The Glendale Community Services and Parks Department’s Workforce Development Section was recently awarded a $100,000 grant by the Los Angeles County Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Service Department to train and transition adults who are homeless into gainful employment.
This grant funds the RIISE project, or the Regional Immediate Intervention Service to Employment, which brings together several community partners to train and prepare participants for full-time employment.
RIISE targets individuals that are homeless and are either Foster Youth, Victims of Domestic Violence, have disabilities, or are receiving Government Assistance.
RIISE participants will gain paid experience as they start with basic clean-up services and gradually develop more technical skills including landscaping, facility attendance, and general labor. Participants will also develop the skills they need to enter comparable employment in landscaping, general labor, and maintenance.
Work readiness includes training in communication skills, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and other skills needed to be successful in the work environment. Individuals will be supervised while working park sites and conducting general park maintenance.
The Verdugo Jobs Center will provide job placement assistance and supportive services, including interview and work clothing, and transportation assistance to secure employment. Recognized as a leader in workforce development for its innovative programs in serving people with disabilities, the City’s Workforce Development Section, is poised to successfully transition the RIISE participants to employment.
Measure H, which was approved by LA County voters last year, is the source of the grant. The measure applies “Approved Strategies to Combat Homeless,” an LA County initiative to provide services to homeless individuals.