(Boyle Heights, CA) – This morning, Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), presented Managed Career Solutions, Inc. with a $500,000 check representing a veterans’ workforce grant from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for their important work increasing local employment opportunities for veterans throughout Los Angeles County.
“I am proud to be here today to present this substantial award to one of our local organizations, Managed Career Solutions (MCS),” said Assemblymember Santiago. “MCS has done an incredible job assisting veterans with much-needed employment resources and services so they are equipped with the 21st century job skills and training they need to succeed. I know this funding will ensure that the organization continues to serve our local veterans moving forward.”
Managed Career Solutions, Inc., established in 1987, originally provided vocational rehabilitation services to Adults (aged 18-65) throughout the City and County of Los Angeles. In the 29 years since incorporation, MCS’ breadth and depth of work has since expanded to include economic and workforce development. MCS currently holds 25 Federal, State, County and City grants, many of which directly and indirectly enable the training and job placement of Veterans so they can enter and succeed in today’s labor market.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Veterans’ Employment-Related Assistance Program (VEAP) will serve 215 participants and help 180 complete training that leads to an industry recognized certificate or license in one of the four target high-growth industry sectors: Healthcare, Information Technology, Protective Services, and Construction with 110 of those participants maintaining training-related employment.
MCS Executive Director Philip Starr noted that, “The Los Angeles Veterans Work Initiative will assist Veterans in their pursuit of meaningful competitive employment. This generous grant from the Employment Development Department supports substantive training in high-wage, high-growth jobs in the Healthcare, Information Technology, Protective Services and Construction Sectors. Thank you to EDD and welcome aboard Veterans!”
The Veterans' Employment-Related Assistance Program funding is made available by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act's Governor's Discretionary Funds under the administrative authority of the EDD. "While protecting our freedoms during their service, veterans also were learning highly-valuable job skills. With this EDD grant, Managed Career Solutions will be able to assist many unemployed or underemployed veterans in the Los Angeles-area as they transition those skills into civilian jobs in high-growth industries," said EDD Director Patrick W. Henning. "We are honored to support our veterans as they move into promising new careers."
Assemblymember Santiago noted that, “Managed Career Solutions is a great community partner and I look forward to continuing to work with them to further provide for the 53rd Assembly District.”