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October 10, 1999 YAROSLAVSKY UNVEILS NEW "JOBS FIRST!" PROBATION-TO-WORK PILOT PROGRAM Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky today unveiled his new "Jobs First!" Program, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Los Angeles County, local community-based organizations and one-stop centers, organized labor and Valley employers to offer juvenile and adult probationers from the Northeast San Fernando Valley an opportunity to transition successfully into a world of employment, career opportunities, and responsible independence. "The best weapon against crime is a good job," Yaroslavsky declared. "With this pilot program, we want to offer these clients a chance to receive the training, skills, support and quality job opportunities to break the cycle of crime and recidivism that destroys individuals, families and communities alike." Yaroslavsky also emphasized another aspect to the program - providing a means for probationers to help pay restitution to their victims. "By helping them to gain skills, jobs and motivation, we're also helping them to repay their debt to society," he explained. Joining Yaroslavsky at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar for the announcement were the County's Chief Probation Officer Richard Shumsky;Kenneth Kessler, Director of the County's Department of Community and Senior Services "Job Training Partnership Act" program; Gayle Borsseau, representing the Career Center at Mission College; Corinne Sanchez, Executive Director of El Proyecto del Barrio; Blinky Rodriguez, founder of the Communities-in-Schools program; Ray LeVoise, of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, Local 33; and Marcelo Martinez, founder of Marcelo's Foods, Inc. Services will be provided through two Valley-based one-stop centers at the El Proyecto offices and Mission College, with the participation of the anti-gang social service program, Communities-In-Schools. Yaroslavsky praised employers - as well as IATSE Local 33, whose training program will eventually place qualified probationers on union hiring list for well-paying entertainment industry crafts jobs - for having the courage and the confidence to place their bets on a successful outcome for program participants. Yaroslavsky said that in the first six months, the pilot program would assist 100 unemployed and underemployed probationers, 16-24 years old, residing in Pacoima, Arleta, Panorama City, Van Nuys, Sun Valley & North Hollywood.
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