NewsWIB September 2020
OhioMeansJobs
Center Update
The COVID pandemic has challenged state and local resources as well as operations for OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Centers and unemployment services throughout the state. As Governor DeWine continues the stay-at-home orders for state workers, schools, events and other activities, the SWORWIB and OMJ Center would like customers to know that they can reach out to the OMJ Staff as directed below seek help with your workforce needs. Please use the information below for your first contact for help and/or services. Please contact Sherry Kelley Marshall, SWORWIB President & CEO if you are unable to connect with our largely home-based team members.
Important Contact Information
OhioMeansJobs Center Services 
For general information: (513) 946-7200
www.OMJ-CINHAM.org
For Prevention, Retention
and Contingency (PRC)
The PRC plan for Hamilton County is to facilitate programs by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) or through contracts with other public entities and/or local community service providers.

and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA is designed to help Americans, including youth and those with significant barriers to employment, into high-quality jobs and careers and help employers hire and retain skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.
Charles Walters: Phone number: (513) 946-7242


For One on One Job Search Assistance
 Tim Scott: Phone number: (513) 946-7214

Website for Job Search and Online Training

Important Contact
Information Regarding
The Ohio Unemployment Office

Website:  https://unemployment.Ohio.gov
For ‘PIN’ reset call: 1-866-962-4064
Main phone number: Toll free: 1-877-644-6562
Hearing impaired TTY Service dial
Toll Free: 1-888-642-8203

** Please note: There are no local or physical
Ohio Unemployment offices. **
Live On-Line Workshops
OhioMeansJobs Cincinnati-Hamilton County is working to offer regularly scheduled live on-line workshops.

On Wednesday, August 26th our debut workshops “Financial well-being strengths, values & strategies: become a cash expert and increase your wealth" and "Present yourself as a professional and gain the winning edge with recruiters", were conducted by Charlene Davis, President of C. Renee H.R. Consulting, LLC.

The financial workshop several people, even though there was a communication glitch in the link to the soft skills workshop was not published. 

The first run was meant to capture any glitches that might pop up and other than not including the link to the soft skills workshop in advertising, the presentations went very well without technical issues. The attendees were upbeat and able to interact with the presenter. 

Renee is developing her schedule to offer the above two workshops every other week. She is also working on a new presentation that offers tips and direction on how to interview well on-line. This is a practical and valuable workshop for jobseekers as employers move and more toward on-line interviewing.

The OhioMeansJobs center will send links and dates, when the workshop schedule is finalized. We hope to attract attendees when jobseekers learn that we are offering live on-line workshops on a regular schedule.

In the meantime, our website at OhioMeansJobs.com/Hamilton, offers links to many excellent on-line learning opportunities, such as the following: 
Microsoft Office Training – Learn as many of the Microsoft Office programs as you’d like. Lessons range from beginner to advanced levels.
5 Free GED Classes for Adults – GED Preparation
Go Learn Free – Computer Skills and Job Search (Go to the drop-down on the top right to choose Topics)
Khan Academy – Lesson Topics for Everyone.
Spotlight on Veterans
Vets O.N.E. Award
It gives us great pleasure to announce that Area 15 (OhioMeansJobs Washington County) and Area 13 (OhioMeansJobs Cincinnati – Hamilton County) were chosen as this year’s Gold and Silver Level (respectively) recipients of the Vets O.N.E. Incentive Award. This award is given annually to an OhioMeansJobs Center or Workforce Area that provides extraordinary and commendable service to veterans and improves service delivery to veterans. It is a prestigious honor that serves to recognize the best of the best within Ohio.

In choosing the recipient, several things are considered, including efforts at providing employment and training services to United States veterans or other eligible persons. The recipient’s actions must show that they directly affected a single veteran or a category of veterans (e.g., Special Disabled Veteran(s)). In addition, exceptional services provided to hard-to-serve veterans, such as homeless veterans, were taken into consideration.

Each year, the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) Program sets aside 1% of the funds available under the grant for the purpose of performance incentive awards. Area 15 (OhioMeansJobs Washington County) received the incentive funds to donate to the Legion of American Veterans INC. American Legion Post 64 of Marietta, Ohio. Area 13 (OhioMeansJobs Cincinnati – Hamilton County) received incentive funds to donate to the Volunteers of America. Both 501(c)(3) organizations provide supportive services to veterans within their community.
Spotlight on Business
#LoveSmallBusiness: On the Job (OJT) Funds Help Local Business Stay Strong
Despite the tumultuous year so far, start-up C. Renee H.R. Consulting, LLC has continued to keep its “doors open.” Even during the pandemic’s unprecedented disruption to our economy, CEO, Ms. Charlene R. Davis, states that her business continues to grow. OhioMeansJobs/Cincinnati-Hamilton County’s (OMJ) On the Job Training (OJT) program’s wage reimbursement has played an important part in that success.

The OJT reimbursement provided Ms. Davis with the extra operating cushion to hire an H.R. assistant who has helped to keep the company running smoothly. The OJT program has also allowed Ms. Davis to provide opportunities for career growth for her staff member. Her H.R. Assistant, Ms. Griffin, states that she has “enjoyed the work that we do here helping individuals and companies to assess, build, and develop the human capital within their organizations. It’s been a great experience so far and I’ve also learned quite a bit about how to how to build a successful consulting firm.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with BSU team members throughout the OJT process. The team has provided me with excellent, detailed information and customer service and have assisted me and Ms. Griffin (my new HR Assistant) with any questions or needs that have arisen during the process. They continue to be a great resource to me.

I’m appreciative of being a business partner with the OhioMeansJobs/Cincinnati-Hamilton County and the OJT program which has helped my company and Ms. Griffin gain the training and knowledge needed to achieve, succeed, and thrive in her career field now and in the future.”
Spotlight on Eligible Training Providers
New Career Path due to COVID-19
Kevin Stallings has worked in the production unit at Serta Simmons Bedding since May 1997 and was making $19.98 an hour in March 2020 when he was laid off due to COVID shut down. during the shutdown he began training at Napier with the assistance of the Area #13 OhioMeansJobs Center. Two weeks into class, he was called back to work and he told his boss he was in CDL school so they offered him a driving position after he obtained his license. Kevin completed school with the weekend class and will be earning a salary of $72,000 as a driver for Serta.
CityLink Center Launches
New Education Partnership
CityLink Center is launching a new post-secondary partnership with a national best practice partner. PelotonU, based out of Austin, Texas, has built a pathway for working adults to successfully complete their Associates and Bachelor’s degrees.

“College is still one of the few proven pathways to the middle class, and a degree continues to correlate with economic mobility; however, barriers to persistence and graduation continue to exist, particularly for students who would benefit from flexible and accelerated programs. PelotonU's mission is to provide these students - called ‘post-traditional’ - with a pathway and the support to graduate from college on-time and with little to no debt,” explains PelotonU Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Sarah Saxton-Frump.

As 74% of college students are now post-traditional, typically working adults, we need new flexible and dynamic opportunities for individuals to advance their education. PelotonU matches students with the best online degree programs that are nonprofit, accredited, and affordable while adding the power of community and coaching. Students are 5X more likely to graduate on time, earning an associate degree on average in 18 months and a bachelor's degree in 3 years, all with little-to-no debt.
CityLink supports clients in entering and completing programs to advance their education, careers, and financial well-being. With this new partnership CityLink and existing partners will support clients through case management and barrier removal services.

CityLink surveyed current clients and received over 100 responses overnight expressing interest in the program. “CityLink Center brings together our community and country’s best service providers with one goal, helping our clients achieve their goals and advance their family’s lives”, said Dani Watkins, Program Director of CityLink Center. “We are thrilled to bring this incredible opportunity for our neighbors to advance their education and livelihoods through PelotonU”.

The partnership was born out of a common appreciation for one another’s approach, outcomes, and culture of care for our clients. “We admire CityLink's mission and work to transform lives by providing an integrated path to holistic life-change. Similar to CityLink's approach to be the one place where individuals go to get access to the resources they need, PelotonU provides every student with a College Completion Coach who becomes their one point-person for help across enrollment, financial aid, and tutoring to see them to graduation. With PelotonU's college coaching expertise and CityLink's relationships, trust, and knowledge of Cincinnati, we know we can provide students with an amazing college experience.” commented Sarah.
The partnership was also uniquely born out of an appreciation for the needs and possibility of these times. “While PelotonU has historically provided its services in person in Austin, we've joined many in using the challenges COVID presented to re-imagine how we might serve more folks. Once we transformed our services from in person to virtual and saw that students continued to thrive, we knew it made sense to find a like-minded partner outside Austin to join our community. Enter CityLink!”

The FC Cincinnati Foundation is an early investor, helping to fund this program to support members of the West End and greater Cincinnati community. Cincinnati Bell has also come alongside CityLink Center in offering affordable access to Internet services to support the online education format.

Individuals interested in the program should call CityLink at 513-357-2000 to begin their next steps towards a college degree.

For more information on CityLink Center, visit citylinkcenter.org
For more information on PelotonU, visit pelotonu.org/
For more information about the collaborative, visit citylinkcenter.org/pelotonu/
2020-2021 Eligible Training Providers
With Satisfactory Results for
WIOA Funding Investments
APPROVED – Meets or Exceeds the SWORWIB criteria clearly stated and evaluated annually by the SWORWIB.
Dohn 22+ Community High School
Great Oaks Career Campuses
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
New Horizon Computer Learning Center
Flamingo Air
Max Technical Training
Napier Truck Driving
Tech Elevator
CONDITIONAL – Awaiting completion results for customers crossing over time frames or requiring WIOA
Funds and/or debt assumption.
160 Driving Academy
Easterseals TriState LLC
HCAN - Health Care Access Now
Anderson Academy of Dental Assisting
Elite Welding Academy
PROVISIONAL – No prior experience in Area #13. Number of provisional customers will be determined by the SWORWIB and is contingent in Area #13 for evaluation results.
ADAPT Academy of Dental Assisting
Making-A-Change Cincy
The Kable Group
Eureka! Ranch
PelotonU
* See detailed Eligible Training Provider Criteria @ www.SWORWIB.org / Training Provider Criteria
SWORWIB Partners Corner
VANTAGE Senior Community Service
Employment Program (SCSEP)
Mercedes E. Bello is the new VANTAGE Senior Community Service Employment Program Project Director in the Cincinnati Office. Having relocated to Cincinnati from Miami, Florida, Mercedes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Public Affairs and is certified in Human Resources Management from the University of Miami.  Mercedes has managed training, professional development, and communication campaigns in several states and has deep experience in the SCSEP enabling her to hit the ground running. She was born and raised in Venezuela, is bilingual in Spanish and English, and is the proud mother of 3 adult children who live in Miami and Washington D.C.
In Remembrance
Tammy Jacobson most recently served with Vantage Aging after decades of work in workforce and community initiatives. She passed in May of this year and family and friends are awaiting a COVID safe-time to gather and share stories.
SWORWIB/Metro/Great Oaks Partnership Exploration for Transportation
Metro Staff: Nathan Kemphues, Fixed Route Transit Scheduler; Mandy McAlister, Operations Planner; Lamont Taylor, Division Manager; Matt Moorman, Manager of Service Planning & Scheduling; Mark Samaan, Service Planner.  Also present but not in this picture was Jarrett Valdez, Fixed Route Transit Scheduler.
Great Oaks Staff: Harry Snyder, President/CEO; Julia Ancona, RN, Great Oaks AWD STNA/PCA Program Coordinator; Sue Spradlin, RN, Great Oaks AWD Career Pathway Coordinator; Kerrie Benning, Great Oaks Aspire Program Coordinator; Julie Woodward, Director of Adult Education; Julie Woodward, Director of Adult Education
Youth Providers: Ethan Arguello, Equus; Jules Camarda, Equus
SWORWIB: Sherry Kelley Marshall, President/CEO (not pictured)
We all know something about transportation challenges in Hamilton County. At the encouragement of the SWORWIB out-of-school youth providers, Marshall approached leadership at Great Oaks and Metro to explore options for improved service county-wide for discussing training opportunities provided by Great Oaks for high school and adults.
Spotlight on SWORWIB Family Connections
SWORWIB Board Chair Laurence Jones is president and co-founder of RiskVersity along with Chris Holmes, and recently focused on social justice and equality as well as human resources and employment practices under cyber risk. While RiskVersity expands into Greensboro, North Carolina, Jones volunteers with the SWORWIB Board and learns more about ways to help disadvantaged customers, and his sister, Lachell Jones.

Lachell spent most of her childhood in California living with family members in various cities throughout the state. While this could seem like a fun adventure at times, the lack of stability and constant moving was very disruptive to her early education. Additionally, Lachell was expected to work from a young age and contribute to household living expenses. Between the constant changes in living circumstances and working from an early age, school was never a priority. 
Ms. Jones eventually moved to Cincinnati and her life became more stable. She realized that obtaining a high school diploma was necessary in order to advance her current career in healthcare. This is when Lachell discovered Dohn's 22+ Adult Diploma Program. She was able to work at her own pace and finish the requirements set forth by the State of Ohio to earn her diploma in late May of this year.

Lachell Jones was able to earn her high school diploma at age 38. Lachelle attended Dohn Community High School's Adult 22+ Diploma Program. This innovative offering was specifically designed by the Ohio Department of Education to allow adults twenty-two years old and older to complete their secondary education. 

For Board Chair Jones, celebrating his sister's success and the SWORWIB's and RiskVersity has been a banner year of growth and success partners in September.

Spotlight on Youth
In-School Youth
Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates (JCG)
School is Back in Session!
As schools have reopened, whether in-person, virtual or blended, students are quickly trying to adapt. The JCG (Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates) Programs are also adapting to a new service delivery with online platforms, technical difficulties, converting lessons, assignment, activities and curriculum to online formats. JCG Specialists and students alike are finding school in 2020 challenging and are striving to find a “sense of normalcy”.   

So, what does everyone think about school in 2020? Western Hills University JCG Specialist and students had the following to say:

Shalaun House, JCG Western Hills Class of 2020 is currently attending the University of Cincinnati and majoring in Social Work. Due to COVID she left her job at Kroger’s where she had worked since 2018 to focus more on Virtual Learning. Shalaun has found virtual learning a challenge and feels she learns better in a classroom setting with an instructor. She is doing well in most of her classes, but has struggled with one. She feels if she was in person, she would be able to get the type of instruction she needs to be successful. She said, “I will keep attending virtually, doing my best and hope for the best.”

Kailin Luebbe is a current Western Hills High School JCG Senior and finds it very hard to adjust to the changes of attending school virtually. During one of his JCG classes he expressed that he hadn’t been to sleep in over 24 hours. Although he shows up for his Virtual classes, it is very difficult to stay motivated to finish assignments due to being so tired.

Victoria Perkins, Western Hills JCG Career Specialist said, “This is my 24th year teaching Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates class and I must admit that I thought seriously about whether my teaching career should come to an end due to having no experience on teaching virtually. Fortunately, with the help of my Advisory members at school, they got me to understand how to deliver my content in a way that made sense to me so I decided to continue to teach. So far, this year has had, ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’. The good part has been that most of the students are attending class and doing most of the work. The bad part is I am teaching to very few faces. Students do not want to put their cameras on and there is no way to enforce it. It is like the professional athletes who are playing to cardboard cutouts. I keep teaching and smiling to the “card board cut outs”, hoping that I am able to reach them. Only time will tell. The ugly part is that too many students are not getting the type of in-person instruction they need so they don’t do the work. I have seen the frustration on their faces when I meet with them during our one-on-one instruction time. Over time they lose their motivation and some have stopped reaching out.”

The challenges of this year further emphasize the need to understand and model the competencies taught in the JCG Program; adapting to an ever-changing world of work, understanding Labor Market Information and how to use it, equipping yourself with the skills and training to be marketable and always be prepared and open to opportunities. The JCG Program continues to facilitate our vision to lead every student to graduation, a successful career, and life-long learning!

Out-of-School Youth
CCMEP
CCMEP in the 2nd Year of Youth Tech Team
While many youth spent the summer watching TV and playing video games, a group of forward-thinking teens got paid to learn to code. The group is a part of the Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP) which helps low-income 14-24 year-olds connect to education, training and employment.

These teens were looking for summer jobs and, after interviewing with several employers, were selected to work with Michael Beck of Midwest Latino, LLC. and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They were paid $10.00 per hour to do hands-on learning in coding, web design, robotics, drone technology and 3D printing. “There is a high demand for jobs in technology in the Cincinnati area,” said Tori Turner, coordinator of CCMEP Summer Employment Program. “We want to make sure our youth are prepared for those jobs.”

Due to COVID-19, the students and coaches wore masks and practiced social distancing all the time. Despite those challenges, the teens worked for ten weeks in teams and individually on projects ranging from programming the path for a robot to follow to designing a course for drones to developing digital media or creating a full website. They also practiced daily their presentation skills.
 
“By focusing on these technology skills, problem solving and teamwork, we help the students prepare for the high-paying jobs of the future,” said Beck, also a SWORWIB Board Member.

CCMEP is a statewide program that offers year-round services for its customers. Training primarily focuses on in-demand careers in Information Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, Supply Chain/Logistics and Commercial Driving (CDL). Case management and supportive services are also provided. In Hamilton County, Talbert House, Easterseals, Community Action Agency and Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio work together under the leadership of Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board to provide these services. To learn more about CCMEP, call 513-482-4600. 
Equus
Achieving His First Goal and
Moving on to the Next
One of our local youth with EQUUS Workforce Solutions, is Marquis Johnson. Interested in finishing school, training for a career path and starting his life plan, Marquis decided to act quickly and sign up with Equus. He immediately applied and was accepted into Job Corps. Marquis gathered all his required materials and within weeks, he was off to training! Enjoying his experience at Job Corps, he excelled, quickly earning his high school diploma. He then started Patient Care Technician training. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused the school to close. However, Marquis made the best of the situation and during his break from school, without hesitation, he went to work as an essential worker. He has been continuously working 40 hours a week as a full-time Home Health Aide, working for A Miracle Home Care. Caring for others is a passion of his and he plans to pursue more training and experience. Marquis is currently looking into more career opportunities with the United States Navy.
Helping Others to Live Their Best Life
A job turned into a passion. Shemeyah Yisrael has been working smart and doing good by caring for several of our local disabled residents. When she came to Equus Works she only had a high school diploma. She has now earned several certifications in the healthcare industry, making it possible for her to gain, maintain and progress in her chosen field of employment. She realized that earning credentials through certifications can be just as beneficial as an actual degree with less time and money invested. Shemeyah’s employer informed her that one of her former patients, who has a severe case of cerebral palsy, personally requested that only Shemeyah be her primary care provider. By dedicating her time to providing assistance to her patients and working in excess of 60 hours a week Shemeyah has earned several Avenues to Success incentives and she is now living in her own apartment. And most importantly she has enabled several people to live their best lives. 
Building Opportunities for a Better Life
When Tasia Upshaw came to Equus Works, she was a single mom, living with her grandmother, working in the fast food industry. She wanted a better life for herself and her child. She wanted to work in the medical field but didn’t have the money for school and really did not know how to even begin to pursue her dream. Equus team members helped her enroll in a State Tested Nursing Assistant Plus (STNA) program at Great Oaks Career Campus. She continued to work while she attended school. Tasia completed the training and quickly received a position after passing the state certification test. Once she found a better job, she was able to find an apartment so that she and her child were able to move out of her grandmother’s home. Right now, Tasia plans to attend Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Training at Great Oaks in November and she is working towards becoming a Registered Nurse.
Serving up Safety with a Side of Opportunity
In March and April of this year, we saw the disruption in almost all aspects of the way we relate to one another and ourselves due to the COVID pandemic. Employment, food supplies and services we took for granted are having to be re-examined and we are rebooting the way we adhere to the new reality. Equus has had the pleasure of watching one of its newest partners, La Soupe, lead the way in how to conduct business.

La Soupe’s founder and Executive Director Suzy DeYoung and Executive Chef Miranda Maszk are working with Equus Workforce Solutions to offer young adults a chance to develop valuable soft and hard skills necessary to acquire and maintain employment. La Soupe’s mission encourages the reduction of nutrition waste across Southwest Ohio by partnering with several local businesses and organizations by preparing and distributing food to people and places in need. Ms. DeYoung and Ms. Maszk agreed to become a worksite and allow Equus clients to have a positive and safe working environment to acquire the skills necessary to carry them forward in their professional careers.
Since our collaboration, La Soupe has provided opportunities for two clients and has expressed interest in continuing to work with Equus to find more young people with a passion for working in the kitchen. Ms. Shaira Brookins, who came to Equus with cooking aspirations, has been hired on full-time by La Soupe and is excelling with intentions of expanding her skills and her credentials. Another Equus participant, Michael Kimbro began to embark on a work experience position with La Soupe to rave reviews. Ms. Brookins and Mr. Kimbro are learning firsthand the new standards of working for a thriving business in a COVID world, where they think of keeping themselves and the people around them safe. These skills will translate into sustained success.

Executive Chef, Miranda Maszk said that, “Working with Equus has been great! We enjoy giving back to the community above and beyond helping to reduce food insecurity. Shaira came on as a temporary employee, but we soon realized what a great asset she was to our team and hired her as a full-time employee. The more we grow, the more opportunities we can give back to the community. It has been a true win/win for everyone, and we look forward to working with Equus for years to come.”
Working to Develop Employment Options
Kyra Lovette entered Equus Workforce Solution’s youth and young adult program with obstacles that were preventing her from becoming self-sufficient.  She knew that if she went back to school for a credential, she would have a better chance at sustained employment. Kyra enrolled in Cincinnati State Community and Technical College and received her forklift certification and began full-time employment at West Chester Holdings. Kyra wanted to do more with her life and set a new goal to become an electrician.  
 
She encountered several obstacles while working towards her goal to be an electrician that could have derailed her momentum. She worked closely with her Talent Development Specialist (TDS) who helped her pass the Work-Keys Test, get hired with an electrical company, and get accepted into an apprentice school. Kyra quit her job just to find out she could not start the classes until the next year. But that did not deter Kyra, with the help of Community Action Agency, community partner, she was able to receive her blueprint certification. Ms. Lovette is currently working for TC Flooring where she is loving the work and is learning a lot about housing.
 
Kyra states “She wishes she would have found her Talent Development Specialist early on in life.” Kyra has referred several people to the program.
Santa Maria
Raven Teaches Santa Maria Community Services Employees the Importance of
Persistence and Determination
In November 2019, 17-year-old Price Hill native Raven Choates enrolled in Santa Maria Community Services’ (SMCS) Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP) with the goal of earning her GED and obtaining her driver’s license. Once earned, Raven will be the only person in her family to have completed her GED or high school diploma. She will also be the first in her family to get her driver’s license. Just nine months later, Raven is not only well on her way to earning her GED, but has also participated in a Work Experience Program and began working at her first job. Several SMCS employees have had the pleasure of working with Raven and have seen firsthand the commitment Raven has to achieving her goals.

When Raven began working in the classroom in late 2019, she had been out of school for some time. While this proved that Raven would have a long road ahead of her to obtain her GED, this did not discourage her. Raven attended in-person GED classes at SMCS every day, sometimes even coming to two class sessions in one day. Nothing distracted Raven from her goal of earning her GED. Not even completing a work experience, getting a job, nor the changes made to classroom functions due to the pandemic have prevented her from diligently studying and attending in-person classes when available. “As an instructor in the HSE classroom, I am incredibly grateful for students like Raven. Her dedication to succeeding at her education has been inspiring and working with her has been very fulfilling” says Education Instructor, Rose Hamzy. Rose continues, Raven has been in class working hard at every opportunity, staying consistent while we were closed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and has attended classes every week since our reopening. Watching a student's hard work payoff is always exciting. Most recently, Raven's score on her reading comprehension TABE (Test of Basic Education) test has increased to the highest level possible. Raven didn't miss a beat after this gain in her reading score and she has been studying to re-take the language (grammar) section of the TABE so that she can progress to the Reasoning and Language Arts GED practice test. I'm so excited to continue to work with Raven and watch her achieve her goals.

Raven’s workforce coach, Brooke Moree, echoes Roses praises of Raven, stating, “Raven greatest strength is her determination. She works constantly to achieve her current goals and takes any opportunity that could help her grow.” Brooke recently used CCMEP funds to purchase Raven her first ever laptop so Raven can work on her GED from home on days GED classes are not offered.

A few months into enrolling in our program, Raven decided that she would like to complete a Work Experience Program, a CCMEP program in which Santa Maria partners with employers to provide a paid opportunity for youth to partake in on-the-job training. Since Raven had no work history, Work Experience was a great option for her to build her resume and gain workforce development skills. Raven completed her work experience at SMCS’s Joe Williams Family Center as an After-School Program Assistant working with Oyler middle school students. Raven received praise from her worksite manager, Michelle Ricia, who stated at the end of Raven’s work experience, “We absolutely loved having Raven on our team! She showed up every day, on time, eager and ready to help. She did a fantastic job!” While Raven was completing her work experience, she received an award for perfect attendance as well as obtained her driver’s permit, making her the first in her family to obtain a driver’s permit.  In addition, Raven volunteered with our Parents on Point Program, providing childcare for parents in the class. While Raven enjoyed her work experience and working with kids, Raven had discovered her first “dream job”- working in a coffee shop.

Upon completing her work experience, Raven continued attending GED classes and worked with her workforce coach to find a job in a coffee shop. In July, Raven was offered a job at Bloc Coffee Company in Price Hill. Raven was ecstatic and accepted the position. Just as she has in all her other endeavors, Raven is doing a fantastic job and her manager is very happy with her. Her manager, Susan Ruhe, informs, “Raven is always calm, even in the midst of chaos. She is very smart, committed, and learns quickly! She never complains and if she doesn’t know something she asks. She is very humble and kind.” Sue also remembers a morning where Raven overslept a bit (due to not having a working phone to use as an alarm) and literally ran to work in order to get there on time. Her dedication and hard work is an inspiration to her coworkers, whom Raven has already created friendships and memories with by going camping with them and partaking in other community activities. Last month, Raven’s workforce coach, Brooke, assisted Raven with opening up her first checking and savings account. They also worked together to create a budget and allocate a certain percentage of her paycheck to go toward buying a car, another one of Raven’s long-term goals.

In less than a year, Raven has made substantial progress toward her goals, and is an inspiration to everyone who has had the pleasure of working with her. Brooke Moree says, Raven has taught me the value of persistence. She has been enrolled with us only 9 months and has already achieved most of the goals we initially outlined when she began. As we keep adding to her list of goals, she diligently works towards reaching them every day. She demonstrates a great amount of maturity and resilience for her age, which inspires me to work towards my own goals. Raven is a joy to work with and I cannot wait to see what she achieves throughout her time with Santa Maria and beyond. I have complete faith that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to.

In the future, Raven aspires to attend college and obtain a degree in criminology. “GED testing is hard, but the classroom staff helps me. Santa Maria has helped me make a forward path to reach my goals,” says Raven. SMCS has helped Raven achieve her goals by providing information and funds that she would normally not have access to. WIOA funds have been able to pay for Raven’s GED-related costs, Work Experience wages, transportation assistance, driver’s permit, and laptop. In just under a year, Raven has made significant progress on her goals, and everyone here at Santa Maria looks forward to what Raven will accomplish in the upcoming months. 
Career Exploration
This video below features Kennede, a 17-year-old student looking to clarify "what's next" after high school graduation. Throughout the Valiant Career Exploration program, Kennede got clear on her unique strengths and skills and sorted through college and career options. Kennede also had an opportunity to discuss her fears and concerns about the future to overcome future obstacles. Kennede received a total of three one-on-one career coaching sessions and an online career exploration program. Our program is best for young people ages 17-30 who live in Hamilton County that are looking to clarify their career direction or make a career transition. Learn more in the article here: https://thevoiceofblackcincinnati.com/valiant-career-program/. To request this free individualized career service contact us at info@livingvaliantly.com.  

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/hEITeL-qUlU
In the News
Business Legacy Fund Seeks to
Save Southwest Ohio Businesses
As business owners across the region agonize over how to keep the lights on in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who are nearing retirement may be searching for creative solutions to secure their legacy and their bank accounts. More than 40% of the country’s small business owners are 55 or older, and the majority have poured their savings into their companies. Figures are even higher
in key industries such as manufacturing, where 71% are nearing retirement.

Even before the pandemic, only 15% of small businesses successfully transitioned to the next generation of family, and only 20% of commercial listings actually sold.

That’s why the Business Legacy Fund was created, to support succession strategies that secure owners’ retirement, while retaining employment by transitioning to worker ownership. More than 1,500 manufacturers have already sold their companies to their workers though employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) or worker-owned cooperatives. Companies in other key industries—such as construction, health care and the broader care industry--are following suit.

For more information click here.
H-1B One Workforce Grant Program
Funding Opportunity Announcement
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $150 million in the H-1B One Workforce Grant Program to invest in training for middle- to high-skilled H-1B occupations within key sectors in the U.S. economy, including information technology and cyber security, advanced manufacturing and transportation, to upskill the present workforce and train a new generation of workers to grow the future workforce. 

The press release is available on DOL’s website and is copied below for quick reference: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200924-0

The H-1B One Workforce Grant Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), is available on grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=329075 under the "related documents tab."

The FOA closes on November 12, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

Pre-Applicant Webinar and FAQs: On approximately October 7, 2020, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page about the FOA will be available at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/skills-grants/h1-b-skills-training.

Questions about the H-1B One Workforce Grant Program should be directed to the contact listed in the FOA.

Entities involved in administering the public workforce system established under the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act are eligible to apply or partner on these grants.
Standard Recognition Entity (SRE) Apprenticeship
SREs are third-party industry and workforce leaders that will evaluate and recognize high-quality IRAPs consistent with the Department’s standards. The SREs announced today are the first group of SREs to receive recognition after a rigorous review from the Department to ensure that they have the capacity and quality-assurance needed to recognize and monitor IRAPs. These SREs can immediately begin to work with employers and other entities to establish, recognize and monitor high-quality IRAPs that provide apprentices with industry-recognized credentials.
 
The 18 organizations that have been recognized as SREs are:
 
  • Iowa Department of Education, Des Moines, IA 
  • Peregrine Technical Solutions, Yorktown, VA
  • Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) Workforce Solutions, Seattle, WA
  • Texas Workforce Commission, Austin, TX
  • FANUC America, Rochester Hills, MI
  • Franklin Apprenticeships, Glencoe, MD
  • ANSI National Accreditation Board, Milwaukee, WI
  • FASTPORT Inc., Lowell, MA
  • Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, Montgomery, Alabama
  • Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), Schaumburg, IL
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Silver Spring, MD
  • Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), Louisville, KY
  • Energy Sector Security Consortium Inc., Clackamas, OR
  • Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Lawrenceburg, IN 
  • ApprenticeshipNC, Raleigh, NC
  • Apprenticeship Missouri, Jefferson City, MO
  • Colorado Community College System, Denver, CO
  • National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), Fairfax, VA
 
For more information, please visit www.apprenticeship.gov.
Contact: Cathy Metcalf @ 513.476.3304 or cmetcalf@nims-skills.org

Hot Off the Presses: NIMS Host DOL Secretary and Recognizes its first U.S. Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program at Raytheon Technologies. Link To the full story https://www.nims-skills.org/news/2020-09-30/1008
Spotlight on American Graduate:
Getting to Work
The of week, Sep. 14-18, was National #ConstructionAppreciationWeek. The purpose was to recognize the dedicated, hard-working men and women instrumental in the development of our infrastructure. The truth is, construction contributes much more to our nation than job sites, orange cones, pouring concrete and traffic delays. This five-day tribute celebrated the sacrifice and tireless effort put forth to keep our country going. #AmGradCincy #ThanksForBuilding.
****including links to ibuildamerica-ohio.com
Finding Your Pathway: Construction/Work Based Learning 
Learn how a high school Valedictorian found her career pathway in construction while still in a high school career technical education program. She was able to start a good-paying job right out of high school, with her employer paying for her continuing education. #AmGradCincy #ThanksForBuilding #ConstructionAppreciationWeek
Finding Your Pathway: Skilled Trades/Apprenticeship    
Will was drawn to construction projects at an early age. After high school, he wanted a job to help support his family. Through an electrical apprenticeship, he was able to learn on the job while earning a good wage and gaining skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. #AmGradCincy #ThanksForBuilding #ConstructionAppreciationWeek
How Parents Can Help: Apprenticeships
Ohio has hundreds of apprenticeship options across the state that provide students with rigorous academic coursework along with on-the-job training to help them prepare for an in-demand career, all while helping to save money. #AmGradCincy #ThanksForBuilding #ConstructionAppreciationWeek
American Graduate: Getting to Work -- Construction Sector Resources
The Construction sector has already begun to rebound after the initial impacts of COVID-19. Everything from engineering, site preparation and infrastructure to commercial and residential buildings, our built environment continues to grow. If you're curious about some of the potential careers available in Construction visit our American Graduate website (http://www.cincy-americangraduate.org/career-sectors/construction/) for a quick glimpse at how YOU can get started building your future. #AmGradCincy #ThanksForBuilding #ConstructionAppreciationWeek
DOL Stats Update
Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia came to Cincinnati on Thursday September 17th to visit Consolidated Metal Products in Lower Price Hill to tout the recovering economy and hear from executives about what they need from the federal government.

In July, the Buckeye State added 62,700 jobs.
Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia once again visited Ohio to visit a manufacturing site, and discuss how @POTUS's apprenticeship expansion is helping workers gain valuable skill and good-paying jobs.


In August, Ohio added 45,500 jobs.
Census 2020 Update
Over 90% of Households Have Been Counted

It has never been easier to respond to the census on your own, whether online at 2020census.gov, over the phone, or by mail. 97 million households in the country have responded on their own so far!

Ohio Self-Response is 70.2% and ranked 11th in the country. Hamilton County's Self-Response rate is 60.7% and is ranked 56th in the state.

Take a look at the interactive map.
It's Not Too Late to Respond to the
2020 Census and Shape Your Future

You can still complete the questionnaire yourself online at 2020census.gov, by calling 844-330-2020, or by returning the paper form you received in the mail. Respond using the address where you were living on April 1, 2020 and include anyone who was living with you at the time.

Your response matters – as does that of your friends, family, and neighbors – because the results of the 2020 Census determine how many seats your state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding will be allocated every year to communities like yours across the country.
Upcoming Events
Virtual Hiring Event
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
via Zoom
This event will have 10 employer registrations and they are expected to fill up quickly. The platform that will be used for the event is ZOOM. Supply Chain, Construction, Healthcare and other sectors are included. The program leader is Maria Reynolds. The registration investment is $400 and all funds will go to support Youth, Community and Academy Programs. Each participating partner will have a breakout room. Training before the event will be provided so all business participates will have no problem participating. Supply Chain OKI is a nonprofit collaboration of employers, educators and community workforce organizations focused on finding workforce solutions for the supply chain industry.

Please use the link below to register for the event.
If you have any questions please contact Jesse Simmons, Simmons Supply Chain Solutions

Jesse Simmons
Simmons Supply Chain Solutions
513-284-6680
SWORWIB Announcement
President & CEO Sherry Kelley Marshall first organized the Southwest Ohio Regional Workforce Investment Board (SWORWIB) in January 2001 after being recruited by John Williams Cincinnati USA Chamber President and returning to Cincinnati from Knoxville, TN. She implemented the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for Southwest Ohio building the board and negotiating the sale of 1916 to Hamilton County for the SuperJobs Center. Later she served as Executive Dean, Workforce Development in January 2004 and was recruited to return to the SWORWIB in December 2007. She has served the SWORWIB since 2007 and recently has announced her retirement. The SWORWIB officers are posting the Executive Director's position announcement in this addition of the newsletter as well as to a variety of national workforce organizations for which Marshall has served on their boards and received numerous awards for high quality workforce efforts and results. Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume directly to the SWORWIB corporate office at Great Oaks, 100 Scarlet Oaks Dr., Room 134, Sharonville, OH 45241. For a complete job description click here.

The Board will recognize Marshall in 2021 with a "special retirement remembrance roast". Anyone wanting to share a story or farewell remarks may contact Karen Saterfield by email at ksaterfield@SWORWIB.org.
Donations Appreciated
The SWORWIB is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Would you or your organization like to support the continued success of the workforce board? To make a donation (tax deductible) to the SWORWIB in support of Cincinnati-Hamilton County workforce initiatives, email Sherry Kelley Marshall at smarshall@sworwib.org.  
Contact: Sherry Kelley Marshall
President & CEO
smarshall@sworwib.org