September 2023

JEDI Zone Team Tours Businesses in CD 15

On September 28, 2023, EWDD along with Councilmember Tim McOsker, took a tour of the JEDI Zones in CD15, which consists of the Wilmington and Watts communities. On this walk through the neighborhoods, the team spoke with businesses such as Watts Cyclery, Orangebag, L.A. Waterfront Pizza and Original Richard to inform the business owners about the resources available through the JEDI Zone program.

The Jobs & Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zone program is an initiative that creates opportunities for businesses in shopping corridors to jump start and improve the economic activity in their zone. The initiative focuses on, but not limited to, clearing building code violations, connecting business owners to qualified employees, assistance with access to capital at low interest rates, and façade improvement.

To learn more about the CD15 JEDI Zone, watch the full video here.

To learn more about the JEDI Zone program resources, visit bit.ly/LA-JEDI.

CRCD Opens Training Center in South LA

On September 29, 2023, EWDD’s partner, Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), held a soft opening for the Tresa McCoy Regional Training Center. The 6,000-square-foot training facility was designed to usher in a new era of hands-on education for training in MC3 Certification, Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, Lead Abatement, and HBI PACT training.

The cornerstone of the training center is the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) certification training. MC3 training is committed to providing WorkSource and YouthSource participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in high-demand construction fields, helping them advance in the competitive job market, and connecting them with apprenticeship opportunities at local building trade unions. In order to help participants achieve these milestones, construction trainers, a career coach and a job developer are all stationed out of the center.

With these cutting-edge resources and facilities tailored for hands-on training and classroom instruction, the Tresa McCoy Regional Training Center is positioned to change the future of workforce development in the South LA area.

EWDD’s WorkSource Centers offer free job training, resume assistance, and skill training and placement services to local job seekers. The centers also offer a variety of employment, training and support services to LA businesses. To learn more about EWDD’s WorkSource Centers, visit bit.ly/EWDDWorkSource.

Former Gang Member Finds Employment After Incarceration

Former gang member Joshua Molina served 14 years of incarceration. After his parole, Molina was at risk of experiencing homelessness. However, with assistance from the LA:RISE program and EWDD’s WorkSource Center partner Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), Joshua was able to re-enter the workforce.

Through the guidance of Employee Support Coordinator Sal Y Barra, Molina was enrolled into 250 hours of paid work experience and job engagement training. This job training allowed Joshua to earn his OSHO 10 certification, which certifies him to go into construction; the income provided was used to support his family and pay back rent to prevent homelessness; and the skills acquired have allowed him to pursue employment with the City of Los Angeles.

EWDD is a leadership team partner of the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE), an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.

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