Cohen Announces Nearly $800K for Jobs Training Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families has awarded a federal grant worth $797,809 to the Shelby County Government for Project Motivating Offenders Succeeding Tomorrow (MOST), an initiative that was established to reduce recidivism through improving inmates’ parenting skills, committed relationships, and job security.

“Former offenders who have paid their debt to society deserve the chance to rebuild their lives,” said Congressman Cohen. “The funds from this grant will be used to do just that – give former criminal offenders a chance to return to the workforce and become productive members of society.”

“We appreciate Congressman Cohen’s efforts to help secure funding for Project MOST. It’s a vital program offered to inmates at the Shelby County Corrections Center. When offenders leave prison, they’ll have a better chance at living more productive lives free of criminal behaviors. We believe Project MOST will ultimately help reduce crime in Shelby County,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Project MOST is a voluntary program for inmates of the Shelby County Division of Corrections which aims to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for release by providing them with training in interpersonal and vocational skills. Participants in the program will receive assistance improving parenting skills, marital relations, and job training.

The Project MOST training regime includes Moral Reconation Therapy, the 24/7 Dads and Mom as Gateway programs, PAIRS Best Practices in Marriage training, and the FDIC Money Smart Financial Education Program. Participants will also receive training in one of three career paths: culinary arts, warehouse operations, or barbering. Prior to release, participants will receive subsidized wages to encourage their hiring.

The Administration for Children and Families is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. They are responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of communities, families, and children. Their mission is to promote the economic independence of families, foster the development of communities that positively impact the growth and quality of life of children, and to address the needs, strengths, and abilities of vulnerable populations including people with developmental disabilities, refugees, and migrants.

In July, Congressman Cohen reintroduced legislation -- the Fresh Start Act -- he authored to enable non-violent federal offenders who have served their sentence and are now law-abiding, productive members of society to have their conviction expunged from their records.