The CNMI Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), under the Office of the Governor, announced on Monday that they have been officially awarded over $80,000 in grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for operations and assisting special needs individuals with employment opportunities.
$50,000 was awarded from the USDA Community Facilities Grant, while $36,000 was awarded from the USDA Economic Impact Grant, bringing the total award amount to $86,000.
This funding will be used toward the purchase of much needed office equipment for OVR staff to better serve the members of our special need’s community who are seeking job assistance.
“We are very thankful to the US Department of Agriculture for giving us the opportunity to secure this grant funding. Even with the existing pandemic, our staff continues to work hard to assist our community members with disabilities. This funding will go a long way toward purchasing much needed upgrades to help improve our office’s overall efficiency and the services to assist our special needs community,” said OVR Director Maryann Borja-Arriola.
Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios would also like to thank the US Department of Agriculture for awarding this CNMI with this crucial grant assistance.
“Despite the challenges our country and our Commonwealth are currently facing, we are thankful for the opportunity from our federal partners at USDA to avail of this funding and help improve the services provided to our community members with special needs. They will continue to be a priority. We would like to thank Director Borja-Arriola and the entire staff at OVR for their efforts to secure this funding and for continuing to serve those in need,” said Governor Torres.
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