Ortt Delivers $40,000 to Niagara County Non-Profits to Assist Unemployed Individuals

Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) delivered a total of $40,000 in state funding to two non-profit organizations in Niagara County that assist unemployed and underemployed individuals.

The WNY Regional Education Center received $30,000 to continue its work of connecting job seekers with potential employers and helping them better meet the competitive and changing needs of today’s changing economy. The program collaborates with Niagara University’s College of Education to retrain those who have lost jobs, or need to upgrade skills to maintain their current job or further advance their careers.

The WNY Regional Education Center also works with public assistance recipients, adults without high school diplomas, and companies that are expanding or downsizing. The Center provides outreach services, working in conjunction with educational agencies and other training providers to help businesses develop successful programs to maintain a skilled workforce and improve the economic viability of the area. Additionally, the Center broadcasts a bi-monthly cable TV program with information on education, business, economic development and government. The Center also holds workshops and STEM summer camps for children and adolescents.   

Standing in front of a nearly completed rehabilitated home in Niagara Falls, Senator Ortt presented $10,000 to the Isaiah 61 Project. The faith-based program provides on the job training to unemployed and underemployed individuals throughout Niagara County. Established in 2012, the Isaiah 61 Project works with Niagara Falls and the City of Lockport to purchase abandoned homes, rehabs them, and then sells them to low-to moderately low-income families. The house becomes the classroom for men and women who develop construction trades and renovate the homes as part of a free certification program. Approximately 180 students have graduated from the program.    

The nearly completed home on 16th Street is the second home the Isaiah 61 Project has undertaken. The non-profit plans to renovate two other homes later this year. One house is located on Memorial Parkway in Niagara Falls. The other is on Locust Street in Lockport.  

Senator Ortt said, “Developing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of new and existing businesses is a challenge many employers across all communities in New York State face. These non-profits foster collaboration with leaders in education, business and workforce training. The unique programs are creating better opportunities for our local job seekers, and are helping to fill the void for in-demand jobs while creating a stronger and more robust economy.”

Senator Ortt secured the funding as part of the 2017-18 State Budget.