“It’s huge for an organization like us.”
70X7 is a Christian organization in Kent and Ottawa Counties. It serves people recently released from jail or prison by helping them find housing and jobs, among other services. The agency recently received a state grant of more than $422,000 from the Department of Labor and Economic opportunity offered to groups that remove barriers to employment. Chief Operating Officer Clay Reinking says it is a gamechanger.
“To be able to fulfill those wish lists to me is priceless. I’ve been here for 12 years and I’ve sat through some pretty heartbreaking stories and wanted to just pull out my checkbook and help.”
Now, he says, 70x7 will have the money to help 510 participants over the next two years with things like first month’s rent, care packages of food and clothing when they first return home, gas cards and bus passes for transportation.
“If they can’t get to the job, they’re not going to be able to keep it.”
70x7 can help participants get vital documents like birth certificates or get their driver’s license renewed.
“A lot of times an individual has a car but hasn’t had a license in a period of time.”
Reinking says the grant lets 70x7 pay directly for clients’ needs rather than having to refer them to other organizations.
“To be able to open that door up wider to those in need is a great benefit.”
