On February 19, Governor Mark Schweiker and Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Secretary Feather Houstoun announced that the $33 million in state and federal funds is now released for the direct care worker/recruitment and retention initiative. More than 300 initiatives of counties, human service agencies, and collaborative entities are receiving notice of funding.
In the press release, Secretary Houstoun commended the initiatives of the Lancaster County Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR) Office, which also worked with local Workforce Investment Boards, conducting a television outreach campaign. Also commended was the Luzerne/Wyoming MH/MR Office, which worked with local Workforce Investment Boards, CareerLink, the local Chamber of Commerce, and Luzerne County Community College, for its advertising campaign. Both initiatives highlight the need for more direct care workers, as well as developing career advancement opportunities.
DPW announced earlier this month via its budget briefings that the recruitment and retention initiative is expected to remain at level-funding for the upcoming fiscal year. It is not known right now when that money will be released, as the 2002-03 budget is still in the preparation and approval process.
For more information on the recruitment and retention funds, contact DPW through the Press Office at 717-787-4592 or visit the Commonwealth's website at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword "welfare." You may also contact Melissa DiSanto Simmons at the Association with questions or concerns.