2. News Room

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 29, 2019
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
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DWD Secretary-Designee Caleb Frostman Celebrates Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant Recipient La Casa de Esperanza

WAUKESHA – Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary-Designee Caleb Frostman met with representatives from La Casa de Esperanza and Milwaukee Community Service Corps (MCSC) to tour training programs at La Casa de Esperanza and congratulate the organization on receiving a Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant last Friday.

DWD awarded nearly $80,000 to La Casa de Esperanza for the Wisconsin Fast Forward Jump Start grant. The organization will partner with Milwaukee Community Service Corps (MCSC) to train 50 unemployed trainees as entry-level construction laborers. Trainees will receive OSHA 10 certification, forklift certification, PACT training, Wisconsin Lead Renovator certification, CPR/AED certification and soft skills employment readiness training. The program will include two nine-week training cohorts combining classroom and hands-on training.

"This grant aims to help trainees from at-risk, vulnerable or special populations, including those who are chronically unemployed, formerly incarcerated, economically disadvantaged or have a disability," Secretary-Designee Caleb Frostman said. "Advocating for the economic advancement and inclusion of all Wisconsinites is of the utmost importance to this administration and this agency."

The event began with an introduction by Anselmo Villarreal, President/CEO of La Casa de Esperanza. Villarreal discussed the impact this grant will have on trainees at La Casa, and MCSC Executive Director Mike Consiglio spoke about the skills training program and the long-term benefits it will provide for the 50 trainees. Training equipment was also on display at the event for attendees to learn more about the hands-on aspect of the program.

"We are honored to receive the Fast Forward Worker Training Grant," said Shari Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at La Casa de Esperanza. "We are excited to work with our great partner, Milwaukee Community Service Corps, to provide a valuable training and work experience to prepare our unemployed or underemployed community members for good jobs and to increase Wisconsin's workforce."

Wisconsin's Fast Forward (WFF) grant program is a nationally-recognized, innovative talent development solution to train and develop highly skilled workers. The training programs are designed to provide sustainable, short- and medium-term training and placement of workers in positions that offer trainees long-term professional growth and economic opportunity.

For more information, please visit http://wisconsinfastforward.com/.