October 9, 2008 - The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today announced the award of $121,000 in grants to SVRC Industries, Inc. in Saginaw to serve people with disabilities in Saginaw County.
A grant of $36,000 will continue collaboration with the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (MPRI) and MRS to assess, prepare, and place ex-offenders with disabilities into meaningful employment so that they may reintegrate into the community and maximize their functional independence. A second grant of $60,000 will implement a certified training program to teach people with various disabilities how to work in the telecommunications industry. A third grant of $25,000 will obtain commercial grade computer hardware, software, head sets, training displays and materials to train individuals with disabilities on call center software and technology.
"We must invest in our citizens and their talents to meet the growing demands of Michigan's economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "These grants help those people with disabilities to be contributing members of our 21st century workforce."
The grants are comprised of federal and state funds. The federal portion is funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The grants are issued by Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), a bureau of DLEG that collaborates with agencies such as SVRC Industries, Inc. in a mutual goal of assisting Michigan residents with disabilities into the workforce. MRS operates 36 offices throughout the state that provide job preparation and placement services for people with disabilities.
The Department of Labor & Economic Growth is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.
For more information about DLEG, visit the department's website at www.michigan.gov/dleg. DLEG is an equal opportunity employer/program.