WorkSource Atlanta will receive $700,000 in federal funds to help unsheltered and re-entry populations access training and employment in high demand industries, the City of Atlanta announced today. The U.S. Department of Labor QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant will be used to train underserved populations in transportation, distribution, logistics and construction.  

“One of the most important ways to reach stability is through consistent employment with decent wages,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “The QUEST Grant will allow the City to support some of our most vulnerable residents by helping build a pathway to high-demand careers with decent wages, benefits and steady work schedules.”

WorkSource Atlanta will collaborate with community partners including The Salvation Army, Gateway Center, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, City of Refuge, Center for Employment Opportunities and Georgia Justice Project. All partners specialize in serving unsheltered or re-entry populations and will work with WorkSource Atlanta to design a participant outreach strategy, develop a customized referral and enrollment process for eligible participants and provide wraparound services as needed.

WorkSource Atlanta is also partnering with Georgia Justice Project for referrals to pair reentry individuals with employers that hire ex-offenders. 

Once training participants are fully employed, WorkSource Atlanta will continue to provide career advisement and guidance so that they can advance on a career path. WorkSource Atlanta will also provide training opportunities on financial budgeting and management, leadership development and community engagement.

In December 2022, Mayor Dickens announced a plan to establish the Department of Labor and Employment Services. The Department will be dedicated to expanding resources for employment, customized training and fair labor practices. WorkSource Atlanta will be made part of the Department upon its establishment.