From the New Britain (CT) Herald: Polish American Foundation gets $90K grant

More city residents of Polish descent should be wage earners in the months ahead.

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the New Britain-based Polish American Foundation of Connecticut Inc. a total of $90,000 to help Polish-speaking people find jobs.

The foundation was selected as among the best of competing applicants in two competitions; $30,000 of the grant represents a renewal from the previous year.

According to the U.S. Census, roughly 14,000 people claim Polish heritage in New Britain.

“These grass-root grants are designed for specific communities,” said Ted Fitzgerald, the department’s assistant regional director in New England. He said a “tracking mechanism” is built into each grant to ensure that terms of the grant are met.

Foundation President Andre Blasczynski said the funds will be used to continue a program that began in 1996 to provide “training and employment for people limited in English proficiency.”

Some of the money will fund a part-time position at the city’s Spanish-speaking center, He added.

“Through the work of Polish-speaking job counselors at the employment office on Broad Street in New Britain, hundreds of Polish-speaking people have received employment and training services for the first time,” Gov. M. Jodi Rell said. “After completing English classes and employment skills training, people are able to find good jobs.”

“This money will help even more people enter our work force,” she said. “I want to remind the public these services are free of charge.”

Rell agreed with Blasczynski that the foundation’s goal “isn’t just job placement, it’s self sufficiency. I know the foundation’s job development capabilities are improving dramatically, and these funds will help them continue the momentum.”

Founded in 1996, the foundation enhances the cultural and economic development of the community by sponsoring cultural and educational programs and activities, improving access to and providing social and work force development services, promoting understanding among ethnic groups, fostering international exchange and providing humanitarian assistance.

Located at 121 Broad St. in New Britain, the foundation’s Employment Assistance Program is funded through a major grant from Capital Workforce Partners, the American Savings Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.