CAA is excited to have been awarded stimulus dollars through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Our staff, board members, and partners are working diligently to ensure that the funds are used expediently and effectively, as we do our part to help stimulate the local economy. ARRA has allowed CAA to create jobs and expand our current services to better serve Hamilton County's growing needs. We look forward to tracking the progress of the ARRA funded programs and providing you with up-to-date information on the outcomes.
Gwen L. Robinson
President/CEO
ARRA funding will allow CAA to employ 90 new positions, assist in the development of 12 businesses, and serve approximately 7,337 clients.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP): $11.4 million
CAA will weatherize over 1,375 homes from July 2009 through March 2011. By increasing the income eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, ARRA funds will allow CAA to provide home weatherization to families who truly need this service, but did not previously qualify. Expanding the HWAP program will stimulate the economy by creating job opportunities at CAA, significantly increasing the amount expended at local businesses for materials, and allowing contracted business to retain current employees/hire additional employees. Learn more about Home Weatherization...
Number Employed:16 (in-house) + 50 jobs created/saved at local contracted businesses
YouthBuild Construction & Training Program: $618,113
Awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor, YouthBuild grant funding will provide 86 young adults with the opportunity to earn a national certification in construction, as well as obtain their GED. Students will work side-by-side with contractors to build affordable housing for low-income families, while instructors and other CAA staff provide students with the supportive services and life skills training needed to achieve self-sufficiency. Learn more about YouthBuild...
Number Employed:1 (in-house) + 3 jobs created/saved at local contracted businesses
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Programming: $2.9 million
Number Employed:8 (in-house) + 5 jobs created/saved at local contracted businesses
Cincinnati Manufacturing Certifications
Individuals who have been laid off or are currently earning low-wages can sharpen their skills and gain four national production technician certifications through this 140-hour program. The new skill set will assist individuals in securing employment, gaining higher pay, increasing job security, and/or obtaining promotions. Learn more about Cincinnati Manufacturing Certifications...
Community Kitchen and Conference Center of Avondale
Families often think that eating a nutritious meal is unaffordable. CAA will work with 65 low-income residents to educate them on how to easily purchase fresh ingredients with a limited budget and prepare wholesome family meals. Students of the Community Kitchen who have a desire to open their own food business, develop and sell an edible product, or work in the food industry will also gain knowledge of food service operations. This will demonstrate to employers that the applicant is skilled in food service, as well as provide entrepreneurs with beneficial knowledge to launch their business.
CSBG Central Program Operations
In order to ensure that the community's needs are met during these economic hardships, Community Services will create two new positions to oversee the implementation of ARRA CSBG funds. A Community Services Senior Manager and a Community Advocate Coordinator will work with the ARRA CSBG funded programs to properly document and report the results. Learn more about Community Services...
Expanding the Fatherhood Initiative
CAA will begin working with 140 incarcerated and recently released fathers who are transitioning back into the community. The program will provide fathers with the education, resources, and support needed to improve their relationships and their parenting skills. Learn more about the Fatherhood Initiative...
GCMIElite Entrepreneurship Program
New business owners will receive in-depth case management and business coaching through GCMIElite, as well as education in accounting, marketing, information technology, and financial literacy. CAA anticipates the creation of 8 new businesses and 14 new jobs as a result of the program's counseling and guidance. Learn more about GCMI...
GCMI Ex-Offenders Entrepreneurship Training
GCMI will expand its current Entrepreneurial Training Academy (ETA) to assist 40-55 incarcerated and recently released individuals with enhancing their business skills. Clients will attend weekly class sessions where they will be provided with the knowledge and tools to start a business, including goal setting, financial marketing, and budgeting. Classes will also address the obstacles and challenges facing ex-offenders as they re-enter into the workforce. GCMI staff will work to ensure that clients are on the track to self-sufficiency by providing supportive services through CAA's other programs, including the Fatherhood Initiative and Fresh Start. Learn more about GCMI...
GCMI - Individual Development Account
GCMI knows that proper financial management promotes self-sufficiency among individuals and leads to a more financially secure future. Poor financial management can result in a low credit score or no access to reliable transportation, both of which hinder personal growth. GCMI's Individual Development Account program will work one-on-one with clients to assist them with the purchase of a vehicle for employment purposes and/or help them repair their credit score. Clients will also receive financial education and personalized counseling through the program. GCMI anticipates 34 clients improving their credit score and becoming financially knowledgable. Learn more about GCMI...
Nutrition Education & Training
Fast food is often the meal of choice for families with a limited budget and limited time. Through September 2010, CAA will educate 650 low-income individuals on how to provide healthy meals for their families with limited resources. Class sessions will include nutritional education, as well as live cooking demonstrations. Participants who complete the program will be provided with free groceries to jumpstart their improved eating habits.
Youth Employment Training & Coaching for Foster Youth
CAA and the Hamilton County Department of Job & Family Services (HCDJFS) will partner to provide 45 youth within the foster care system with the opportunity to excel in the workforce. The foster youth will receive job skills training that can use throughout their careers. Coursework will provide youth with a foundation in the job application process, interview preparation, dispute resolution, and more. CAA and HCDJFS anticipate 30 youth securing employment through the program.
Head Start: $1.8 million
ARRA funds will allow CAA to improve our early childhood education program and ensure that HS/EHS infants and toddlers are prepared to begin kindergarten on par with their peers. Learn more about Head Start...
Jobs Created:7
To learn more about the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, visit Recovery.org.
