Generation Hope seeks $1M to help people in recovery get training, expungement assistance and job coaching

Sen. Clark brought Senate File 2351 to the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development, asking for a $1,000,000 grant from DEED’s workforce fund to expand Generation Hope’s workforce services for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Program purpose and sponsor testimony: Clark said the program connects people in recovery to training and employment while addressing barriers such as criminal records and gaps in work history. "This bill provides necessary support to help them reenter the workforce," Clark said. Abdul Mahwissami, executive director of Generation Hope, testified virtually that the organization’s workforce program combines training, expungement assistance, personalized coaching, mentorship and employer partnerships; he said nearly half of participants in the launched workforce program have secured stable jobs.

Evidence and scale: Mahwissami told the committee that many individuals in recovery face criminal records and other barriers that make hiring difficult. Generation Hope said the program seeks to lower relapse and recidivism by increasing employment opportunities; the group cited national estimates about substance use disorder prevalence in the justice system to frame the need.

Committee questions and next steps: Committee members asked who would deliver training and whether the group will partner with colleges, trade schools or other trainers; Mahwissami said the appropriation would allow Generation Hope to develop in-house training capacity and formalize partnerships. Generation Hope listed current local support from the City of Minneapolis and private funders. SF 2351 was laid over for possible inclusion.