Maryland DOL Awards PIVOT Resources
Maryland Department of Labor Awards Baltimore City Non-Profit Organizations Nearly $500,000 to Help Combat the Opioid Crisis
Funding Will Provide Crucial Workforce Services to Women Impacted by the Opioid EpidemicThe Maryland Department of Labor has awarded $477,000 in funding from the state’s Workforce Solutions: Women and Opioids grant program to two non-profit organizations operating in Baltimore City—Maryland New Directions and PIVOT. The grant awardees will use the funding to implement projects that connect women impacted by the state’s opioid crisis to in-demand training, employment opportunities, and integrated supportive services.
Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2020 to be the 'Year of the Woman' in Maryland. Both the Hogan administration and Labor are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to empower women who have been impacted by the opioid crisis. The grant funds awarded to Maryland New Directions and PIVOT will enable women in Baltimore City to acquire the skills, tools, and support they need to overcome opioid-related workforce challenges. Helping these women improve their lives is also an investment in helping Maryland's families and communities heal and recover.
As part of a $650,000 federal grant received from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2018, funding was awarded to organizations that have a working plan to stem the tide of opioid-use disorder with a particular emphasis of serving women impacted by the opioid epidemic. The initiatives will focus on women who have been affected by the opioid crisis or those who need new or upgraded skills to transition to a profession that supports people struggling with opioid-use disorder.
Nearly $227,000 was awarded to PIVOT to serve 45 women rebuilding their lives after incarceration, addiction, and homelessness. Participants in the PIVOT project will complete an eight-week program that provides job readiness and life skills training, group therapy, intensive case management, mentorship, and health and wellness activities. Graduates of the PIVOT program will be prepared to successfully transition to a range of occupational training opportunities in in-demand industry sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail. PIVOT will continue to support participants throughout their training programs.
Maryland New Directions was awarded $250,000 in grant funds to provide employment, training, and supportive services to 50 under- and unemployed women. Project participants will have the opportunity to gain occupational skills and credentials in one of three areas: Hospitality and Customer Service; Maritime Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics; or Commercial Transportation. In addition to occupational training, the Maryland New Directions project will provide on-site counseling and wellness services.
The remaining $173,000 from the federal grant is being used for the Hospitality Pre-Apprenticeship pilot program at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. This pilot program will provide up to 35 women the opportunity to earn up to eight industry-recognized certifications and be placed into a registered apprenticeship program upon release. The pilot is a result of a partnership between Labor, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
To learn more about Maryland’s workforce development response to the opioid epidemic, please visit Labor’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning’s website at labor.maryland.gov/employment/opioid.