The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded more than $1.6 million in workforce grants to 23 organizations that assist adults facing obstacles to find and keep steady employment. The organizations receiving awards are expected to serve 730 Minnesotans.
“For many, finding long-lasting, steady employment is difficult — not from a lack of determination or skill, but due to systemic barriers in place for many of our neighbors,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “The Adult Support Services program aims to bridge that gap, and we’re excited to partner with organizations around the state to help Minnesotans find and gain work-ready skills.”
The Adult Support Services competitive grants program provides grants to organizations that offer support services like job training, employment preparation, internships, financial literacy and academic and behavioral interventions for lower-performing students. Grantees are required to focus on low-income communities, adults from families with a history of intergenerational poverty and communities of color.
“Our Adult Support Services grant program is a high-impact workforce development program that yields long-lasting, durable results for program participants,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner Marc Majors. “Providing support services to people to help them prepare for and find family-sustaining employment makes a positive difference for communities throughout the state.”
Awarded organizations include:
AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis - $75,000
Alight, Minneapolis - $75,000
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul - $75,000
Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority, Brooklyn Park - $75,000
Center for African Immigrant and Refugee Organization (CAIRO), St. Cloud - $60,000
Communidades Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina (COPAL) Education Fund, Minneapolis - $75,000
Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis - $100,000
Global Fatherhood Foundation, Brooklyn Park - $75,000
Hired, Minneapolis - $75,000
International Institute of Minnesota, St. Paul - $75,000
Minnesota Valley Action Council/South Central Workforce Council, Mankato - $75,000
Neighbors, Inc., South St. Paul - $70,000
Northwest Indian Community Development Center, Bemidji - $75,000
Pillsbury United Communities, Minneapolis - $60,000
Project for Pride in Living, Inc., Minneapolis - $75,000
Rise Incorporated, Fridley - $75,000
RS Eden, Minneapolis - $60,000
Tasks Unlimited, Minneapolis - $75,000
The Neighborhood Hub, Minneapolis - $70,000
The Redemption Project, St. Paul - $75,000
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc., Le Sueur - $60,000
Winona County, Winona - $75,000
Women’s Wellness and Parenting Support Center, Bloomington - $57,500