Stadelman announces more than $1 million in workforce recovery grants enroute to Rockford

State Senator Steve Stadelman this week announced more than $1 million in equitable workforce recovery grants will come to Rockford to help people struggling to gain employment.

“These state grants will strengthen local jobs programs that help to employ people across our community with good paying jobs to support themselves and their families,” Stadelman said. “This investment comes at a time when businesses are contending with rising inflation and a post-COVID economy. It’s imperative we address ongoing workforce issues in Illinois.”

A total of $1,175,000 state workforce investments are being made locally:

• City of Rockford - $300,000

• YWCA of Northwestern Illinois - $575,000

• Comprehensive Community Solutions Inc. - $300,000

“YWCA Northwestern Illinois is thrilled to receive this grant to develop and launch YW TechLab. Of the 12,000 families we work with annually, a majority of them do not earn a living wage,” said Kris L. Machajewski, YWCA president and CEO. “It has always been our goal to bring those who need our services to a place of economic self-sufficiency, the best way we can do that is to provide them with a new skillset that will launch them into careers that pay a living wage, while building equity in IT and STEM fields.”

The new funding comes through the American Rescue Plan Act and expands access to workforce training and support for Illinois residents who are unemployed or underemployed and community-based partners that provide barrier-reducing resources like transportation and childcare.

For more information about Office of Employment and Training programs, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.
 

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In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
May 13 at 10:01 PM 

Enjoyed talking to 96-year-old Don Claude and his wife, Betty, at the Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County, Illinois open house. Don served in World War II and the Korean War. And always good to see VAC Superintendent and former Ch. 17 co-worker Robert Randall Ryder.
 

Steve Stadelman
May 22 at 7:59 PM 

Enjoyed speaking at the annual banquet of the Rockford Association of Clubs/Rockford, IL at the SM&SF CLUB. Thanks to all the social clubs for what they do to help people and meet the needs of our community!

Steve Stadelman
May 18 at 7:27 PM 

Survivors are united with their emergency responders during an emotional event in Rockford. Their stories included needing lifesaving medical help following a heart attack or car accident. Thanks to the Rockford Fire Department for what they do every day!