CSB Gets Labor Department Funding

10/25/01

The Cobb Community Services Board has received a federal grant to improve the employment and career advancement of people with disabilities.

The $689,040 grant from the U.S. Labor Department will enable 20 residents of Cobb County who have disabilities to pursue training in a high tech field or start their own businesses. Recipients will also be able to purchase adaptive and other support items needed to return to work.

The funding comes through the Workforce Investment Board in Cobb County.

“We appreciate the support of local business and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce for their work with the Workforce Investment Board and the Project EMPLOY program. That support and this grant will allow our clients to move into the workforce and become contributing citizens,” said Tod Citron, Executive Director of the Cobb and Douglas Community Services Boards.

The grant is part of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative goal to integrate Americans with disabilities into the workforce. Nationally, the grants are being used to develop innovative programs and technical assistance that will improve employment outcomes for adults and youth with disabilities.

The CSB currently operates a Supported Employment Program as a Project EMPLOY partner through the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Project EMPLOY is an innovative program that transitions mentally challenged residents into the job market. According to Project Employ Director Doug Crandell, the CSB program is one of four such programs in the nation.
In partnership with metro Atlanta businesses Project Employ creates and expands opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities to obtain white-collar jobs including Information Technology and computer-based employment.