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WDB HMO
News & Opportunities
Stay up to date with the latest job opportunities, training, and more on our website!
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Welcome New WDB Re-Entry Taskforce (RTF) Grant Program Case Manager Amanda Rushing!
A little about Amanda:
"My name is Amanda Rushing. I am a mom to a beautiful 4-year-old autistic boy. I graduated from SUNY Canton in 2009 with bachelor's degree in Criminal Investigation and Forensic science with a concentration in Law. Most of my working career has been spent in the medical field from the ER to psych wards. I have a great passion for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
"I went back into casework because I really want to make an impact in people's lives and be an advocate for them. My goal as Re-Entry Taskforce Case Manager is to help justice-involved individuals have a successful second chance in society and be productive members so they are not judged for their past errors and mistakes."
To contact Amanda:
Call 315.207.6951 Ext. 158 or arushing@working-solutions.org
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Above: L - MVCC Wilcox Hall, R - Job Seekers try out NYSDOL Virtual Reality Job Exploration Headsets | |
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A Heartfelt Thank You to our Partners for Helping us Make the Diverse Abilities Job Fair a Success!
By WDB Disability Resource Coordinator Nicole Sortino
"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted and participated in our WDB NY Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (NY SCION) grant program Diverse Abilities Job Fair! The event was a tremendous success, with 24 employers coming together to support more than 100 jobseekers. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with disability-friendly employers, local service providers, and vocational training resources, fostering pathways to meaningful employment.
"A highlight of the day was the hands-on experience at MVCC's Wilcox Hall, where jobseekers explored career opportunities using Virtual Reality Career Exploration Headsets and received personalized resume reviews.
"Our WDB YouthBuild grant program students made valuable connections, including plans for a future resume workshop with NYS Deparment of Labor (NYSDOL) staff. The job fair sparked many interagency collaborations, and we saw firsthand the positive impact it had on jobseekers who felt welcomed and supported.
"We look forward to continuing this event annually in the Mohawk Valley, with even more employers, jobseekers, and opportunities for all!"
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Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) Grant Success Story
By WDB ATI Project Director Christina Spagnuolo
"In August 2024, an individual joined the ATI program determined to break old patterns and start fresh. Her transformation began as she worked through the ATI program Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) journals, using them to reflect and make meaningful changes in her life. CBI isa structured, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. It is widely used in various settings, including correctional facilities, to address issues like criminal thinking, substance abuse, and emotional regulation. CBI operates on the premise that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by altering harmful thinking patterns, individuals can foster healthier behaviors and emotional responses."
These interactive workbooks became a vital tool in her self-reflection, helping her confront her past choices and set new goals for her future. Through the journaling process, she identified three core priorities: maintaining sobriety, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and securing meaningful employment.
"She gained deeper insights into her triggers and responses, equipping her with the tools needed to stay on track. Each journal guided her toward healthier coping mechanisms, better decision-making, and the confidence to sustain her sobriety
"Her journey highlights the impact of self-reflection, determination, and a commitment to change, demonstrating how the CBI journals and persistent effort can lead to a better future. We are confident that upon her release, she will maintain her success and continue to advance in a positive direction."
Congratulations, ATI Participant!
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WDB Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Project Human Services Pre-Apprenticeship Cohort 1 Success
By WDB Apprenticeship Project Director Sommer Edwards
"Today, we proudly celebrated the completion of our Human Services Pre-Apprenticeship pilot program, made possible through the WDB RADAR grant. Some twelve students completed 50 hours of instruction and workplace readiness training, earning their Mental Health First Aid certifications.
"A heartfelt thank you to Tim Burke and Teresa Fava-Schram at Mohawk Valley Community College for providing the space and instructors essential for this training. Programs like these thrive on the collaborative efforts of our partners.
"To mark this milestone, we hosted an Employer Day, where twelve employers generously volunteered their time to meet with our students. They offered valuable insights into their organizations, shared details about a typical workday, and discussed available job opportunities. We extend our gratitude to Jennifer McGauley from the HMO Workforce Development Board, Amy Dewan from RCIL, Kimberly Wilson from Johnson Park Center, Jeanna Heretz from The House of Good Shepherd, Kimberly Gent from MVHS, Zoie Lehman from CFLR, Sara Klimek from Utica CSD, Crystal Burge from Helio Health, Patrice VanNortwick from The Neighborhood Center, Erin Gohil from Upstate Caring Partners, Jack Callaghan from Catholic Charities, and Daisy Rosa from MVCAA for their support.
"A special thanks to our Business Service Representatives, Caitlin McSorley, and Laura Eannace, for their excellent organization of this event. We look forward to seeing our graduates take the next steps toward securing employment and building successful careers for themselves and their families!"
Congratulations, Graduates!
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Madison County Working Solutions *Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Success
By Madison County Working Solutions Counselor Assistant/ Youth Coordinator Angel Steiner
"The following success story is on behalf of a client, named Dakota, who has been an outstanding star! Dakota has been involved with Madison County’s Career Center for quite some time."
"She has been a part of the Madison County Summer Youth Employment Program for 3 years and just this past summer, Dakota got placed on a private worksite. Dakota got provided this opportunity because she is seen as a hard and determined worker and was an older individual on the Summer Youth Employment Program.
"Dakota worked at the Madison County Maintenance Program and gained a ton of experience, skill, and knowledge. After SYEP, Dakota decided to switch up her career mindset and obtained a job all on her own at a local daycare. Dakota loves what she is doing, especially because she is working with young people and that suits her interests.
"Dakota initially came to the career center to get career guidance and assistance finding a job. In addition, she wanted to eventually obtain her driver’s license. However, in no time, Dakota found herself employment and in a couple weeks, she got her driver’s license!
"Madison County Working Solutions is always working to provide supportive services to meet the needs of any barriers to the clients we serve. We are very proud of Dakota and how far she has come!
"If you or yourself, know anyone who is interested in getting any type of career assistance, contact Working Solutions and see how our services and programs can help you!"
Congratulations, Dakota!
*This program is available at all Working Solutions locations.
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Congratulations, New WDB Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant Program Special Projects Director Mary Katherine Moylan!
In October, WDB Special Projects Case Manager Mary Katherine Moylan, was promoted to a new role. She will be overseeing the WDB's United States Department of Labor funded Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant Program Round Two for Childcare grant program.
This program aims to implement systems change in workforce development efforts for individuals located in the Greater Mohawk Valley region of New York State who work in the Child Care Sector and are in need of childcare.
Eligible individuals include residents of Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Otsego, Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties who are marginalized populations in rural areas, such as Black, Hispanic, and New American. This grant also serves childcare workers who are single mothers.
Mary Katherine says “I look forward to connecting with community partners, employers, and workers to develop a job quality strategy for the regional childcare workforce focusing on pay, benefits, and skill attainment. Childcare is a chronic barrier to employment many people in our area face and I’m grateful to be a part of a solution.”
With a focus on gathering data and feedback from those directly working in the childcare sector, this project has a strong worker voice component to ensure that both urban and rural childcare workers are involved in developing solutions and improvements regarding their employment while pulling from their experiences. A general interest intake for community partners, childcare employers, and childcare workers can be completed here.
For more Information, Contact:
Special Projects Director Mary Katherine A. Moylan
315-207-6951 Ext. 103 or mkmoylan@working-solutions.org
Funding for the Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant Program Round Two is 100 percent funded by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) in the amount of $398,657.00.
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For more information, contact Sommer Edwards at Sommer Edwards or 315.207.6951x133. | |
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UpMobility Foundation Launched Its New Website
"UpMobility Foundation, located in Little Falls, is an organization that forges partnerships and collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, offering support beyond just grant funding. Impact areas include community building, advancing education and humanitarian aid and international development."
Learn More
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released the 2023-33 Employment Projections. This data provides the job outlook of 832 occupations and which skills are most relevant for those occupations.
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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Announces New Investment for Wolfspeed That Will Help Accelerate
Mohawk Valley Expansion
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently announced Wolfspeed has reached a $750 million Preliminary Memorandum of Terms (PMT) funding agreement under the CHIPS & Science Law he led in writing and passing into law, helping them unlock an additional $750 million in private investment. Wolfspeed also said it plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create to fund much of the state-of-the-art equipment being installed to complete the expansion their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County. Wolfspeed said this massive collective investment will help accelerate their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boost good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility.
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Opportunities for Job Seekers | |
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WDB Free Training Grant Programs:
NOW ENROLLING!
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The Workforce Development Board has learning/training grants that you may be eligible for!
View our Training Grant Programs Here and contact us to find out how we can help you jump start your career in a field you love.
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Community News and Resources | |
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Individuals ages of 16-24 living in Oneida or Herkimer County and need financial assistance - MVCAA can help!
"Through the Taco Bell Foundation Grant, MVCAA has supported young adults by providing:
- Furniture and other household items
- Transportation
- Food
- Professional Work Attire
- School Supplies
- And More
"Contact MVCAA today at 315-624-9930 to learn how this grant can support your goals! Must meet eligibility requirements."
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Happy November!
Next Month's Issue:
Do you have something you'd like to share? A hiring event, learning/training opportunity, announcement, community news, program news, staff news, success story or personal achievement? Photos are always welcome! Please email Jodi Delapaz,
Communications Coordinator:
jdelapaz@working-solutions.org
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Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.
209 Elizabeth Street
Utica, NY 13501
Stay Connected
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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