A new initiative is underway to help reduce poverty in the city of Buffalo. The state is providing $1.4 million to launch THRIVE Buffalo.
United Way of Buffalo and Erie County President and CEO Michael Weiner says the program will help people who are unemployed and underemployed find better opportunities. Weiner says THRIVE will be offering people much more than a web site with job openings.
"They could talk with a job coach. They could learn about the skill set that they need. They can get some soft skills training on site. They can get some additional required training that could be in the realm of advanced manufacturing or clean energy to healthcare. We'll help position them and we'll capture the resources to help support that continuum that they need in order to generate a better outcome for that individual."
Weiner says the program includes an employer led workforce talent pipeline for high-growth local industries. He says improving access to higher-paying jobs and upskilling opportunities will better support working families and position them for greater financial stability.