ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) _ New York state is giving a group of low-income residents of western New York a chance to land a job.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is awarding $500,000 to improve the literacy and job skills of low-income residents of Monroe County.

The funding comes from programs aimed at helping more than 120 people get jobs.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester and Rochester Works, Inc. receives $200,000 apiece through the Wage Subsidy Program, while the Rochester City School District gets $100,000 through the Educational Resources Program.

Individuals facing several barriers to employment, such as receiving public assistance for an extended period, lack of education, and very limited English proficiency, are targeted.

Those who land jobs will get assistance so they can support themselves.