New jobs program aims to reduce barriers to work

The Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, based in Steeleville, is launching a new Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot Program (BRP).

The program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, is designed to reduce barriers to gaining or maintaining employment for those in Randolph, Perry, or Monroe counties who currently receive, or have a pending application for, SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, or who received SNAP benefits in the last nine months but were kicked off due to time limits.

Applicants must either be currently working or actively seeking work. Supportive services through BRP include expenses for training, education, tools/equipment, uniforms, transportation related services, rent, utilities and other allowable services.

To begin the application process or obtain additional information, please contact your local outreach office: Randolph County 443-5231; Perry County 542-4656; or Monroe County 939-8715.