Pathways out of Poverty Initiative awarded $415,538 grant

Posted on Jul 23, 2009

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Durango, CO –  The Durango Adult Education Center (DAEC) has been awarded $415,538 by the Colorado Department of Human Services for the Southwest Colorado Pathways out of Poverty (SCPP) initiative to benefit over 1,000 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)-eligible families and 260 TANF-eligible individuals in La Plata County, San Juan County and Montezuma County. The SCPP will provide a 21st Century Core Literacy (Academic, Financial, Digital, Professional, and College Connections) Program that will support participants’ ability to successfully pursue careers and/or higher education through a real-world, hands-on training curriculum.  Participants will create a comprehensive regional information/resource website, including a 2-1-1 searchable online database, that provides the information and resources outlined in the La Plata County Children Youth and Family Master Plan.



During the 22 months of the project, instructional modules will be taught in Durango, Silverton, Ignacio, Bayfield, and Cortez.   Classes will begin in September and will include Digital Literacy, Professional Literacy, Financial Literacy, Web Applications, and the College Connection intensive college preparation course.


 


Partnering with DAEC are La Plata County and San Juan County Departments of Human Services, United Way of Southwest Colorado, the Pine River Community Learning Center of Ignacio and Bayfield, and the Pinon Project Family Center in Cortez. 


 


La Plata County’s strategic plan, the County Compass, emphasizes “Thriving Families and Healthy Community” as a core strategy.  In support of this strategy, the La Plata County Department of Human Services provided technical support to the Durango Adult Education Center to assist in research and grant preparation. “Supporting the Durango Adult Education Center’s grant application efforts for this project is one very tangible and meaningful way that La Plata County is helping to fulfill the vision of the Children, Youth and Family Master Plan,” remarked Kellie Hotter, Chair of the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners.  “This exciting project will provide practical skill building for lifelong success to those in need in our community.”


For more information, contact Paulette Church at 385-4354, ext. 103.

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