Monthly Newsletter - May 2026 | | Gigi Crowder Honored by Lend a Hand Foundation | | |
Congratulations to our community partner Gigi Crowder, CEO of NAMI Contra Costa, who received the Champion Mental Health Impact Award from the Lend a Hand Foundation on Friday, April 24. NAMI Contra Costa serves the needs of all people impacted by mental illness through their outreach, education, support, and advocacy services.
Thank you to Gigi and her organization for the crucial work they do!
| | Thursday, May 21 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | | |
Contra Costa employers, join WDBCCC and the California Employers Association (CEA) for a NO-COST virtual training focused on building psychological safety in the workplace. Discover how fostering trust and open communication can strengthen team performance, drive innovation, and support a more inclusive work environment.
Bring your questions and gain practical strategies you can use right away.
| | | Spring 2026 Far East Contra Costa Career Fair | | Wednesday, May 27 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Brentwood Community Center | | |
Are you seeking new job opportunities or looking to advance your career? Don't miss the Far East Contra Costa Career Fair on May 27th!
Meet with 30+ employers and explore local and regional job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, IT, and construction.
Plus, learn about free and low-cost training programs designed to help you advance your career.
Bring your resume and come dressed for success!
| | | Thursday, May 7 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | AJCC Concord | | |
Take the next step in your career journey by attending the upcoming Career Success Sessions at AJCC Concord.
Join guided group sessions designed to help you build skills, explore career options, and connect with employers and resources in a supportive environment.
| | | Build Your Skills & Advance Your Career at Concord AJCC | | |
Looking to sharpen your skills or take the next step in your career? Join Concord AJCC's monthly events and get the professional edge you need to succeed in today's competitive market.
Address: 4071 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250, Concord, CA 94520
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Keyboard Certification, Resume Review, & Career Assessment
Every Thursday | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Take an official typing test and earn a certificate to present to employers.
- Get expert help building a resume from scratch or refining one for a specific role.
- Use our career assessments to align your strengths with the right opportunities.
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WIOA Info Sessions
Second Tuesday of Every Month | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access the high-quality training, education, and career services necessary to succeed in today's labor market.
Join our Career Coaches to learn more about WIOA's resources and benefits, discover how to enroll in the program, and meet one-on-one with a counselor to jumpstart your career search.
| | | From the Classroom to the Frontlines: Justin & Tyler’s EMS Journey | | |
Inspired by a desire for purpose, Justin and Tyler found their career path through the EMS Corps program, a partnership between the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) and Mt. Diablo Adult Education.
The immersive program, supported by WIOA federal funding and an EDD grant, covered tuition and financial support, included advanced VR training on emergency simulations, and provided career coaching through Rubicon Programs.
Today, Justin and Tyler are working as EMTs at AMR, WDBCCC's employer partner, offering a direct pathway to the Board’s paramedic apprenticeship.
Learn more about how this program is building careers and strengthening communities.
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*Business & Economic Development Committee: Wednesday, May 20, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
*Full Board: Wednesday, June 17, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
| | | | Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in February 2026. That's down from 4.8 percent in January 2026. Read the most recent State Labor Report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division. | | Want to stay updated on WDBCCC news and upcoming events in Contra Costa County? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. | | If this email was forwarded to you, quickly sign up to receive future editions of this newsletter and other communications. | | | | |