Maine Organization Awarded $285,000 Grant for Work with Veterans Bookmark and Share

July 1, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Picard, Maine Department of Labor, jessica.l.picard@maine.gov, 207-621-5099

Maine Organization Awarded $285,000 Grant for Work with Veterans

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor is pleased to congratulate Easterseals Maine, a member of the Veteran's Committee of the State Workforce Board (SWB), on its award of a $285,823 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta announced on June 28 that the Department is awarding 149 Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grants, totaling $48.1 million. This funding will provide workforce reintegration services for more than over 18,000 homeless veterans.

"The Maine Department of Labor works closely with Easterseals Maine to help veterans obtain housing, support services, case management and employment. Referrals go back and forth depending on what is needed," said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. Often, veterans are co-enrolled, enhancing both quality of life and options for employment.

The State Workforce Board (SWB) is an employer-led board whose purpose is to ensure that Maines workforce development system helps Maine people and businesses compete successfully in the global economy. The SWB advises the Governor on workforce policy and the development and evaluation of the Workforce Development System (WDS), which includes other state agencies such as Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services along with the Community College System, University of Maine System and employers.

Along with being a member of the State Workforce Boards Veterans Committee, Easterseals Maine is also a partner in the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, a statewide effort to commit at least 100 employers to hire at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100-day period.

Veterans, military family members and civilians seeking assistance in job search and training are encouraged to contact their closest Maine CareerCenter, which can be found online at www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations. Veterans Representatives and Career Counselors are available at each location.

The Maine Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.