Wednesday, November 30, 2011

MEDC Grant Keeps Focus: HOPE Training Programs Running

This is some really good news.

A week after Focus: HOPE said it would shut down its work training programs because of federal funding cuts, the organization has announced new grant funding will keep some of those programs alive.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has awarded a one-time, $1 million grant that will allow Focus: HOPE to "continue a modest level of programs and services while it reorganizes and applies for a new level of federal funding," according to a news release.

"This is terrific news," said William F. Jones Jr., Focus: HOPE's chief executive officer. "It gives us the ability to finish classes that students were just weeks away from completing. As we leverage this money to obtain additional funding, we are simultaneously planning our future programming."

For those outside of Detroit who don't know what Focus: HOPE is, you can read about its history and meaning to the citizens of Detroit here. And if the feds don't come through, perhaps the state can step up again... it's a nice thought, isn't it?