1.Project Overview
Restoration Hall Inc. seeks $1,000,000 in federal support to expand workforce development and employment initiatives throughout the Ohio Valley region. This project aims to bridge critical gaps in employment readiness, vocational training, and job placement for underserved populations, including veterans, displaced workers, and individuals facing barriers to stable employment.
The Ohio Valley continues to face economic challenges due to industrial decline, job loss, and the lack of accessible training programs that align with the modern workforce. Restoration Hall’s Workforce Development Initiative will directly address these issues by providing participants with the tools, training, and support needed to achieve lasting economic stability.
II. Statement of Need
The Ohio Valley has long been burdened by high unemployment, declining industries, and limited access to career development resources. Many residents lack the certifications, soft skills, and support systems needed to secure sustainable employment. Employers in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and logistics report persistent shortages of qualified workers—highlighting a growing mismatch between job openings and local workforce readiness.
Without targeted intervention, these conditions will continue to limit upward mobility and economic recovery in the region. This project will serve as a vital bridge between the unemployed or underemployed and the employers who need skilled workers.
III. Project Goals and Objectives
Prepare participants for employment through job-readiness training, resume development, and soft skills workshops.
Provide vocational and technical training in partnership with OhioMeansJobs, local colleges, and trade unions.
Facilitate job placement and employer engagement, connecting trained participants with regional employers.
Offer wraparound support services such as transportation assistance, childcare support, and peer mentoring to ensure retention and long-term success.
Evaluate program effectiveness through participant tracking, employment outcomes, and employer satisfaction metrics.
The goal is to successfully train and place a minimum of 100 participants annually into living-wage positions across multiple industries.
IV. Project Design and Implementation
The project will be managed by a dedicated team consisting of a Program Director, Workforce Coordinator, Peer Support Specialists, and an Administrative Assistant, supported by a Clinical Consultant to assist participants facing personal or behavioral health barriers.
Participants will be recruited through community referrals, veterans’ organizations, OhioMeansJobs, and local outreach. Each individual will undergo an intake assessment to determine their skills, barriers, and career interests. Based on this, a tailored employment plan will be developed that includes training, certification, and job placement support.
Through collaborations with colleges, trade unions, and employers, participants will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, preparing them for immediate employment opportunities in high-demand sectors.
V. Budget Justification ($1,000,000 Request)
The proposed budget is strategically allocated to ensure efficient and impactful program delivery:
Personnel ($350,000): Salaries for key staff responsible for oversight, case management, and training coordination.
Fringe Benefits ($105,000): Payroll taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions (30% of personnel).
Travel ($25,000): Local travel for staff to conduct outreach, employer engagement, and participant follow-up.
Equipment ($50,000): Computers, phones, and software essential for training and case management.
Supplies ($50,000): Training materials, uniforms, and office supplies to support workforce activities.
Contractual ($120,000): Agreements with OhioMeansJobs, colleges, trade unions, and behavioral health providers for specialized training and support.
Other ($300,000): Wraparound services (housing assistance, childcare, transportation, and emergency support), program evaluation, and administrative costs.
Every dollar requested is directly tied to workforce development outcomes and participant success. This is a non-construction request, focused solely on employment readiness, training, and placement.
VI. Impact and Sustainability
By equipping residents with marketable skills and connecting them to employers, this project will reduce unemployment, increase family stability, and stimulate economic growth across the Ohio Valley.
Sustainability will be achieved through partnerships with local workforce boards, employers, and educational institutions, as well as through projected income from Restoration Hall’s supportive service programs such as childcare and catering once operational.
This initiative represents a strategic investment in the region’s human capital—building pathways out of poverty and creating a stronger, more resilient Ohio Valley workforce.
