By Nathan Straus
nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com
The Greater East Texas Community Action Program has launched a special program called “Plan B,” which targets those serious about finding a job and getting training.
GETCAP is a non-profit corporation designed to offer services to assist low- and moderate-income people with upgrading themselves.
Karen Swenson, executive director of GETCAP, said the special program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funding.
“It targets short term-training programs leading to a job,” Swenson said.
She said support services such as tuition, books, training fees, fuel assistance to attend training, job search, utilities and more may be met under this program.
“This is perfect for individuals who need to update skills or change fields,” Swenson said. “We are partnering with local community colleges and Workforce to maximize short-term services to help rural families.”
Darrell Prcin, Jacksonville Economic Development Corp. president, said the program can afford individuals in Jacksonville and Cherokee County the ability to train and retrain.
“This type of opportunity offers a chance to do that in Jacksonville and the county,” Prcin said.
Swenson said individuals are required to qualify based on household income and other documentation.
The guideline is $10,830 for one person in a family unit in addition to about $3,740 for each person beyond the first in the family.
GETCAP’s requirement is up to twice this.
She said this is a short-term project, and will only be available through September 2010.
Anyone interested is encouraged to contact the program’s Jacksonville office at 903-589-5060 to schedule an appointment.
Linda Crawford, local case manager, said there are many families with people struggling with reduced hours or a layoff.
“This is the perfect opportunity to receive assistance and get back on their feet,” Crawford said.
