Highmark Inc. and the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living announced the impact of the $2.4 million Highmark Local Workforce Initiative.
More than a year ago, Jacob Gaugler believed his life had no purpose. He was out of work and saw no light at the end of the tunnel.
That's until he received help from the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living's Career Path program.
He's been working a production job at Cigars International for the past year, which he says has been an "enlightening" and "extremely gratifying" experience.
"I gained purpose," said Gaugler, 21.
Gaugler shared his story before a group of about 25 during a news conference today in Allentown at which Highmark Inc. and the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living announced the impact of the Highmark Local Workforce Initiative.
Four Lehigh Valley organizations received a total of $254,000 from Highmark. Those organizations include the Center for Independent Living, Child Care Information Services Inc., the Lehigh Valley Business Education Partnership and United Community Services.
Joe Michener, director of employment services for the Center for Independent Living, said the grant was used for the Career Path program, which helped 32 young adults get jobs and 15 maintain their jobs. He said the program was able to move at a much faster pace thanks to the grant.
The impact of the initiative was felt statewide.
Evan Frazier, senior vice president of community affairs for Highmark, said more than 5,900 people received job search assistance, job training for entry-level positions and advancement and computer and GED educations.
About 785 of the participants received jobs and 180 advanced in their jobs or received raises, he said.
"We're very pleased with some of the outcomes we're seeing," he said.
The two-year, $2.4 million Highmark Local Workforce Initiative was launched in 2011 and has provided cash grants of at least $50,000 to 31 nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania, according to Highmark.
The money was used to assist newly developed or
expanded programs designed for those seeking a job or unemployed; young
adults with literacy issues; individuals challenged with poverty or a
disability; and veterans returning home to a weakened job market, Highmark officials said.