Arizona Women's Education & Employment Inc. (AWEE), a Phoenix non-profit organization, received a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to help ex-offenders find jobs. Through its Bridges to Jobs program, AWEE will provide support to ex-offenders through occupational training, mentoring, substance-abuse programs and other aid.AWEE was founded in 1981 and now has six locations in Arizona and employs 34 people. Through federal and state grants and private donations, they are able to help more than 115,000 people. Seventy percent are women.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the annual rate of incarceration for women in Arizona rose 7.5 percent from 2001 to 2009 compared with 4.5 percent for men. In addition, research indicates many will return to jail unless they receive support.
The focus of AWEE's Bridges to Jobs program is to help ex-offenders find jobs and become self sufficient. Job preparation services such as resume writing and interviewing skills are offered as well as transitional servies such as clothing, housing and even money for groceries.
For more information, go to www.awee.org
