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This Project offered a timely opportunity to create quality alternative manufacturing jobs for a distressed community dependent upon a decreasing supply of defense-related contracts and traditional industries (i.e. textiles) for its manufacturing base. At the same time the Project built off CEI's experience in linking economic initiatives with employment opportunities for low-income people. In particular, the Project focused upon providing TANF recipients with the training and support they need to access employment in non-traditional occupations with decent wages and benefits. Project Period September 30, 1993 through May 29, 1995 Project Summary CEI's Maine Opportunity Project (MOP) was funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services, Discretionary Grant Program. The purpose of the grant was to assist Soleras, Ltd., a metal manufacturer, to expand its facility and to purchase capital equipment. At the same time, 75% of new jobs created were targeted for people falling at or below federal poverty guidelines. Key components of the Project included: business expansion loan and investment capital, basic machine tool customized skills training; on-site classroom and on-job-training, and an Employment Training Agreement which targeted 24 of 28 projected new jobs for people with low incomes, including recipients of TANF. The Project built upon CEI's history of linking and coordinating its economic development activities with education and training programs serving economically disadvantaged people. Scope MOP provided employment and training opportunities for low-income residents of York County. Participating with CEI and Soleras, Ltd. in this collaborative effort were: Maine Department of Human Services' ASPIRE/JOBS Program, York County Workforce Development Center (JTPA), Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community, and Southern Maine Technical College. End of Project Results/Outcome The Project created employment opportunities for 17 low-income people, including 8 recipients of TANF. Four women entered nontraditional jobs. As of Project completion, participant wages averaged $8.21 per hour and ranged from $6.50 to $12.25 per hour. The company provides excellent fringe benefits including health, dental, life and disability insurance. Company-provided education and tuition assistance encourages employees to continue their education and training and provides opportunity for advancement. Evaluation This was a highly successful and effective Project. Success of the Project can be attributed to:
- the commitment of CEI staff, Soleras' CEO and Management team,
- the efforts of the providers of education, training and support services, and
- the highly motivated and enthusiastic project participants.
Funding $275,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services, Discretionary Grant Program. Federal funds were matched with $369,869 in private sector and other non-OCS funds.
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Maine Legislature Passes Model Anti-Predatory Lending Bill.