JCCEO, the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity, has been awarded $1,361,843 through MANY, the Mid-Atlantic Network of Youth and Family Services, to launch the Positive Pathways Program (P3) to reduce community violence & improve the long-term labor market prospects of youth currently or formerly involved with the juvenile justice system. This project is funded nationally by an $8.5 million demonstration grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. Through a competitive process, JCCEO was selected as one of five organizations throughout the nation to implement the P3 Model over the next two years. Nationally, the P3 project is expected to reach 900 underserved, at-risk youth ages 16-24.
The Positive Pathways Program at JCCEO will be implemented in partnership with the Children's Aid Society, The DANNON Project, Family Impact, and the Jefferson County Workforce Investment Board. Together they will offer youth a menu of services including education & training, work skills development and placement, and mentoring. Each youth will work in partnership with a Pathways Coach to set individual goals and ensure they receive the full range of services and linkages to community programs. Uniquely designed with a holistic and youth focused approach, the Positive Pathways Program promises to make a lasting impact not only on the lives of these youth, but also on the long-term success of their families and communities. As part of this project, JCCEO will also convene community partners, including youth, faith-based and social service organizations, corrections, schools, and community members to develop a community-wide plan for reducing violence.
"Some young people stray from the path of career, family, and community, but that need not dictate the rest of their lives. Connecting young offenders with opportunities to acquire solid job skills is a crucial step toward ensuring their long-term economic self-sufficiency and allows them to take a positive role in our society," quoted by U. S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.
JCCEO is the Community Action Agency for Jefferson County, sponsoring such programs as Head Start, adult day care and nutrition, home weatherization and rehabilitation, energy assistance, youth development, counseling on housing, substance abuse, and employment. More than 500 staff members provide services to thousands of participants and clients at 33 JCCEO sites throughout Jefferson County. The P3 project, in partnership with the Children's Aid Society, The DANNON Project, Family Impact, and the Jefferson County Workforce Investment Board, will be an important contribution to the Jefferson County community. Mr. Ted Debro is the JCCEO contact for this project at 205-326-7025 or tdebro@jcceo.org.
MANY is a provider network designed to strengthen and coordinate resources and services for youth and families in high-risk situations. MANY is committed to bringing together non-profit organizations and individuals who are interested in the development of innovative alternatives for youth and families, and in exploring new ways to provide high quality services. MANY is available to help organizations build capacity. Visit the MANY website at www.manynet.org for more information.
To keep up-to-date on JCCEO's progress with the P3 Model please visit
www.jcceo.org
