07-07-2010
On Thursday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. Sheriff Marlin Gusman and the Isaiah Institute, a group of 30 faith-based organizations, will give a progress report on its 12-week on-the-job-training program for young adults in the greater New Orleans area. The announcement will be held at the Sheriff's Office, 819 S. Broad Street.
With a $400,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Isaiah Institute has been assisting almost two dozen young adults in learning a new skill and gaining stable employment in the construction industry. "Many young New Orleanians hoped and believed that because of Hurricane Katrina, they would have greater opportunity for training and employment. But even though New Orleans is perhaps the largest construction site in the country, for many of our most vulnerable residents, this did not happen," said Rev. Joseph C. Profit, Jr., chair of the Isaiah Institute. "Thanks to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we can begin to address the issue of a lack of vocational training venues and job opportunities for our young people."
Working with the Isaiah Institute is Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman, whose Day Reporting Center referred some of the trainees. In addition, KBK developers will provide work sites and potential job placement for trainees. KBK is the developer for the new housing located at the former B.W. Cooper Housing development. Moreover, in recognition of the social challenges faced by program participants, Successful Social Services, LLC works with the Isaiah Institute to ensure that all participants complete the 12-weeks. The actual job training is provided by AME Disaster Recovery Services, Dison Enterprises and Hebert Renovations, LLC.
To obtain information on the Isaiah Institute's Work Force Development Program, please contact Joe Givens at (504) 416-0679.
Established in 1930, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southern Africa. For further information on the Foundation, please visit their website at www.wkkf.org
