JFS Awarded $500,000 for Vocational Training Program

Congresswoman Diana DeGette’s request was approved by Congress for nearly $13.3 million to fund 10 important projects in the Denver area designed to make more housing, employment, and health care services available to those in need. The requests were also supported and championed by Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper.

Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) was awarded $500,000 in funding to start a vocational training program that is just one component in a dynamic Employment Services department at JFS. This seed funding will enable JFS to launch the Innovating for Colorado’s Workforce Recovery and Future project to provide relevant and equitable vocational training programs to Coloradans disproportionally affected by the pandemic. The funding also will help those who face perceived and systemic barriers to employment, such as low-income individuals, people of color, immigrants/refugees, veterans, those with disabilities, and more. 

JFS will utilize the funding to hire culturally competent and qualified vocational trainers in high- demand occupations. In addition, a case manager will be hired to provide intensive, individualized support, which is proven effective in achieving long-term self-sufficiency, and to support our existing robust evaluation and outcomes measurements tools that track poverty alleviation, wage growth, reduction or savings in public welfare benefits, and employment benefits attainment.

“We’re excited to leverage insights and recommendations from the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) in their 2020 and 2021 Talent Pipeline Report and The Colorado 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan to inform and guide the creation of our new vocational training program,” said JFS President and CEO, Linda P. Foster.

See a list of funded projects on Congresswoman DeGette’s website.