Returning Citizen Stimulus Program

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Returning Citizens Stimulus program is a public-private partnership between the Los Angeles County Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) and the Center for Employment Opportunities for citizens that have been released from incarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides $2,750 in financial assistance to participants for the completion of workforce training activities, paid in 30-day intervals. The program incentivized program participation and engagement, as well as providing temporary financial assistance as participants re-entered their communities while seeking employment. Of the 32 organizations selected to administer the program, WDACS was the only government entity selected in this nationwide program. Within four months of implementation, WDACS enrolled 650 participants into the program, and disbursed $1.74 million in financial support to LA County residents recently released from incarceration. This project started on July 7th, 2020.