WASHINGTON, D.C. In an effort to help rehabilitate ex-offenders who are returning to Providence from prison, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Rhode Island Family Life Center (FLC) of Providence will receive $74,304 to provide job training, mentoring, and oversight case management. The federal funding, which comes from a U.S. Department of Labor grant, will be used to fund the FLCs job readiness and life skill training, counseling, and placing ex-offenders in appropriate programs.When people are released from prison it is imperative we do everything we can to safely reintegrate them into the community and prevent them from returning to a life of crime, said Reed, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. By providing job training, counseling, and other services, The Rhode Island Family Life Center helps provide ex-offenders with the skills necessary to safely and productively re-enter society. In order for an ex-offender to be eligible for the new program, they must enroll directly out of prison and complete a three day job readiness training course. A class of this type is not currently offered at FLC. The class will cover topics such as how to write a résumé and apply for a job, interviewing skills and how to talk about ones criminal record with prospective employers, on the job appearance and behavior skills, and expectations for the workplace. Graduates of this program will be eligible for job placement services.Facilitating safe and successful re-entry for ex-offenders is more than good public policy; its good for public safety. The Family Life Center does more than rehabilitate ex-offenders, it helps families get back on their feet and makes Providence a safer place to live, concluded Reed.-end-