Programs for Economically Disadvantaged

Programs for Economically Disadvantaged / Targeted Populations

Program Name	Agency	Description	Contact Information
Adult Basic Education Program	Department of Education	Offered through MN public school system Adult Basic Education (ABE) provides opportunities to obtain academic, interpersonal and problem solving skills necessary to live self-sufficient lives.	Becky Leschner, Director mde.abe@state.mn.us (651) 582-8446 metro
Displaced Homemaker Program	Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development	Provides pre-employment services to empower participants to enter or reenter the labor market after having been homemakers.	Taryn Galehdari Taryn.Galehdari@state.mn.us (651) 296-3634 metro
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Program	U.S. Department of Labor	Assists migrant and other seasonally-employed farmworkers and their families, achieve economic self-sufficiency through job training and other services that address their employment related needs.	Gracie Barragon (320) 231-5174 metro Ext 7552
Step-Up Apprenticeship	U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development	Assists low-income persons, particularly public and Indian housing residents, to obtain job training, career employment, and economic self-sufficiency. Step-Up combines formal apprenticeship with educational and life skills training, and support services.	Judy McIntire judy_mcintire@hud.gov (612) 370-3000 (x 2284) metro
Housing Choice Vouchers	U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development	Allows very low-income families to choose and lease or purchase safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing.	Dianne Healy Public Housing Revitalization Specialist dianne_healy@hud.gov (612) 370-3135 (x 2234) metro
WomenVenture	Department of Employment and Economic Development	Provides the technical tools and emotional support to help you start and grow your busines, find a new job, or develop a new career path.	Amy Brenengen abrenengen@womenventure.org (651) 251-0703 metro
Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Welfare to Work Tax Credit Programs	Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development	Provides federal tax credit to employers as an incentive for hiring members of targeted groups.	Frances Regan Coordinator deed.wotc@state.mn.us (651) 297-2219 metro (888) 234-5521 toll free

Source: Minnesota Inventory of Employment and Training Programs, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Page last updated in December 2006