LAC Named to Executive Panel of Governor’s New ‘Work for Success’ Initiative

Many of you have seen the news today that Governor Andrew Cuomo has created "Work for Success," an initiative designed to reduce unemployment rate among the thousands of New Yorkers reentering their communities from prison.

LAC is excited to be named to the executive committee of Work for Success, which will be chaired by our advocacy partner Mindy Tarlow, executive director of the Center for Employment Opportunities.

As detailed in the governor's announcement, Work for Success will:

• Evaluate the employment programs that currently exist for the formerly incarcerated and carry out evidence-based, action-oriented research to identify the best ones;
• Promote building relevant job readiness skills throughout correctional programming;
• Align vocational skills programs with specific credentialing pathways and employment opportunities in the New York labor market;
• Help to effectively connect New Yorkers returning from prison with appropriate employment services; and
• Build the capacity of local community organizations to address the unique needs of people with criminal convictions.

The governor's announcement quotes LAC Director and President Paul Samuels conveying our enthusiasm about the new initiative: "We are proud to be working on such a vital tool for building strong communities. By helping New Yorkers who return home from prison to have productive lives, we will benefit all members of our statewide community. Governor Cuomo's 'Work for Success' initiative would be helpful under any circumstances, but in today's economic climate, this approach is crucial to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy."

See more details about Work for Success in the governor's press release.