Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release 
Georgia Department of 
Labor 
Suite 642  148 International Boulevard N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032 
 
October 1, 1999 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA RECEIVES $2 MILLION GRANT FOR WELFARE-TOWORK 
 
ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Southwest Georgia Job Training Program in Camilla will receive a $2,056,350 grant from the Georgia Department of Labor. The grant is part of a $26.4 million grant the state received from the U.S. Department of Labor. 
 
"These funds will be used to assist long-term welfare recipients and non-custodial parents in their efforts to secure employment, become independent and provide for their children," said Thurmond. "I believe there's dignity in work and that it's not just what you earn, but what you learn that's important. 
 
"This grant will be used to provide opportunities for thousands of Georgians to learn what it takes to be successful on the job. Our goal is to enable each of them to achieve their greatest potential." 
 
The grant will fund a variety of options for working in the private and public sectors. Mentors and job coaches will be available in some cases to assist both the worker and employer to ensure success on the job. Child care, transportation and other work-related expenses will also be paid by the grant. 
 
The Georgia Department of Labor will issue grants to 16 local welfare-to-work organizations throughout the state which will administer the initiative in their regions. The specific plan for each region is developed at the local level by Private Industry Councils (PICs) which consist of business, education and other community leaders. 
 
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY CONTACT THE 
 
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 Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release 
E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us. 
An Equal Opportunity Employer 
 
FY-00-184 
 
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