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1992.10.30 :  Leadership Employment for Armed Services Personnel

Contact:  Larry Dye/David Boomer (202) 401-9215
October 30, 1992

       Calling it "an important addition to all we are doing to
give our children, especially our minority children, a future,"
HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., announced today a new
mission for highly trained newly separated military personnel
called Leadership Employment for Armed Services Personnel (LEAP). 

       Under LEAP, former military personnel will be trained to
work in inner-city public housing projects where they will
participate in a variety of social service programs designed to
build a healthier and safer community environment.  The first
training class will be funded by $370,000 from HHS. 
       "LEAP recognizes that the absence of responsible males in
a community clearly can lead to unacceptable behavior and actions
by others," said Sullivan. "We owe our children safe
neighborhoods.  LEAP will help by introducing highly successful
men into neighborhoods in need."
       LEAP includes an extensive, five-week training program. 
Graduates will then work in selected public housing communities
in a variety of management positions.  These positions can
include project management, maintenance, social services, youth
sports and counseling.  There are 50 former military personnel in
the first LEAP training. 
       "We must be enormously creative in our efforts to help
people become self-sufficient," said Jo Anne B. Barnhart,
assistant secretary for children and families. "We expect that
these LEAP skilled and motivated individuals will become highly
visible positive role-models. I look forward to future LEAP
classes."
       The National Center for Housing Management is conducting
the LEAP program on the grounds of the Quantico Marine Base in
Quantico, Va.  NCHM recruited and selected the military personnel
from all branches of the armed services.
       LEAP is another in the continuing activities of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of
Health and Human Services to implement the Economic Empowerment
Demonstration program. Under this demonstration, HUD and HHS
promote integrated uses of resources in pilot projects at the
community level to reduce poverty through economic independence.  


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NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS
An opportunity for the media to meet with LEAP trainees and
observe training is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 10-12 noon
at Liversedge Hall, Quantico Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va. 
Interested parties must meet at the Quantico Base Main Gate
(approximately one mile off I-95 at the Quantico exit) to be
escorted to and from the training site.  A 9:30 a.m. arrival time
at the Main Gate is requested.  Please provide names of
individuals who will be attending to the contacts listed above.