Governor Cuomo Announces $9.5 Million in Federal Funding to Support Job Seekers Enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Funding For 39 Organizations Statewide Will Support New Yorkers Entering The Workforce
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recenty announced $9.5 million in federal funding
has been awarded to 39 organizations to assist New Yorkers receiving Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Each of the organizations will
match funds, resulting in $19 million to support education and training
for SNAP recipients to enter the workforce.
“This administration has fought long and hard to help lift our most
vulnerable New Yorkers out of poverty and provide them with the opportunity
for a decent life,”
Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will assist with our efforts, providing much needed
job training and workforce development, and brings us closer to a stronger,
better, fairer New York for all.”
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance received
$9.5 million in federal funding and has allotted support to 39 organizations
statewide through the SNAP Employment and Training Venture Program. The
organizations are required to match funding with private and public resources,
resulting in double the number of New Yorkers benefiting from the program.
“Governor Cuomo has continued to focus on creating job opportunities
while ensuring there is a ready supply of talented workers,”
said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel
D. Roberts. “This approach has contributed greatly to the growing economy while
ensuring those who need these jobs the most can effectively compete for
them.”
The SNAP Employment and Training Venture Program is designed to provide
workforce development, education and training to SNAP recipients through
targeted job placement services. The program is aimed at supporting individuals
faced with barriers to employment, including criminal or substance abuse
history, low literacy, limited work history or unemployed and underemployed
parents, limited English proficiency, and individuals without a high school
diploma, including eligible youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
SNAP providers work closely with local Workforce Investment Boards to
assist participants in achieving a credential that is in demand by local
employers. Through the awarded organizations, individuals can earn a number
of credentials, including junior accounting, building maintenance and
weatherization, culinary arts, security, environmental remediation technician,
construction laborer, retail management, home health aide, warehouse worker,
commercial driver’s license, among others.
Funding awarded to BOCES organizations across the State include:
- BOCES Cayuga County, serving Cayuga County - $150,000
- BOCES Ulster County, serving Ulster County - $45,000
- Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES, serving Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington counties - $300,000
- BOCES Delaware-Chenango-Madison Counties, serving Delaware, Chenango, Madison and Otsego counties- $178,750
- Erie 1 BOCES, Eric County, serving Erie County - $237,250
- Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, serving Erie, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties - $362,250
- Orleans-Niagara BOCES, serving Niagara and Orleans counties - $400,000
- Oswego BOCES, serving Oswego County - $101,500
- Schuyler-Steuben-Chemung-Tioga-Allegany BOCES, serving Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Tioga counties - $306,375
- St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, serving Lewis and St. Lawrence counties - $300,000
- Rockland BOCES, serving Rockland County - $200,000
Funding awarded to additional organizations and schools across the State include:
Western New York
- Buffalo City School District, Erie County - $40,025
- Literacy West NY, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties – $300,000
Finger Lakes
- Research Foundation of SUNY Brockport, Monroe County, $400,000
Central New York
- Housing Visions Unlimited, Onondaga County – $145,750
- Research Foundation of SUNY Morrisville, Onondaga County – $241,250
Southern Tier
- Challenge Industries, Tioga and Tompkins counties - $370,625
Long Island
- Long Beach City School District, Nassau and Suffolk counties – $154,875
New York City
- Agudath Israel of America Community Services, Kings County - $186,625
- Center for Employment Opportunities, Kings County – $390,900
- Central Queens YM & YWHA, Queens - $241,250
- Chinatown Manpower Project, NYC - $109,000
- East Harlem Employment Services, NYC - $216,125
- Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, Kings County - $400,000
- El Barrios Operation Fight Back, Kings County –$150,000
- Henry Street Settlement, NYC - $114,125
- Leap, Inc., Kings County - $399,875
- Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, NYC - $300,000
- Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, NYC – $189,375
- Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute, Bronx – $400,000
- Per Scholas Inc., Bronx – $291,875
- Project Renewal Inc., NYC – $155,625
- Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council, Inc., Kings County – $200,000
- South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Bronx –$196,250
- St. Nick’s Alliance, Kings County – $200,125
- The Fortune Society, Kings County – $400,000
- The Hope Program, NYC – $393,500
- The Research Foundation of CUNY Kingsborough Community College, Kings County – $200,000
- The Research Foundation of CUNY Manhattan Community College, NYC – $112,750
Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, “While it is critically important that we provide millions of families
assistance through SNAP, we must equip them with proper education and
training they need to secure jobs. I thank Governor Cuomo for his continued
commitment to lifting New Yorkers out of poverty and applaud the organizations
serving my constituents in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx for participating
in this vital program.”
Congressman José E. Serrano said, “This federal funding will help individuals without a job who receive
food assistance successfully get back on their feet. By working with 39
local workforce development organizations, including three in the Bronx,
the SNAP Employment and Training Venture Program will ensure participants
receive the training and credentials they need to access local jobs. I’m
particularly glad to see that more than $900,000 will specifically go
towards helping Bronxites.”
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "Governor Cuomo’s announcement is welcomed news. Our State’s
economic success is dependent on how well we serve the most underprivileged
in our communities. The millions of federal dollars the Governor has allocated
throughout the state will ensure that individuals that are willing to
work are provided the necessary tools and skills to be successful, achieve
their personal goals, and provide for their families. I am especially
grateful for the nearly half-million in funds that will be allocated to
program providers in or near my district. This is a critical step towards
ensuring all New Yorkers receive the benefits of our economic recovery,
regardless of their background."
Congressman Joe Crowley said, “The SNAP program is a crucial lifeline for countless New Yorkers
who struggle to put food on the table every day. But one of the best ways
to fight hunger is to help those struggling Americans get back on their
feet and take advantage of new employment opportunities so they can sustain
themselves and their families. I applaud Governor Cuomo for directing
these federal dollars to organizations across New York that make job-training
and job placement their top priorities.”
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Through the SNAP Employment and Training Venture program organizations
like the Buffalo City Schools and Erie 1 BOCES will reduce barriers to
employment by helping job-seeking individuals develop in-demand, marketable
skills.This forward-thinking, collaborative effort will benefit potential
employees and their employers across New York State."
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, “We must make sure our next generation is prepared with the skills
they need to compete in a 21st century workforce. This important funding
will help children across our district and across our state, and I commend
Governor Cuomo for making it a priority.”
Congressman Dan Donovan said, “Individual initiative offers the best route out of poverty, and
the greatest contributor is a job. Employment allows people to make their
own decisions on where to live, which health care provider to use, and
where to send their children for education. Simple steps like targeted
training and employment assistance can mean the difference between years
of reliance on government programs and the beginning of a career. Thank
you to Governor Cuomo for advancing this initiative.”
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation Director of Education and Career
Services William Blair said, “This program has been a lifeline to many members of our community.
They develop actual skills that take them beyond just entry level jobs.”
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Case Manager Jennifer Driscoll said, “Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES is committed to providing quality, comprehensive
educational services to adults receiving SNAP benefits. In collaboration
with Cayuga County Department of Social Services, this funding enables
us to provide instructional and support services to adults to improve
literacy skills, earn a high school equivalency diploma, obtain career
training, and secure employment that will lead to economic self-sufficiency.”
Challenge Workforce Solutions Director of Employment and Vocational Supports
Martine Gold said, “This program is a great resource for the community. It has really
allowed us to serve a broader population of people in the Tompkins County
area who are struggling to get a job that will allow them to support themselves
and their families.”
SUNY/Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center Executive Director Anthony
Watson, administered by Borough of Manhattan Community College/CUNY, said, "All of us at MEOC are extremely excited to be selected to receive
this funding to provide training and education services to recipients
of SNAP. These services are much needed in our community and are tremendously
effective in helping people gain the skills they need to enter the workforce
and advance to better-paying jobs over time."
CUNY Kingsborough Community College Director of Academic/ESL Programs in
the Office of Continuing Education Natalie Bredikhina said, “Kingsborough has significant experience in offering job skills
training and we are excited to once again partner with the Office of Temporary
and Disability Assistance. This funding allows us to serve low-income
adults and youth receiving SNAP benefits and provide them with education
and vocational training they need to enter the workforce with jobs that
provide a living wage and clearly defined opportunities for advancement.”