To The Editor:60 Minutes and in other national media outlets for efforts to assist the long-term unemployed.

In recent years, The WorkPlace, the Workforce development board for Southwestern Connecticut, has expanded services and geographic coverage on a targeted basis. We have helped at-risk borrowers stay in their homes and founded the Southwest Connecticut Health Career Academy to help low-income and long-term unemployed workers find employment in the health care industry. We also created Platform to Employment (P2E) as a local initiative to help the long-term unemployed return to work. Since its launch and great success, P2E has expanded statewide, been replicated in 22 cities nationwide, and profiled on

A significant factor in our success has been the support and assistance from Connecticut legislators who understand job loss and barriers to employment. Mitch Bolinsky has been an outstanding partner in delivering P2E to residents from across the state, including Newtown. On a consistent basis, Mitch has attended program orientation sessions and graduations. He has taken time out of his schedule to meet with program participants to offer encouragement and share his own experience with unemployment. His personal connection with participants fosters hope when they experience some of their darkest days and most daunting challenges in their life.

Mitch has become a friend and I'm grateful for his extraordinary service to our state's long-term unemployed. His willingness to share his story and vividly describe the pain and anguish of his experience bespeaks of his integrity, his sense of right and wrong, and his appreciation for the virtues of dignity and honor. Mitch Bolinsky's input continues to be an important part of our planning as we grow our programs and expand our support for Connecticut's workforce. Mitch has "made a difference" and I thank him for that.

Joe Carbone, president and CEO

The WorkPlace

350 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport         October 24, 2016