Garrett County Government - Department of Business Development

Garrett College Part of Workforce Effort Targeting Homelessness

Last Updated on Aug 18, 2023 at 9:29am | Education

Article courtesy of The Garrett County Republican. Staff Writer: Claire Sullivan
 
 
MCHENRY — Garrett College’s Office of Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) is a partner in a three-year grant focused on providing workforce solutions to homelessness in Garrett and Allegany counties.
 
Garrett County Community Action, the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission, Allegany College of Maryland, the Allegany County Department of Social Services and the YMCA are the other grant partners. The initiative is intended to help address homelessness among 18- to 24-year-olds in the two counties.
 
“Our goal is to maximize on this opportunity and funding to connect individuals and families in our community to the resources needed to be self-sustainable,” said Kaitlyn Glotfelty, Garrett College’s director of community and professional education.
 
“Through a collaborative effort, we will support participants by providing sufficient housing and opportunities for educational advancement,” added Glotfelty, “along with the support and tools needed to attain gainful employment.”
 
Glotfelty said Community Action will provide the housing and Garrett College will provide the educational opportunities for eligible Garrett County residents as part of this program.
 
Dr. Richard Midcap, the college’s president, said, “Garrett College is thrilled to be collaborating with so many respected community partners to combat homelessness in our region. Affordable housing and readily available workforce training are two critical strategies to address the problem.”
 
Glotfelty said the initiative’s concurrent work readiness programming, housing and other support services are available to 18- to 24-year-olds and to families with children under the age of 5. Participants will have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, post-secondary degree or industry-recognized credential.
 
Individuals interested in participating in the program should contact Garrett County Community Action (301-334-9431, Extension 6132, or email sreynolds@garrettcac.org) or Garrett College (301-387-3770 or kaitlyn.glotfelty@garrettcollege.edu).