FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
OIC of America and it’s Network of Affiliates has a long and successful history of partnering with the Department of Labor to serve America’s most challenging workforce needs. During the pandemic in 2020, our network demonstrated its ability to continue to meet the needs of our program participants to make an impact. We are pleased to announce that OIC of America will expand its national program, SOAR (Skills & Opportunity for Achievement and Responsibility) into its 6th iteration increasing the total number of people served to more than 4,500 individuals impacted by the criminal justice system through the Young Adult Reentry Partnership program.
The department’s Employment and Training Administration – which administers the grants – has awarded 28 grants to organizations in 17 states and Washington, D.C. The awards derive from two ETA programs, 22 in the Pathway Home program and six in Young Adult Reentry Partnership program.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to creating more opportunities for justice-involved individuals to complete high school and college, enter apprenticeships and share the benefits as our economy continues to recover,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “By investing in programs to prepare these individuals for job opportunities, the Labor Department is also investing in our communities and our families.”
Young Adult Reentry Partnership grants will aid recipients in strengthening their partnerships with community colleges and link these young adults – from age 18 to 24 – now or once involved in the criminal justice system, with apprenticeships and other opportunities in their communities in growing industries including information technology, healthcare, and energy.
The Young Adult Reentry Partnership (YARP2) will allow OICA to provide opportunities through SOAR at 11 OIC affiliates, with the newest addition being OIC of Oklahoma County (OK), and continuing SOAR in Portland OIC (OR), OIC of Wilson (NC), and OIC of South Florida (FL). In addition to the YARP2 award, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian MinistryABCCM and Philadelphia OIC, were also awarded by the DOL to continue their work with veterans with housing insecurities and expanding youth training services through Youthbuild. See below to learn more:
OIC of America – Young Adult Reentry Partnership (DOL)https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210621
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) – Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (DOL) https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/vets/vets20210601
Philadelphia OIC – YouthBuild (DOL) https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210610-0
Background – OIC of America (OICA) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that
provides leadership, technical assistance, and service alignment across a nationwide network of
31 affiliates in 19 states. OIC’s affiliates serve youth and adults, including currently or formerly
incarcerated individuals and those who have been historically underserved in education and
training programs. Founded in 1964 by Dr. Leon Sullivan, our mission is to provide high-quality
services that will enable economically disadvantaged and unemployed people of all races and
backgrounds to become productive, more fulfilled community members. By providing
comprehensive services in four key areas: Education, Economic Development, Healthcare, and
Community Development, thousands of participants break the cycle of poverty through our
efforts and theirs, creating a more just society. For more information, please visit
oicofamerica.org/.
