TESTIMONY
Valentina Vidal, Case Manager at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), on the Impact of Budget Cuts on the RISE Workforce Development Program
3:39:26
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133 sec
Valentina Vidal appeals to the council to restore funding for the RISE Workforce Development Program at GMHC to prevent job losses and service reductions.
- Vidal emphasizes the program's role in helping HIV/AIDS clients gain employment through personalized support like resume building and vocational training.
- She warns that budget cuts will lead to the loss of 7 staff positions and diminish the specialized services GMHC provides.
- Highlights GMHC’s long-standing commitment to the HIV/AIDS community, detailing its achievements in employment assistance and mistrust challenges among its client base.
- Mentions the importance of technology training facilitated by a recently refurbished computer lab, which is vital for client success in the digital age.
- Urges council support to avoid the consequences of budget cuts on the community GMHC serves and the effectiveness of the RISE program.
Valentina Vidal
3:39:26
Thank you, speaker Yalla, member of the general welfare committee.
3:39:29
Name is Valentina Vidal, and I'm the Belimu case manager for the work for development at JMC.
3:39:35
I'm here today to ask the council support for HRA to restore funding in the way, FY 25 city budget for our realizing through independence, through support and employment.
3:39:46
Bryce, workforce development program.
3:39:49
I'm a case manager at Juicy because of the race program, and I'm also a has a client.
3:39:54
If the funding is not restored, 7 GMEC staff will lose their jobs, and GMEC clients will lose out on the specialized services we can provide.
3:40:03
Founded in 1982 as a health ma'am, health crisis, the world's 1st HIV and AIDS service organization.
3:40:10
GMAC has provide has provided has helped 674 has a client find employment by providing culture content and individualized assistance, including resume building, vacation training, internship employment, and benefit counseling.
3:40:28
Job placement and and retest necessary for unemployment, unemployed workers at full stages of career readiness, yet due to the administration budget cuts.
3:40:38
As of July 1 2024, HRA will eliminate rights to satisfy the 283,000 impact in the January plan.
3:40:48
By cutting a 400,000 and a contract with GMIC.
3:40:53
GMIC serves clients' population with a long history of mistrust in government.
3:40:57
As well as healthcare related services deliver.
3:41:00
We have built relationships and reputation with these communities over 42 years.
3:41:06
Which is critical to our ability to be successfully managed the rights contract.
3:41:12
GMAC has a SUNY Advanced Technology training and information networking attained computer lab at our facility.
3:41:20
Recently, our lab was completely refurbished.
3:41:22
We need computers and related technology.
3:41:25
That chain enables clients to receive critical skills, training, and certification to see in the digital.
3:41:31
Please stand with GMVC has some clients, by advocating for full resolution of the rights program.
3:41:38
Thank you.
