As we start a new program year, and as with previous years, we also welcome a level of change, challenge, and opportunity that come with it. For WSM and our Local Workforce Development Board, this new program year is no different as we will embark on several new and exciting initiatives to help grow our local economy. With more formal information forthcoming, we're excited that we will be announcing over the coming months a new partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, and The Universities at Shady Groves, along several other new initiatives to serve youth, job seekers, and businesses. 

For now, I'm extremely happy to introduce all of our partners to a new WSM Leader - Jessica Issoufou, WSM's new Deputy Director of Workforce Services! Under Jessica's leadership she will lead all WSM adult service delivery departments to include Community Impact, Programs, and Business Solutions. 

To further introduce you to Jessica, we wanted to share the following Q&A with her. 

All the best!

Anthony Featherstone

July is a special month as we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time dedicated to embracing and honoring the accomplishments, resilience, and unique perspectives of individuals with disabilities. At WSM, we firmly believe in creating an inclusive and empowering environment for all, where diverse voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.

Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of the progress we have made in advocating for disability rights and equality, and it provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the work that still lies ahead. As a workforce development organization, we take pride in our commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a more accessible and inclusive workforce for all.

A few of our partners we’d like to highlight this month for this empowering observance:

For a complete list of our partners who dedicate much of their work to disability inclusion, please check out our Community Asset Map. 

Let us continue to create a workplace where everyone feels accepted, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce development community.

WSM successfully hosts the Montgomery County Quarterly Job Fair

The hiring event, organized by WSM’s Business Solutions team and held on June 27, 2023, saw a remarkable turnout, with over 100 eager Montgomery County residents arriving to interview in person and seize employment opportunities on the spot. More than 20 businesses representing six industries were present at the event, actively seeking talented individuals to fill their job vacancies.

The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation and excitement. Job seekers had the chance to interact directly with hiring managers and showcase their skills and qualifications. The event provided a platform for face-to-face interviews, which allowed for a deeper connection between employers and potential employees.

WorkSource Montgomery is eagerly following up with the participating businesses to determine the impact of the hiring event. Preliminary reports indicate a positive outcome, with many vacancies being filled as a result of the interviews conducted during the event. This success not only benefits the businesses involved but also contributes to the overall economic development and growth of Montgomery County.

WSM celebrates honors GROW Awardees with Evening Reception

On the evening of June 27, 2023, WSM hosted the GROW Recognition Reception, providing an opportunity to express gratitude to local businesses for their steadfast commitment to hiring individuals from within the Montgomery County communities, despite the adversities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The reception served as a celebration of these organizations' dedication to supporting the local workforce and fostering economic development within the county.

During the GROW reception, recognition was given to businesses that demonstrated exceptional commitment to hiring within Montgomery County. The organizations that hired the highest number of people per industry were celebrated for their contributions. It was heartening to see many of the newly employed residents in attendance, showcasing the tangible impact of these businesses' hiring efforts.

New category added to the WSM Community Asset Map for Capacity Building & Coordinating Entities

Montgomery County is home to many organizations who lead on capacity-building and coordination efforts on several critical areas for our county. The areas include but aren't limited to Early Care & Education, English Language Learning, and Youth Services. These lead organizations provide support and advocacy on behalf their respective areas of focus, network of service providers, and service population(s). These organizations play a critical role for our county's economic success as they develop and execute strategies to build systems and capacity for specific industries and populations within Montgomery County. 

Would you like your organization included in WSM's Community Asset Map? To submit a request, fill out the form by clicking the button below:

For edits/updates to your company’s information, please email us at [email protected] and indicate “COMMUNITY ASSET MAP” in the subject line.

WSM's Workforce Recovery Network News

Identity celebrates Entrepreneurship Expo

On June 24, 2023, Identity, Inc. held an Entrepreneurship Expo, partly supported by our Workforce Recovery Network. The organization offers entrepreneurial skills training and helps individuals establish their business entity. As part of their efforts, they offered an Entrepreneurship Expo where businesses were able to showcase their products and services. Their programs target population and goal is to expand business ownership within the Hispanic/Latino community.

Take a look at the different businesses and products showcased by clicking the button below:

Be a Star for Your New Employer!

Have you recently started a job in Montgomery County (Full-time or Part-time)? Are you a resident of Montgomery County?

If so, let your Montgomery County located employer know that they can receive a grant of $10,000 for a Full-time new hire or $5,000 for a Part-time new hire by applying for the GROW grant: 

https://worksourcemontgomery.com/covid-19-recovery/grow-grant

The salary range must be between $15/hour and $48/hour (or $100,000 annually) with a minimum of 20 hours worked per week. Proof of hire required. An employer may apply until they receive $100k in grant funding as long as the funds are available. Employer should apply within 30 days of the new hire's start date.

Questions? Email [email protected]

August 1 2023

1:15 pm - 3:15 pm

August 2 2023

1:15 pm - 3:15 pm

August 3 2023

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

WSM Upcoming Event

Click on the image to download the flyers:

WSM's Community Impact Team continues to spread the word!

The WSM Community Impact team has been hard at work along with our Mobile Job Center visiting multiple locations around Montgomery County, bringing our services and opportunities to where they are needed the most.

In the past few weeks, they have attended the following locations and events:

• Workforce Wednesdays at Veteran's Plaza in Silver Spring: This was the first installment of this weekly event happening on Wednesdays from 3 to 6:00 p.m. where WSM will bring the Mobile Job Center to provide career services to the community.
• Tour of Sunflower Bakery in Rockville, where they train young people with learning differences in Pastry Arts and Hospitality.
• Event in collaboration with A Place of Hope Inc. and Manna Food Bank, Inc. to assist the residents at Montgomery White Oak Apartments in Silver Spring. 
• Presentation of services at the Ethiopian/Eritrean Resource Day at the Montgomery College Takoma Park Campus.
• Providing jobseekers assistance at Olney Library.
• Participation at the Monthly Diaper Distribution in East County promoting our services.

Stay tuned to our Social Media and our Calendar for future visits from our team and the Mobile Job Center!

Click on the image to download the flyer:

New Montgomery College Schattner Scholarship for Low-Income Residents Seeking Certifications and Jobs: Workforce Development and Continuing Education Career Path Scholarship

Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE), the Robert I. Schattner Foundation, and the Montgomery College Foundation are seeking qualified applicants pursuing eligible career path courses with the intention to obtain employment.

This new, one-year opportunity for job training and certification is now available for qualified candidates. This scholarship process is designed to assist you to succeed in your goal to secure employment!

The application period for the Fall 2023 Scholarship is Wednesday, July 5, to Friday, August 4, 2023.

To see the eligibility requirements along with more information on how to apply to this opportunity, click the button below:

We are Hiring!

We are looking for talented individuals to join our team of workforce professionals who are committed with our mission to serve our community.

WorkSource Montgomery offers:

• Competitive compensation.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Full benefits package including life and disability insurance.
• 403B retirement plan.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Company events and team building activities to promote workplace culture.



To look at our available job listings, click the button below:

Scan our Linktree QR Code for more info on our latest programs & services!

WorkSource Montgomery | 240.641.6730

[email protected] | www.worksourcemontgomery.com