WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 – A Vermont non-profit has won a $2.9 million grant through the Older Americans Act to train and place low-income Vermonters in jobs around the state, Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch announced today.

The grant – part of $260 million in nationwide awards – will go to
Vermont Associates for Training and Development, a St. Albans-based
organization that provides training and employment services to low-income
Vermonters.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program is the only federal
jobs program designed to assist low-income seniors.  Under the grant,
participants will be placed in a wide variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools and hospitals. These assignments are intended to serve as a bridge to unsubsidized employment.

In a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said, “With many Vermonters continuing to struggle through a tough economy, these services will help people get back on their feet. By placing Vermonters in a variety of
community service jobs, this grant will not only help them find employment but it will also strengthen our communities.” Vermont Associates has locations in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Montpelier, Newport, Rutland, Springfield, St. Johnsbury and St. Albans.