Monthly Archives September 2021

KRA Monthly Spotlight!

September 30, 2021 | No Comments

A Message from the KRA President & CEO Celebrating National Workforce Development Professionals Month “The world in which we live equally distributes talent but, does not equally distribute opportunity”, so states a TV ad for a popular university, and a quote I believe serves well as a mantra for the Workforce Development industry. I founded KRA Corporation with a belief that sustainable community-based economic development was linked inextricably to a skilled workforce…a conviction that became my life’s mission and the motivation that guides me, and all the dedicated professionals who have worked for KRA over the past 40 years.
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A Bright Future Emerges from a Dark Past for KRA Customer

September 24, 2021 | No Comments

In December 2017, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services referred Alfred Howard, a TCA-TANF recipient, for enrollment in KRA’s Work Participation, Placement, and Support Services Program, which requires comprehensive Job Readiness Workshops (JRW) and Work Experience (WEX) Internships prior to eligibility for Occupational Skills Training (OST) opportunities. As a single father of an 11-month-old son, and desperately warding off homelessness, Mr. Howard sometimes engaged in questionable “street activities” for money. In fact, he was facing criminal charges that jeopardized not only his freedom, but custody of his son! Shawnda Walker, Lead Job Developer & WEX Site Supervisor, developed a strategic
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KRA Director to Present Conference Workshops for Third Time in September

September 17, 2021 | No Comments

When the Southeastern Employment and Training Association issued a “Call for Workshop Proposals” for the SETA 2021 Fall Conference, Joseph L. Seymour, KRA Managing Director, Operational Excellence, answered the call with proposals for two workshops that he has presented to hundreds of industry professionals at national and regional workforce-services conferences. On September 8, Mr. Seymour facilitated Trauma-Informed Care for Workforce Development Professionals at the 2021 Meeting of the Minds in Monterey Conference, and on September 21, 10:45-11:45 am, will re-present this informative and engaging “signature” seminar at the AlabamaWorks 2021 Virtual Conference as a Keynote Session Featured Presenter. For a SETA Pre-Conference Session on September 26, 1:00-3:30
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Temporary Assistance Develops Into Permanent Career for KRA Customer

September 10, 2021 | No Comments

In 2013, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS) referred Ms. Shandra Womack, a TCA-TANF recipient, to KRA for enrollment in the Work Participation, Placement, and Support Services Program, which includes a Work Experience (WEX) Internship with a community-based organization, and participation in Job Readiness Workshops (JRW). Since there was a WEX opportunity open in the KRA office, she was assigned as a Receptionist Intern to manage front-desk operations, welcome customers and visitors, and ensure that everyone received timely service. Ms. Womack commented, “All of a sudden, I was on the other side of that desk! Becoming confident in
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KRA’s Seymour Presents Two Workshops at AlabamaWorks Conference

September 3, 2021 | No Comments

On September 8, 2021 at 10:30am PST, Joseph L. Seymour, KRA Managing Director, Operational Excellence, will facilitate a workshop on Trauma-Informed Care for Workforce Development Professionals at the 2021 Meeting of the Minds in Monterey Conference. On September 21, 9:00-9:45am EDT, Mr. Seymour will re-present this informative and engaging “signature” seminar at the AlabamaWorks 2021 Virtual Conference as a Featured Presenter. This live Keynote Session will explore trauma-informed care as an approach, in various service-based fields, that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms, and acknowledges the role that trauma may play in the lives of the program participants we all serve
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