CA LABOR SECRETARY VISITS LA:RISE 

California Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai recently visited the City to learn more about the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE) and how the program helps re-entry workers, LGBTQ youth, the unhoused and other individuals find transitional employment where they can learn necessary interpersonal and job skills to rejoin the workforce. LA:RISE is an innovative program designed to connect individuals with high barriers to employment with job training opportunities in order to find full-time work.

Secretary Palugyai (pictured first row, third from left) received a tour of a site, or social enterprise, run by LA:RISE partner Chrysalis. EWDD General Manager Carolyn Hull (pictured second row, fourth from right) and Gerardo Ruvalcaba, Assistant General Manager of EWDD’s Workforce Development Division, attended as representatives of the City and EWDD (pictured left). EWDD is an LA:RISE leadership team partner of the program, which unites the City and County of Los Angeles' Workforce Development System (WDS) with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help LA:RISE participants find good jobs and stay employed. 

BSC GIVES BAKERY INGREDIENTS TO RISE 

Manuela Dominguez celebrated the grand opening of her new business Melly’s Bakery on August 17, 2022. 

Manuela (pictured above, center) has worked for more than 15 years in the baking industry. However, it was not until her husband’s death a year ago that Manuela began the journey of opening her own bakery. Manuela faced a series of challenges, including bringing her location up to code to comply with Health Department regulations. These setbacks delayed the original opening planned in April, which created a large financial burden, and left Manuela and her son Cristian feeling discouraged.

Fortunately, Manuela was referred to the South Valley Business Source Center by another bakery owner. She worked closely with Senior Business Counselor Yoryana Aguilar who went above and beyond to support Manuela.

Yoryana assisted Manuela with filing for a business license, and seller’s permit, along with navigating through the Health Inspection process. She also assisted Manuela with obtaining a $5,000 loan to cover rent and leasehold improvements. In addition, Yoryana shared Manuela’s story with her colleagues, who were inspired to offer assistance. Manuela received free legal services from the Public Council, free website and social media support, and advice from a restaurant consultant on how to make her business profitable. The South Valley BSC, overseen by EWDD contractor ICON CDC, also partnered with the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce to promote the grand opening of Melly’s Bakery. The launch of the business resulted in the job creation of two full-time employees.

Melly’s Bakery is located in LA City Council District 3 at 20451 Sherman Way, Winnetka, CA 91306 and is open daily from 5am - 9pm. They can be found on Instagram @mellys_bakery_shop.