Heartland Workforce To Receive Economic Stimulus Money

Heartland Workforce, operating One-Stop Career Centers in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, is projected to receive approximately $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (more commonly referred to as the Federal Economic Stimulus Plan) funds for the local workforce region within the next few weeks.

Program guidelines are still being developed, but the federal government intends for the funds to be spent "quickly and effectively." Funds will be received according to three categories - adult employment and training activities, youth activities for both year-round and summer employment programs and dislocated worker employment and training activities.

Heartland Workforce will be convening meetings in the near future of its Business Enhancement, Career Enhancement, and Youth committees to discuss the priorities and needs of the community, according to a press release.

"I was ecstatic," Heartland Workforce President /CEO Roger Hood said Friday after hearing about the amount. "I was more than surprised. I thought we would get half of that."

Hood said there will "definitely" be a summer youth program.

He hopes to be able to make a recommendation to the Heartland Workforce board at its April 22 meeting as to how the money will be spent.

"This is a great plus for the community," he said.

For additional information, contact Hood at rhood@heartland-workforce.org 863-385-3672 Ext 243, or Donna Doubleday, vice president/COO, ddoubleday@heartland-workforce.org 863-385-3672 Ext 246.