| Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development News Release | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 28, 2006 Governor Jim Doyle Secretary Roberta Gassman |
News Media Contact Rose Lynch 608/266-6753 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784 |
Milwaukee - Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) Secretary Helene Nelson and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman announced today that Wisconsin has been awarded $500,000 by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance services for individuals receiving FoodShare, formerly known as Food Stamps.
The funds are targeted for FoodShare recipients who are currently enrolled at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). The funds will be used to provide an intense level of services to students to ensure they successfully complete their programs. The enhanced level of services will include more rigorous: career assessment; employability planning; career counseling; job placement; and, support services, such as child care and transportation.
FoodShare is a benefit program which allows low income individuals to purchase food. Generally, individuals or families who are eligible for FoodShare benefits are employed but do not make enough money to completely support their families, or are disabled and cannot work, or have lost their jobs, or are living on small, fixed incomes. Governor Doyle’s initiative to streamline government has resulted in a simplified application process and increased participation in the FoodShare program, so families who need this assistance are better able to access services.
DHFS Secretary Helene Nelson, states, "Many of the people who are enrolled in the FoodShare program are employed, but don't make enough money to support their families. They simply can't afford food and we can't turn our backs on them. No one deserves to go hungry."
Adult recipients of FoodShare benefits also register for work with the Department of Workforce Development under the state’s FoodShare Employment and Training Program (FSET) program. The goal of the FSET program is to enable participants to move promptly into self-sustaining jobs.
DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman said, “We are pleased to have additional funding to intensify our services to help these hard working students at MATC move into higher paying, higher skilled jobs. FoodShare provides a necessary support while they get the training they need to land jobs with career ladders and opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency.”
More information on the state’s FoodShare program and simplified application process is available at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm. Individuals needing assistance may also contact their local agency. A list of local county and tribal agencies can be found at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/em/imagencies/index.htm
Content Contact: Rose Lynch