The program provides technical assistance to expand job opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the expansion of the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON), with Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New York, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia participating as “core states” in fiscal year 2026. The initiative, administered by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), connects state agencies with technical assistance intended to strengthen employment opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions and related disabilities.
The department explained that the program helps participating states coordinate efforts among workforce, vocational rehabilitation, developmental disability, and mental health agencies.
“Americans with mental health conditions and those with other co-occurring disabilities deserve the opportunity to live and work in their community and achieve financial security,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Julie Hocker. “For too long, there have been numerous barriers to employment for people with mental health conditions, particularly those with mental illness. NEON will help states remove those barriers so more Americans with mental health conditions can succeed in competitive integrated employment.”
The NEON initiative, which began in 2019, also promotes data-informed strategies and evidence-based practices to improve employment outcomes.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to be led by the Lord as she heads the Labor Department.
- For Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Hocker as she facilitates the expansion of the NEON initiative.
- For DOL and ODEP officials as they work with state agency leaders in Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New York, Tennessee, and D.C. to coordinate workforce development and disability support services.
Sources: Department of Labor
