Job Training for Chronically Unemployed Supported by Hartford Foundation Grant

Hartford residents struggling with chronic unemployment will receive job training and placement services thanks to a $20,000 grant to the San Juan Center of Hartford by the Latino Endowment Fund of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

The San Juan Center will provide clients in its training and employment program with a counselor who will develop a plan to address their most urgent needs to improve their job skills. Services will include development of resumes, free computer training and clothing for job interviews.

“The grant will also allow the San Juan Center to leverage existing funding, as well as obtain matching funds, to significantly increase the number of hours the program is offered each week from 15 to 40 hours,” said Fernando Betancourt, chief executive officer of the San Juan Center.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this grant to the San Juan Center which has shown a track record for job training and assistance to many Hartford residents facing barriers to employment that are related to their lack of experience in the job market rather than their ability to perform. The grant will ensure that a growing number of these individuals become employed, and fully succeed, in the workplace.” said Dr. Germán Bermúdez, chair of the Latino Endowment Fund steering committee.

The San Juan Center was founded in 1971 as a bilingual, multi-service agency designed to develop programs in social services, employment training, housing, access to healthcare, arts and culture, and to engage in business development on behalf of the Puerto Rican/Latino population of Greater Hartford.

The Latino Endowment Fund of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving was founded in 2003 by Latino leaders in Greater Hartford to increase philanthropy in their community and to strengthen nonprofits working to improve the quality of life for Latino residents. Members examine issues affecting the Latino community and recommend grants from the fund to address these issues. For more information, contact Betty Ann Grady at 860-548-1888 or bagrady@hfpg.org or go to www.hfpg.org/latino.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. It receives gifts from thousands of generous individuals, families and organizations and has awarded grants of more than $600 million since its founding in 1925. For more information, go to www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.