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GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Ryan Nugent Director of Communications Ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov Phone: (340) 725-4924 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: 15 November 2023 Empowering Futures: VIDHS DFA and Mission Project Inc. Launch Transformative Partnership in SNAP Employment & Training Program U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Department of Human Services, Division of Family Assistance in partnership with Mission Project Inc. is thrilled to announce the launch of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment & Training Program (E&T), aimed at providing individuals with the necessary skills and support to secure sustainable employment. The program is set to commence on November 20, 2023, and promises to make a meaningful impact in the lives of participants. SNAP E&T is a federally funded, state administered program that assists program participants in gaining the skills, training or work experience needed to move towards, and into employment. SNAP E&T also helps reduce barriers to work by providing individuals with support services, such as transportation and childcare as they prepare for and obtain employment and job retention services to help them maintain employment. The SNAP E&T Program was created with the objective of empowering individuals receiving SNAP benefits by offering them training opportunities to gain employment skills and enhance their career prospects. By collaborating with Mission Project Inc., a well-regarded nonprofit organization with a history of community empowerment, the program aims to maximize its impact and effectiveness. Participants will have access to a comprehensive range of resources and support offered through the SNAP E&T to include: 1. Job Readiness Training: Workshops and seminars designed to equip participants with essential job-seeking skills, such as resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette. 2. Career Counseling: One-on-one guidance and support to help individuals develop a personalized career plan, identify their strengths, and explore potential job opportunities. 3. Skills Development: Training programs and courses tailored to meet the demands of the local job market, enabling participants to acquire new skills and enhance their employability. 4. Job Placement Assistance: Assistance with job applications, job matching, and referrals to local employers, ensuring participants have access to suitable employment opportunities. 5. Supervised Job Search: Within the job search training and integrated job search components of SNAP E&T most common activities include resume or cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and Individualized job search plan development. The telephone numbers to call are as follows: • St. Thomas/St. John Office - (340) 774-0930, Ext. 4309, 4377, 4477 • St. Croix Office - (340) 772-7100, Ext. 7159, 7192 For more information, please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs) at US Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non-judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. ## END## 1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock• Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov