#United States #Employ Prince George's #4 Wheels for Work #Economic Mobility #Largo, MD

Employ Prince George's Launches Economic Stability Initiative

On January 16, 2025, Employ Prince George's (EPG) announced a significant step toward economic mobility with the unveiling of its new Equity & Economic Stability Department. This initiative, which includes the launch of Employ DMV and Employ Baltimore, marks an expansion aimed at increasing access to economic opportunities for residents in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV region).

The new department encompasses several strategic programs, notably the '4 Wheels for Work' initiative, designed to provide vehicles to graduating seniors and adult job seekers who secure employment. This move seeks not only to address transportation barriers but also to combat the workforce challenges that many families face in the area. Walter Simmons, President and CEO of Employ Prince George's, stated, "While Maryland is a prosperous state, almost 40% of our residents live in or near poverty. Our mission is to unite service providers to guide families toward sustainable employment and prosperity."

The newly established Employ DMV is based on the successful framework of EPG's original programs, delivering recruitment services and skill-building opportunities in key sectors, including Transportation, Construction, Information Technology, Hospitality, and Health Care. This expansion aims to fill workforce gaps while increasing service delivery across the region.

In collaboration with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Verizon, the Equity & Economic Stability Initiative will pool resources from various service providers, enabling more effective workforce integration. This initiative will offer essential training combined with support programs that cover vital life skills, including financial management and digital literacy. At the launch event, guest speakers from CAEL, Verizon, and Vehicles for Change shared their insights into the importance of vocational education and accessible transportation in driving economic success.

Earl Buford, President of CAEL, emphasized that many Marylanders face barriers to career advancement due to insufficient educational access and systemic issues such as food insecurity and inadequate childcare. He said, "The Employ Prince George's team is innovating in the workforce development space, and it’s critical to have partnerships to facilitate pathways for adult learners into rewarding careers."

Verizon's Candice D. Austin affirmed the tech giant's commitment to community empowerment through innovation and technology. "We are excited to partner with Employ Prince George's on this initiative and to play a role in helping residents achieve their career aspirations," she remarked.

The launch of the '4 Wheels for Work' program is particularly groundbreaking, intending to revolutionize access to reliable transportation as a means to drive economic progress. This component is a collaborative effort involving local government, Vehicles for Change, and the Full Circle Auto Repair Training Center, which focuses on training returning citizens in automotive repair. As part of this initiative, eligible participants who obtain job offers may receive vehicles, thus eliminating the transportation barriers that often hinder employment.

Martin Schwartz, President of Vehicles for Change, reiterated the crucial role of transportation in overcoming poverty-related barriers: "Together, we're constructing pathways that empower individuals and help to break the cycle of generational poverty through education and skills training."

As the event unfolded, attendees were called to action, inviting more partners to join EPG and their regional initiatives to foster economic equity. This call aligns with EPG's overarching vision of creating a comprehensive service network that addresses the region's economic challenges.

In conclusion, Employ Prince George's is set to expand its services over the next six months to ensure access to vital resources for recent high school graduates and participants in career-oriented educational programs. The collective effort aims to resonate within the community, eventually leading to measurable improvements in economic mobility across the DMV area.

For those interested, more information about Employ Prince George's and its programs can be found on their official website: employpg.org.