http://labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/osview.asp

The following comments were provided in relation to the Department of Labor grant.

"This federal investment will have significant returns for New York’s economy in the form of a better trained workforce and greater access to job opportunities. It will provide those looking for work with an opportunity to find it by linking New York’s unemployed with career opportunities and by providing training to those who need it to expand their employment opportunities." - U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

"Reemployment services are a lifeline to New Yorkers across the state searching for a job to get back on their feet. This funding is critical to helping the state implement workforce programs that quickly and effectively provide unemployed New Yorkers with job training and placement opportunities so they are well equipped with tools necessary for securing a good-paying job to support their families." - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

"Getting unemployed New Yorkers back to work is a top priority, and I am thrilled the federal government is responding to this need in our state. I will continue working with Governor Cuomo and the federal government to continue and build on our economic recovery." - U.S. Representative Nita Lowey

"New Yorkers work harder than anyone and this nation-leading grant will be put to good use as we work to climb out of tough economic times. Many people are still hurting, and just want to work, and this funding will help. I'm grateful to the Obama Administration for this grant and know that Governor Cuomo will put it to good use in our state's One-Stop Career Centers." - U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy

"Unemployment Insurance is a bridge to re-employment for millions of Americans, and this grant funding recognizes New York’s leadership in helping our residents transition to their next career through the Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment initiative." - U.S. Representative Tim Bishop

"This federal reemployment grant will help job-seekers throughout Central New York get back to work. One-Stop Centers and job coaches are a lifeline to men and women seeking gainful employment. I’m pleased that more of our neighbors will now have access to these vital services." - U.S. Representative Richard Hanna