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AMSTERDAM—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) a grant totaling $849,892. The award was provided through a DOL Pathway Home grant program to assist incarcerated individuals transitioning back into communities to reenter the workforce through social services including education and training, job preparation, legal assistance, counseling and career exploration.

“Many in our region are struggling to keep their footing through this crisis, a struggle magnified for individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system,” Congressman Tonko said. “We have a brief window of opportunity to help these folks succeed at finding meaningful employment that helps them rebuild while being a positive force for their communities and our regional economy. Congratulations to Schenectady Community Action Program on this well-deserved award and for their invaluable work helping to lift the lives of these community members and their loved ones. I will continue fighting to support and expand opportunities so that all Americans have a path to a brighter future.”

“SCAP is honored and excited to continue the vital work necessary to assist our returning citizens productively integrate back into our community,” said Chari Jones, Director of Employment Services at Schenectady Community Action Program. “Now is the time, like never before, to show empathy and understanding, provide access to resources through education and training, break down longstanding and unjust barriers, to level the playing field in employment so everyone has the same opportunities to not merely survive, but thrive.” 

Tonko has long supported criminal justice reform to assist individuals reentering society after incarceration. Last year, he introduced H.R. 1329: the Medicaid Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to expand access to addiction treatment through Medicaid for individuals up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison. This critical bill addresses the alarming evidence that individuals reentering society after incarceration are 129 times more likely than the general population to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks post-release.

Founded in 1965, SCAP works in partnership with the community to develop and implement lasting solutions for people of all ages to move out of poverty. As the leader of Schenectady’s Community Resource Network (CRN), SCAP offers comprehensive services to low-income families in the Schenectady community, assisting with needs related to employment, housing, early childhood education and child care. SCAP’s primary goal is to provide stability while removing barriers and empowering individuals to build on their resources so they can become self-reliant.

Awarded under the Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program, Pathway Home grants offer valuable support to organizations that provide reentry services to improve employment outcomes for adults involved in the criminal justice system. 

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