"This is a very difficult time for the many workers who devoted their years and pride to Forster's Manufacturing. We are working closely with the state to make sure dislocated workers and their families have the support they need and as many opportunities as possible to find work again," said the Senators in a joint statement.
The emergency grant will be used to provide reemployment transition services for approximately 45 of the 98 workers dislocated from Forster's. The funding will be directed from the Maine Department of Labor to Western Maine Community Action, who will work directly with people in need. Transition services include career planning, occupational training, entrepreneurial training, skills upgrading, and adult education and literacy job readiness training. Laid-off workers may also be eligible for support services such as transportation, child and other dependent care, general and job-related clothing, certain medical and health needs, emergency shelters, automobile repair and insurance, and other emergency needs not available through local service agencies. Relocation and out-of-area job search assistance will be provided for those willing to consider that option.