Rep. Fattah Announces $1.5 Million Grant to People for People Inc. in Philadelphia

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) announced today that People for People Inc., the innovative community service agency in North Philadelphia, will receive $1,499,989 for its "Project Restore" which has already helped train, educate and return to society over 8,000 Philadelphians including young adult ex-offenders.

"This important grant from the Department of Labor will help People for People Inc. continue to rebuild the lives of low-income minority young people who have had a brush with the law," Fattah said.

"Reverend Herb Lusk and the People for People Inc. organization he founded deserve high praise. They continue the tough, necessary work of rescuing and lifting up some of Philadelphia's most challenged, at-risk young people," Fattah said. "Restoring ex-offenders to function in our society through training and education is critical, not just to the individuals involved but to the entire community."

The grant, from the U.S. Department of Labor, will enable People for People Inc., headquartered at 800 N. Broad Street, to expand its innovative Employment, Advancement, Retention Network (EARN) Center via "Project Restore." Since its inception in 2006, this EARN Center has served young adult ex-offenders and other at-risk individuals through an array of employment, education, and human service programs.

The Department of Labor today awarded $30 million to 21 agencies nationwide, targeting young adults 18 to 21 who were involved in the juvenile justice system from the age of 14 or older, but were never convicted as an adult under federal or state law. Through training projects, service learning opportunities and educational interventions, participants will earn high school diplomas and industry-recognized credentials.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah