Working Your Way Back Home Program Launches

The "Working Your Way Back Home" initiative, a program funded by the U. S. Department of Labor and administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) in partnership with Manpower Inc., has kicked off.

"This is a collaborative effort between MDES and Manpower to help displaced residents who, due to Hurricane Katrina, were forced to evacuate to a safer environment but now want to return to their homes and rejoin the Mississippi workforce," said Gov. Haley Barbour. "By helping to bring back skilled workers needed to fill jobs for rebuilding the Gulf Coast and South Mississippi, this initiative will be valuable to both displaced families and Mississippi businesses."

The "Working Your Way Back Home" program provides assistance to Mississippians who evacuated to areas at least 151 miles from their place of residence as a result of Katrina. Through the network of WIN Job Centers, these individuals may receive assistance with job placement or occupational training, as well as funds to pay for relocation expenses. These funds are made available through a Workforce Investment Act National Emergency Grant.

For more information, contact a WIN Job Center, or call toll-free 1-888-844-3577. Additional information can be found at http://www.mdes.ms.gov.