NewsWIB December 2018
Spotlight on Labor Market Information
Spotlight on Supportive Services
WIOA Win for Hamilton County Father and Son
Using Supportive Services

OhioMeansJobs Center (OMJ) provides many services to the public to assist with acquiring a job and keeping that job. One of these services, transportation assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), helped a local father and his son find new jobs and start becoming self-sufficient again. Mr. Cobb first came to the OhioMeansJobs Center several years ago, taking advantage of the resource room and workshops in his job search. Mr. Cobb worked with one of the OMJ career coaches and found work. Unfortunately, recently, Mr. Cobb fell on hard times due to a leg injury that prevented him from working, which led to the loss of his job and, eventually, to homelessness. He and his son lived in their car while trying to find work. Mr. Cobb returned to the OhioMeansJobs Center for assistance with his new challenges. He was eligible, suitable and obtained approval for transportation assistance through the use of gas cards. Already, Mr. Cobb has several interviews lined up and his son has just started a new job at Goodwill. The gas cards help them to commute to the son’s new job and father’s interviews without having to worry about having enough gas to make it to work. They are again becoming self-sufficient with their lives moving forward.
Supportive Service of Gas Assistance is Important 

Tyenne Mention thanked the OhioMeansJobs Center for their assistance when he seriously needed some help. He was going through a very hard time financially for some time. He had been unemployed and "barely making it” without the help of his family. He had applied to over 100 job postings but only offered a few interviews. When Path Forward offered him a position he was brought to tears of happiness. The morning of the first day on the job he knew he did not have enough gas to make it to work after taking his daughter to school. He did not let that keep him from trying. He dropped his daughter off and headed to his first day happy yet nervous because he was worried the gas light would come on at any time. He said a prayer to be able to at least get to work so he could use his lunch time to come up with a plan. At lunch he learned that he qualified for some supportive assistance as he started his new job. That assistance included gas cards to help before he earned his first paycheck. Without this assistance, he was beside himself thinking what else he could do to get home or make it back to work the next day. He expressed grateful appreciation for this supportive service and the pressure that was released when he knew he could get to work. Mr. Mention wanted everyone to know about this meaningful assistance for his chance at success in a new job and that this service can really help a person to change one’s life. 
Spotlight on New Grant to Address Opioid Crisis
SWORWIB AND OMJ CENTER WIN FUNDS RELATED TO THE OPIOID CRISIS AND ARE BIDDING FOR ASSISTANCE WITH IMPLEMENTATION
 
Nationally and in Ohio, the opioid crisis has ballooned rapidly both in absolute numbers and geographic spread over the last ten years. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Labor issued Training and Employment Guidance Letter 12-17 to enable states to serve or retrain workers in communities impacted by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction and overdose. The crisis is not an isolated one. ODJFS recognizes that all counties and regions have been impacted. However, the reality is that there are practical considerations to meet the grant requirements and distribute limited resources of the grant in a manner that can have meaningful benefit and outcomes. Therefore, the opioid grant funds will be focused on those areas experiencing the highest economic burden from the opioid crisis and where applied resources can have the greatest benefit and ideally lasting outcomes. The DOL grant gives preference to a regional approach rather than a formula driven county by county assessment of burden and need. However, individual counties surrounded by others with relatively better circumstances or counties trending in a positive direction may be excluded from a regional approach. Such is the case for the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board and its service area of the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The SWORWIB and OhioMeansJobs Center-Cincinnati/Hamilton County will organize and coordinate the successful implementation of the Opioid Grant(s) resources for our community. The OMJ Center in particular will determine eligibility of individuals under the funding source specifications, provide career counseling related to training and employment opportunities, assess other allowable resource uses to meet the grant requirements and serve impacted individuals and employers and the community through successful results.
 
The SWORWIB seeks talent services from entities and individuals knowledgeable about the Cincinnati/Hamilton County addiction issues, services and efforts to coordinate on our behalf with the existing addiction services entities and providers for a robust collaboration of our workforce efforts with the addiction services efforts to optimally serve as many individuals as well as possible with the available resources. Furthermore, we need talent services to build a functioning referral system of participating entities that streamlines connections by impacted individuals and families with the resources available from these grant funds provided to Ohio and our local area. Furthermore, we seek services to organize and operate a collaborative group of providers to work with the OhioMeansJobs Center and SWORWIB for outreach to eligible individuals and establish a formal referral system to connect individuals to the grant and service staff at the OhioMeansJobs Center. We also need to collaborate with entities that provide certifications and state credentials about instruction and competency-building for positions that are responsible for interaction, interface and support of addicted individuals for which the SWORWIB and OMJ Center will be able to determine eligibility for credential training and on-the-job training in these supportive jobs. 
 
The SWORWIB has a small team of specialist contractors to minimize public funds dedicated to administrative costs rather than direct service delivery to employers, jobseekers and youth both in-school and out-of-school. We are also required to oversee the State of Ohio program known as the Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP) as well as coordinate for the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services Department of Labor Grant on Opioid/Addiction Crisis. Working with specialist contractors has been very successful for the SWORWIB so we are now seeking contracted services to support the SWORWIB and OhioMeansJobs with technical competence for coordination of addiction service providers for advise and customer referral, for development of the referral process and for organization of and maintenance of records associated with the communications and coordination of collaborative meetings associated with implementation of the Department of Labor grant assigned to the SWORWIB and OhioMeansJobs Center.
 
We expect interested bidders to be able to produce the relatively limited work products on a less than part-time basis over the first two years of grant implementation; and figure that the selected bidder will be able to utilize one or more individuals for certain activities thereby being highly focused on getting the work completed while keeping progress updates with the SWORWIB President. These specialized contractor services are expected to keep the SWORWIB highly functional, technically updated in soft and hard copy files and well-planned for all efforts for which participation by the SWORWIB is required and interaction with the OhioMeansJobs Center is primary.
 
The website address for the SWORWIB Request for Proposals is at https://www.sworwib.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CompleteRFP-OpioidGrantMgmtReferralRFP2018.pdf

Additionally the OMJ Center will also issue a procurement notice for contracted services they need associated with temporary employment delivery. That Request for Proposals is under development and will be issued in the next 60 days.
OMJ Partner Spotlight
Volunteers of America affiliates in Ohio and Indiana merged operations in July 2018. The combined agency, known as Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, will maintain administrative offices in Columbus and Indianapolis, with program offices in more than a dozen other cities across the two states.

“By merging our organizations, we will reduce administrative costs and invest greater resources toward VOA’s mission,” Dennis Kresak, the former Volunteers of America Ohio president and CEO, said in a news release. Kresak is now “CEO emeritus,” and is helping with the transition. He also has overseen four previous Volunteers of America mergers within Ohio.  “As a stronger organization, we’ll be able to accelerate program growth quickly in Ohio and Indiana to help more people in need of housing, employment and addiction treatment,” said John R. von Arx III, the new president and CEO of the merged entity. Kyle Hanson, chairman of the board of directors for the merged organization, cited Indiana’s initiatives in addiction recovery and Ohio’s expertise in Veterans services, retail and housing for the homeless as programs that can be replicated in more places.  The new organization will continue its human-services mission, serving more than 23,000 people. It has an annual budget of about $74 million and 950 employees.

Phil Schneider, Director of Program Operations , noted that the VOA will continue providing VA funding housing for Veterans in Mt. Healthy, Ohio and delivery of services for homeless Veterans through a Department of Labor grant known as the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program as well as another Department of Labor Grant for Homeless Female Veterans and Family reintegration. Stephanie Nelson is the Cincinnati Program Director who will represent the VOA at the OhioMeansJobs Center-Cincinnati/Hamilton County.
Spotlight on Apprenticeship Partners
During a tour of career technical schools, community colleges and employers in Southwest Ohio interested in the NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills) credentials and certifications, Montez King, Executive Director and Rebekah Hutton, Deputy Executive Director stopped by the SWORWIB office to visit with President/CEO Marshall and congratulate her for the first Workforce Board-Career Technical School partnership for the NIMS certification training and credential testing. The SWORWIB got involved with NIMS during their implementation of the America Promise grant to advance apprenticeships in partnership with the Midwest Urban Strategies Consortium. SWORWIB and Great Oaks are working with several manufacturing employers for the NIMS apprenticeship program-industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM).

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) was formed in 1995 by the leading metalworking trade associations to develop and maintain a globally competitive American workforce. NIMS develops skills standards for the industry, certifies individual skills against the standards and accredits training programs that meet NIMS quality requirements. NIMS operates under rigorous and highly disciplined processes as the only developer of American national standards for the nation’s metalworking industry accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  
Spotlight on our Dohn 22+ Partner
Supporting In-Demand Credentials for Dohn 22+ Graduates

Dohn 22+, the highly successful adult diploma program, continues to grow and innovate as it assists adult learners to earn a high school diploma. Dohn 22+ is projected to have a record breaking 400 graduates this year. Many of them want to continue their education, and Dohn has stepped up to make the transition from high school to college a meaningful experience by offering a taste of the college acadmic experience yet related to current challenges in our society today.

Qualified graduates are being offered the opportunity to take Phase 1 of the CDCA (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) course. This 9-weeks introductory course is designed to ensure student success while navigating through what, for too many, is an unfamiliar environment. Zak Nordyke, Director of 22+, believes the course will be a great help to the new adult graduates, “We feel that successfully completing this course will give students the confidence and motivation they need to continue their education. We chose to offer this course because of the alarming growth of the Opioid Epidemic in Ohio and therefore the growing need for support staff to assist.” This is just one more way Dohn 22+ is having a positive impact for our students and on the community.
Focus on Youth
In-School Youth
at Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates
ATMOS PRESENTS SCHOOL EMBLEMS TO WINTON WOODS
 JOBS FOR CINCINNATI GRADUATES PROGRAM

During a recent Manufacturing Day visit to ATMOS 360, students from Winton Woods High School watched a demonstration of the water jetting machine that provides the “cut out their school emblem”.  After the event, ATMOS, cut out and presented JCG with seven Winton Woods Warrior emblems. JCG students then painted the emblems and will present one to the school administration to display in the new school addition. One emblem will be displayed in the JCG classroom and the others will be included in a school raffle.
2018-2019 Shark Tank Challenge
at North College Hill High School
 
North College Hill High School (NCHHS) Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates (JCG) students are working with eight students from The Kolodzik Business Scholars program, which supports and develops the passions of a diverse set of students in the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business. UC students joined the JCG students every Tuesday through November to mentor JCG students during this process of learning about team-building, entrepreneurism and skill building.
 
This challenge is designed to encourage the development of entrepreneurial skills and to develop and use critical thinking & problem solving skills. Students developed a written business plan using a business plan packet to complete the assignment. Students created a fictitious business product or service to be sold to raise money for the JCG program.
 
The final task was the “Shark Tank Challenge” with judges to determine which team will be treated to lunch, but more importantly, if their product can be used to create income for the JCG @ NCHHS program!
JCG Initiation and Installation Ceremonies

The Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates (JCG) Program has completed all Initiation and Installation ceremonies for each program location. The Initiation and Installation ceremony is an annual event where all members are initiated into the Cincinnati Career Association and newly elected Chapter Officers are installed.  The staff and students worked hard to ensure successful events. The events were well attended by students, parents, faculty, staff and guests. There were a number of guest speakers at each event that included school and community leaders and former JCG students to inspire and encourage our youth. The I&I ceremonies were held at the following schools: Aiken New Tech, North College High, Oyler, Shroder Paideia, Taft, Western Hills University, Winton Woods, Withrow University and Woodward Career Technical. The JCG Middle School programs at Hughes STEM, Riverview East Academy, Shroder Paideia, Withrow University and Woodward Career Technical each held a parents and students reception to introduce the JCG Career Specialist and to learn more about the goals of the JCG Middle School program.
Out-of-School Youth
Heaven Anderson joined the ResCare Workforce Services for Youth on May 22, 2018. Heaven was on her way to becoming an elementary school teacher but losing her job meant she couldn’t finish school or obtain her teaching certification. Her first goal was to get back to work so that she could save money to go back to school. She was eligible for the Comprehensive Case Management Employment program and enrolled. She completed an 8-weeks subsidized employment assignment. During this time Heaven, with the help of her Talent Development Specialist, was able to earn a bartending certificate, apply for financial aid, enroll into UC Blue Ash and focus on funding and supportive services to cover the costs for that teaching certificate. Once she earned her teaching certificate she was hired by TCP World Academy where she currently works as a teacher’s aide. She began at UC Blue Ash in August where she attends college twice a week…during her lunch break from work! Two times a week she packs a sandwich, heads for the bus stop on her lunch time, attends class and returns to work - with about one minute to spare. Heaven’s determination is inspirational for others to observe. We are all excited for her growth and supportive for her moving towards her dream of having a classroom full of students of her own to teach.  
In the News
CET Southwest Ohio Partnership for American Graduates:
Getting to Work
Thanks to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Grant with CET and workforce entities throughout the State of Ohio for southwest Ohio, Cleveland and Columbus, new videos featuring American Graduates: Getting to Work are being posted. This one is special as it shows the influence mothers have on their children and the gifts mothers' give when they support their childrens' dreams more than their own.
  • “A Mom’s Story” is a two- minute video and the first of several stories about parents' experiences with career tech education. In this case, a mom had to change her mind about career tech when her college-bound son decided he was going to become a welder https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/finding-your-own-path-moms-story-short-version-y1xnmi/  Congrats to the young man for pursuing his career interest and to Great Oaks/Scarlet Oaks for providing him the education and experience that allowed him to become the professional he wanted.
Congratulations to Tim Arnold and Lawn Life participants from Aiken New Technical High School who are obtaining direct work experience in construction for these interested young people while also improving an historic building in the Northside neighborhood used by CAIN – Churches Active in Northside. The teenagers at Aiken New Technical High School are part of a program that lets them explore career options. In this video they are working on a wraparound porch for the food pantry.  The teens are all OSHA certified and earn $15 an hour for their internship under the supervision of Lawn Life Landscaping and Construction. Their first project will earn them credit while helping others.
Short Takes
January 2019
Click on Image for Link
Podcasts
Partnering with TANF
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

E10: Partnering with Providers of TANF Programs (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) Under a Combined Program in Ohio known as Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP)

A couple of years ago, Governor John Kasich advanced a bold new approach to TANF when he asked the Workforce Boards of Ohio to partner with the Job and Family Services (JFS) Departments, combining WIOA Youth funding with TANF funding to invent a new approach for youth (14-24 year olds). The program is Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP). Hamilton County JFS procured provider services for CCMEP and the Talbert House agency partnered with Community Action Agency, Easterseals and the Urban League, all serving in Cincinnati and Hamilton County to deliver these bold new services. Sherry Kelley Marshall, President&CEO of the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board joined Doug Foresta with partner representatives to discuss CCMEP and share insights on the program, the customers and progress for success in implementation: Bonita Woods, JFS Cincinnati/Hamilton County, Employee Services Supervisor; Benita Spraggins, Director – Community Link/Talbert House; Erica Fears, CCMEP Associate Director/Talbert House.

Teaser for E:11: Sherry Kelley Marshall, President&CEO of the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board, started a “Mind/Shift” discussion for the local area when the Comprehensive Case Management Program began implementation and is now trying to influence a change in use of language when serving youth and other disadvantaged customers. One of the most important language shifts among many that Marshall advocates is changing CCMEP to Comprehensive Customer Management or Motivation to Employment Program – seeing as how many individuals don’t see themselves as “cases” and don’t like hearing others see them as “cases”. Check out the E:11 Podcast in January 2019 for more on her advocacy for a “language mind/shift” to lift people through the words used to serve them.
Upcoming Events
Donations Appreciated
The SWORWIB is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Would you or your organization like to support the continued success of the workforce board? To make a donation (tax deductible) to the SWORWIB in support of Cincinnati-Hamilton County workforce initiatives, email Sherry Kelley Marshall at smarshall@sworwib.org.   
Contact: Sherry Kelley Marshall
President & CEO
smarshall@sworwib.org