Grant funds program for foster youth, victims of sex trafficking
AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott last week announced a Texas Talent Connection grant award totaling $610,000 to support a two-year renewal of a pilot program connecting foster youth and victims of sex trafficking, ages 16-25, to workforce education programs and services to help them find and maintain employment leading to independence and self-sufficiency.
“Every Texan deserves the opportunity to chart their own course toward a brighter future,” Abbott said in the October 6 release. “Foster youth and young adults who have been victims of sex trafficking are especially vulnerable and often need extra support to overcome obstacles on their path to self-sufficiency.”
The Texas Talent Connection grant of $610,000 funds a two-year renewal of the Texas Employment Empowerment Model for Disenfranchised Youth and Young Adults pilot program and is awarded to three Local Workforce Development Boards and Foster Youth Transition Centers: * Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas and CitySquare of Dallas Foster Youth Transition Center.
* Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast and Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults/HAYS Center Foster Youth Transition Center.
* Workforce Solutions Alamo and BCFS Health and Human Services Transition Center/San Antonio Foster Youth Transition Center.
“The First Lady and I are proud of the work of our local workforce development boards, Foster Youth Transition Centers, and employers in helping these young Texans on their journey to career success and a lifetime of opportunities,” Abbott said.
The Office of the Governor’s Texas Workforce Investment Council and the Child Sex Trafficking Team have identified a need to provide workforce services to foster youth and young adult victims of sex trafficking to support their education and workforce progression and help deter repeat victimization.
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