Local news- Press Release
City of Findlay Ohio - DollarWise Economic Mobility Grant Awarded to Local Non Profits 23 January 2024 ( news )
City of Findlay , state Ohio ( By Press Release office)
Jan 23,2024
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Findlay area non - profits will receive a $10 , 000 DollarWise Economic Mobility Grant . The grant is administered by the U . S . Conference of Mayors in partnership with Bank of America and is aimed to encourage or promote innovation in advancing economic mobility . Grant categories include removing barriers that prevent economic advancement , creating economic opportunity , and building assets to create intergenerational wealth . They received a grant for removing barriers that prevent economic opportunity .
The funds will be used to allow individuals with convictions to petition for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment ( CQE ) . A CQE is a “certificate granted by the Common Pleas Court that removes obstacles to employment for individuals with a prior criminal conviction . ” The program involves collaboration from local non - profits Raise the Bar Hancock County ( a workforce development agency changing how people along the cradle - to - career continuum learn about and prepare for careers in Findlay ) , the Habitat for Humanity Financial Opportunity Center ( engages and educates individuals and families to build a better future through self - sufficiency ) , and Legal Aid of Western Ohio ( helps individuals eliminate barriers to employment and increase opportunities for families living in poverty ) . Together , the three entities will work to educate employers on the purpose and benefits of CQEs , assist eligible individuals with completing CQE paperwork , and strive to help CQE individuals pursue the training and job readiness assistance they need to be employed in quality , in - demand occupations in Findlay/Hancock County .
The three partners will create a standardized presentation that will be delivered to nonprofit agency representatives and community mentors . Individuals eligible to petition will then receive one - on - one assistance with filing to the Hancock County Court of Common Pleas . Grant - Funded activities will involve raising community awareness that CQEs are an option for employment . Funds will be spent on ( 1 ) contracting Legal Aid to verify accuracy of produced materials and presenting to nonprofits and individuals; ( 2 ) covering the filing fee for petitioners; and ( 3 ) creating and disseminating all marketing and outreach materials .
“Not one CQE petition has been filed in Hancock County in 11 years , ” says Mayor Christina Muryn . “These grant dollars will allow our local non - profits to assist individuals seeking to work and contribute to our local economy by breaking down the barriers that are preventing them from doing so . Thank you to the U . S . Conference of Mayors and Bank of America for supporting this cause and selecting our program . ”
“Through these monies , our community will be able to more effectively support residents who face barriers to employment , ” says Tricia Valasek , Executive Director of Raise the Bar . “Helping individuals overcome convictions and get back on their feet with strong - paying jobs is a win - win - win for the job seeker , employers , and our community . ”
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