Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that eight local nonprofits will receive funding from the City’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.

Approximately $170,000 will be available to help low- and moderate-income residents with shelter, employment skills, domestic violence support and youth development. The Mayor made the announcement at the LSSI Works office, which provides job training and coaching for motivated candidates who are focused on obtaining a career path.

This year, the following non-profits will receive grants:
o Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne (a program helping at-risk youth explore various career and job opportunities),
o Center for Nonviolence (domestic violence support and advocacy),
o Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network (providing support for a case manager that assists families in crisis find the right services that will move them from homelessness to permanent housing),
o Literacy Alliance (a program providing instruction for adults whose reading levels measure below fifth grade),
o Lutheran Social Services of Indiana, LSSI Works, (job training and coaching for motivated candidates who are focused on obtaining a career path),
o Volunteer Center/RSVP (support for a free legal assistance clinic that helps remove legal barriers for clients seeking employment and housing)
o Vincent Village (a car sharing service for residents of Vincent Village who need transportation for health care services and employment training or placement), and
o YMCA (a program supporting career exploration for at-risk teens at the Renaissance Pointe Y).

The City receives CDBG dollars annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Because of federal cuts to CDBG allocations over the past decade, many cities have stopped funding nonprofit services. Mayor Henry, however, continues his commitment to these services.

“City government cannot work alone to improve our community,” said Mayor Henry. “We need the help of our outstanding nonprofit agencies, like those that we are funding this year. Together, we can provide opportunities for a better life for all of our residents.”

“The City of Fort Wayne was an early investor three years ago when we began our workforce initiative, LSSI Works. We are seeing amazing transformation from those entering our program as they emerge with full-time stable employment. This new investment in LSSI Works is a wonderful example of the City's partnership with nonprofits in an effort to build a local, sustainable workforce,” said President and CEO, Angie Moellering.

The City uses a competitive application process to award the grants. A volunteer committee helps score the applications and makes recommendations on funding. Criteria are based on goals for the use of federal funds that are developed in part with input from local residents.

Today’s announcement was held at the LSSI Works Office, 3702 S. Clinton.