The Lovelady Center Transition Workforce Project for Homeless Women and Children

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Freedom Rain, Inc. will use the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards funds for the Lovelady Center Prison Transition Workforce Project for Homeless Women and Children. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide the type of support services and training needed to prepare previously incarcerated women or women who have been involved in the justice system for successful transitioning into the community and to reduce recidivism. The Lovelady Center is owned and operated by Freedom Rain, Inc. and is a comprehensive transitional program that serves women ex-offenders and their children. The Center is a transition home for over 300 female ex-offenders on work release status from Tutwiler Prison for Women on the Supervised Release Program and other women who have been involved in a local, state, or federal justice system. The Lovelady Center Workforce Development Program will use the funds to provide essential support services to ex-offender women that begin with the very basics of health and character development. This grant will enable the Center to expand its Workforce Development program for Supervised Release Program residents and other residents as class space permits.

NCA/NCF