News

Bridgeton NJ, The Cumberland County Department of Workforce Development in partnership with the Cumberland County Department of Corrections and Stronger Families are the recipients of a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Labor. The grant provides the County the ability to create and operate a specialized American Job Center inside the Cumberland County Jail.

Freeholder Director Joe Derella said “This grant opportunity is another really good example of how our agencies can work together for a positive result. The Specialized American Job Center initiative will provide our inmates with meaningful services that will prepare them for successful reentry into the community. I want to specifically thank Freeholder Carol Musso who at the time of the grant application served as Public Safety Liaison. Carol immediately understood the positive impact that this program would have on our County and did not hesitate to support the effort.”

Warden Richard Smith said “we have a lot of folks that we need to thank for making this project come to fruition. We would not be where we are today without the following partners: Cumberland County Department of Workforce Development, Stronger Families, Pascale Sykes Foundation, Give Something Back Foundation, Temple Vision, United Advocacy Group, Cumberland County Department of Corrections, Cumberland County College, Bridgeton Police Athletic Leagues and the Greater Bridgeton Family Success Center.”

Department of Workforce Development Executive Director Allison Spinelli said “Cumberland County is one of only 11 awardees nationwide and is the only recipient in New Jersey. The Workforce PRO Program is part of a long-term comprehensive reentry strategy employed by the Cumberland County Jail that includes a commitment to collaboration with community agencies and employers.

The Specialized American Job Center will include the evidence- based, “Steps to Freedom Therapeutic Re-Entry Program”, which is a provision that allows participants to combat addiction, improve career skills and develop social behaviors to ensure success upon release; and family case management approach to reentry planning.

The County of Cumberland gratefully acknowledges that the Specialized American Job Center Program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

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