| Regional Growth Connection Expands Job Access Services in South Central Connecticut
Regional Growth Connection (RGC), South Central Connecticut’s Access to Jobs program, assists low-income workers and those just coming off state assistance with transportation to work for their first month of employment at no or little cost to the employee. The program identifies significant gaps in transportation service in South Central Connecticut and works to eliminate them by providing new services. When possible, extensions are added to existing public transportation routes. When a need is identified, RGC can subsidize additional mileage or hours of operation on these public routes. In addition, RGC offers a variety of specialized services to increase access to jobs. Job Starter Program RGC’s Job Starter program assists new employees most often by providing a 31-day CTTransit bus pass. With this assistance, clients are able to get to work until they are bringing in a steady paycheck with which to purchase their own bus passes. Since the inception of this program, RGC has assisted nearly 4,000 individuals with their first month of transportation to over 900 different employers. RGC Shoreline Shuttle In cases where there is no bus service at all, RGC introduces customized transportation service utilizing area transit providers to individuals and groups. RGC’s most successful customized service, the RGC Shoreline Shuttle, makes stops in Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook, and currently provides service to over 40 individuals. This service is operated by the Greater New Haven Transit District and enables individuals dependent upon public transportation to accept jobs that require them to work early morning, evening, and weekend hours. Workers can also use the guaranteed ride home program, so they need not worry about being away from home without transportation in the event of an emergency. Auto Emergency Fund The Auto Emergency Fund is a new program that offers assistance to individuals who already meet eligibility requirements and own a vehicle in need of repair or insurance. If the vehicle provides the only reasonable access to the client’s job, the client may qualify for a one-time repair/insurance award of up to $600 after completing the application process and being reviewed and approved by a committee. Future components of this program hope to include assistance with expenses related to acquiring a driver’s license, such as drivers’ education and licensing and registration fees. Applications can be picked up at the RGC office at 560 Ella Grasso Blvd. in New Haven; it is strongly recommended that clients call first for an appointment (203-624-1493). Transit On Demand Working with the Regional Workforce Development Board of New Haven and the Greater New Haven One Stop Center, RGC found a need to meet more immediate transportation demands on a sporadic basis. In response, RGC implemented the Transit on Demand program to provide both individuals and groups with fast and free transportation to events such as job fairs, interviews and training that could lead to future employment. The service, run by the Greater New Haven Transit District, provides regular transportation between the New Haven One Stop Center and the Department of Labor office in Hamden as well as other requests on a first-come/first-served basis. Workers must register with RGC (located at the Workforce Development Board, 560 Ella Grasso Blvd., New Haven). For information on RGC’s services, call (203) 624-1493. Regional Growth Connection programs in the South Central Region are funded by the Connecticut Department of Social Services through the Greater New Haven Regional Workforce Development Board and by the Federal Transit Administration through the Connecticut Department of Transportation. |
