Ready, Willing & Able

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Doe Fund, Inc. will use the Congressionally Selected Award funding to support its Ready, Willing & Able program. The program aims to reduce recidivism among people recently released from incarceration and at high risk of recidivism by providing employment and comprehensive support services that includes case management, substance abuse treatment, education, vocational training, and housing placement. Through the grant, hourly incentive wages for program participants will be supported. The number of persons admitted, the number discharged, and program outcomes will be tracked throughout the grant period.

NCA/NCF