Employment Security awards funds for community projects in Skagit County - October 21, 2009

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Media contact: Mark Varadian, Communications Manager, 360-902-9454

OLYMPIA – The state Employment Security Department has awarded grants worth more than $200,000 to Skagit County public-service programs.

The Skagit Community Action Council received $35,000 under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) for 12 Washington Service Corps members and an additional $170,000 for 58 Washington Reading Corps members who provide one-on-one and small group tutoring for struggling readers.

“These grants improve the lives of people across our state while also creating meaningful experiences for our Corps members,” said Karen Lee, commissioner of the Employment Security Department.

Nearly $2 million is being distributed to school districts, counties, learning centers, housing authorities and non-profit groups to support 26 team projects over the coming year. Team members will provide services in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties from September 2009 through August 2010.

Funding for the grants comes from the federal AmeriCorps and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) programs.  Employment Security distributes the money to local communities throughout Washington to cover operating costs and provide stipends to Corps members to serve on a wide range of public-service projects.

Created by the state legislature in 1983 and administered by the Employment Security Department, the Washington Service Corps engages the talents, energy and enthusiasm of civic-minded adults, aged 17 and up, in serving their communities.

To learn more about Washington Service Corps team projects and individual placement sites visit www.esd.wa.gov/washservicecorps/ and click on “Information on current Washington Service Corps programs”.

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Web links
WorkSource – www.go2worksource.com