Monthly Archives July 2014

Our July Spotlight! is shining brightly on  the San Diego Metro Region Career Centers—operated by KRA Corporation for the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP)—and a new collaborative effort created to address the workforce services needs of jobseekers with disabilities. On July 22nd, in conjunction with partner-representatives from the San Diego District of the Department of Rehabilitation, Deaf Community Services, and the Oliver McMillan I CAN! Center of the San Diego Central Library (SDCL), Terrance Bowens, KRA Workshop Facilitator, facilitated the inaugural Employment Workshop for special-needs jobseekers who are already working, or who want to explore employment opportunities. Bowens reported, “This partnership has
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Jenilee worked in several labor-intensive fields after dropping out of high school 15 years ago. Then, in 2012 at age 30, she acquired a GED credential and Home Health Aide certification. However, 2 years later, Jenilee still had not found sustainable employment and decided to enroll in the Job Skills Training Directly Related to Employment Program, operated by KRA Corporation for the Camden County [NJ] Workforce Investment Board. With customized assessment and career-pathway coaching provided by Petra Cantu, KRA Career Agent, and job-readiness training (resume development, interviewing skills, job-search assistance, etc.) provided by Deshia Fontenot and Dwayne Brown, KRA Instructors, Jenilee successfully completed
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Sean Anthony’s experiences with other workforce development programs had led only to disappointment, frustration, and skepticism. But all that changed, in March 2014, when he met with Rhonda Feimster, KRA Career Agent at the PGWorks Employment & Training Program—operated by KRA Corporation for the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. Anthony, 45, was there to enroll in the Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program, which provides job-placement assistance for individuals struggling with child-support obligations due to lack of employment. The content, format, and present-tense style of Anthony’s two-page resume were not representing his knowledge, skills, and abilities in the best light. 
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In the District of Columbia, the most prominent employment-services agency through which TANF and non-TANF jobseekers can access educational, employment, and training, opportunities is the Department of Employment Services (DOES), whose website states, “Services ensure a competitive workforce, full employment, life-long learning, economic stability, and the highest quality of life for all DC residents.” In early June 2014, Anthony Featherstone, Program Manager, TANF Training & Employment Program (TEP)—operated by KRA Corporation for the DC Department of Human Services—met with a DOES Business Services Group representative to discuss how a partnership would mutually benefit each organization’s workforce-services goals and objectives. At that
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Selina visited the PGWorks Employment and Training Program, operated by KRA Corporation for the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (DSS), to apply for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), but not being able to submit all of the DSS-required paperwork, her case was “shelved” until she could comply. She really needed TCA, which provides cash assistance to families with dependent children—provided the recipient is actively involved in a job training and/or work placement program.  However, this temporary setback left Selina feeling discouraged, disappointed, and more than a little frustrated. Selina realistically assessed her situation: she needed a good-paying job, but to tide her over, she needed the cash benefits to support her family. 
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Operated by KRA Corporation for the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, the Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program (NPEP)—a component of the PGWorks Employment and Training Program—provides job training and/or placement services for parents delinquent with child-support obligations due to lack of steady employment. In 2011, Timothy Jones III, 43, started a catering business, but could not generate enough income to make regular child-support payments.  In January 2014, he enrolled in NPEP for assistance.  Rhonda Feimster, KRA Career Agent, reported, ” During February, Timothy participated in several interviews, which included cooking demonstrations.  He impressed one Executive Chef so much, he
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