Twin Cities RISE! Ex-Offender Re-Entry and Job Training Model

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.

Twin Cities RISE will use the grant funds for an Ex-offender and Re-Entry Job Training Model. The project is targeted at disadvantaged men and women with felony backgrounds who are at risk of being rearrested or reincarcerated. Program activities designed to facilitate the transition from jail back to the community include one-on-one coaching in combination with instruction that builds academic, occupational, and job search skills and support services that assist in the engagement with family, removal of obstacles such as substance abuse intervention, and employment difficulties.

NCA/NCF