U.S. Department of Labor Awards Friendly House $1 Million Grant

(Phoenix, AZ) – The Friendly House administration is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the “Pathways to Justice Careers for Youth” grant. Issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, this grant amounts to $1 million over the next three years and will help serve the youth with workforce development and adult education services in the justice career fields.

“This grant is special because it will provide Friendly House an opportunity to serve disconnected youth with their aspirations of becoming involved in justice career fields,” said president & CEO Martin Quintana.

“During the last 96 years, Friendly House has established solid relationships and an excellent program reputation in the community, which we believe played a role in the deciding factor to receive the grant,” he said. “With this award, we will be initiating partnerships with community members and organizations focused specifically in the criminal justice fields.”

The grant will aid Friendly House in the expansion of its training programs involving work in the justice field and includes services such as case management, mentoring, career exploration, and exposure to the world of work models.

The program’s mission is to provide a positive exposure and ideally spark an interest in individuals who otherwise would have never considered public service as a career.

“We want to assist with overcoming the common misconception that previous poor choices in life would hinder the opportunity of protecting and serving the community,” said Director of Adult Education, Aida Jimenez-Uselton. “This is an incredible opportunity to lend a hand in the reduction of recidivism in the communities that need it most and, more importantly, provide disconnected youth with a second chance.”

These enhanced programs will provide emergency services for in-school young adults (ages 16 to 21) that are eligible to graduate within two years and are at risk of dropping out of school.

Adult and youth participants will also have the opportunity to work with and be mentored by professionals in the justice and emergency service fields. Friendly House will assist each participant with detailing the proper steps needed to begin and complete a career pathway program, ensuring that his/her educational goals are met.

“There is plenty to be excited about,” said Quintana, “With the establishment of community partners and other funding sources, the public will continue to benefit from this program as these individuals go into their justice careers and have the opportunity to positively influence the community by becoming mentors for youth at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.