Santa Maria Community Services, Inc. is pleased to announce it has received a $45,000 grant from U.S. Bank Foundation for its Workforce Development program. This three-year grant will be targeted toward individuals who face barriers to employment, financial, and education goals, such as income instability, homelessness, and lack of skills, education, or credentials.
Over fifty percent of Price Hill residents live below federal poverty guidelines, creating a pressing need for financial education, income supports, and reducing the skill-gap between the low-wage workforce and the skills required for positions in higher-paying occupations. Santa Maria’s Workforce Development program provides career exploration, job search and application assistance, job retention counseling, financial coaching, credit counseling, homeownership education, and intensive case management for economically disadvantaged individuals. The Workforce Development program also offers supportive services such as transportation assistance, clothing, equipment, income supports, and training or certification fees.
“Santa Maria is grateful for this generous grant from U.S. Bank Foundation,” said H.A. Musser, Jr., President and CEO of Santa Maria Community Services. “This grant will help provide stable, higher-skill and higher-wage employment, financial literacy, and income supports which are essential to address community needs and assist families and individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency.”
“U.S. Bank is pleased to support the work of our long-time partner Santa Maria Community Services as it works to bridge inequity and bring empowerment to the residents of Price Hill and greater Cincinnati,” said Alicia Townsend, the U.S. Bank community affairs manager for Ohio metro markets.