Men of Color in Crisis: Prisoner Re-Entry Project

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.

Career Gear will use FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award funding to support its Men of Color in Crisis: Prisoner Re-Entry Project. The project will assist male ex-offenders returning to the five boroughs of New York City by providing business attire to those actively seeking employment through a Suiting Program and a Professional Development Series which provides job seeking, employment retention, and life-skills workshops that increase the prospect of employment and self-sufficiency. Through the grant funded project, Career Gear will decrease a participant's need for public assistance and help curb recidivism. Goals include assisting approximately 500 formerly incarcerated men through the Suiting Program and 50 formerly incarcerated men in the Professional Development Series over the course of the grant period. Progress will be measured by the number of men served and through a unique quality of life survey created by Career Gear and analyzed by an independent auditor.

NCA/NCF