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... as well as - Governor Deval Patrick; US Senators John Kerry and Paul G. Kirk, Jr.; Congressman Barney Frank; State Senators Joan M. Menard, Mark C. Montigny, and Marc R. Pacheco; State Representatives Antonio F.D. Cabral, Stephen R. Canessa, Susan Williams Gifford, Robert M. Koczera, John F. Quinn, William M. Straus and David B. Sullivan.  January 29, 2010 Name Address City, ST Zip Subject: American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Implementation Progress Report Prepared by the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) Honorable _____________________: In the spirit of transparency and accountability as embraced by this landmark legislation, we are writing to share with you the work and accomplishments of the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) during 2009 as it relates to the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). As you know, the WIB, under the Workforce Investment Act, works in partnership with government, business, labor, education and training providers to meet the employment and training needs of area employers, and to provide education, training and placement related services to area residents. The Recovery Act provided the Greater New Bedford region with $2.9 million to serve unemployed adults, dislocated workers and youth (aged 14 to 24) through June 2011. We have used these funds efficiently and effectively in support of the citizens in our region, following the directive of the U.S. Department of Labor that funds support the following objectives: Following are a few of the highlights of the WIB’s successful performance to date: Improving the local Career Center operations: In the midst of a surge in the unemployment rate, reaching a peak of 15.2% - - Implementation of the “triage” process speeding up determination of whether a customer is “job ready” or in need of intensive or training services; - Staffing realigned to provide customers with a more intense level of service; - Additional space leased to provide youth-centric Career Center training and services at a downtown, more accessible location; - Youth summer jobs application condensed to six pages from 12 and made available in Spanish and Portuguese; and, - Outreach to employers and programs resulting in new participation in the Youth Summer Jobs program. Aligning with economic and community development strategies - - Bristol Community College awarded $200k to dually train 70+ WIA participants in Energy Efficiency and Construction – complimenting the numerous infrastructure projects and aligning with state and federal priorities to include “green jobs.” - Aligning $30k of ARRA funds with $200k City of New Bedford EPA Brownfields Training Program grant to train 60 participants in the 90-hour Work Certified™ job readiness course; and, - Program participants will receive “certification” credential upon successful completion of training. Improving adult and youth advancement through progressive levels of education and job training - - Local community based organizations and educational institutions awarded four $65k grants for mid to advanced level ESOL, GED and Pre-GED classes with job readiness woven into the curricula. Classes run for 10 months tracking changes in educational attainment level and employment status. Expanded summer and fall employment and other work experience for youth - - Authorized $1.4 million Youth allocation to place 430 additional youth in summer employment (over and above the 359 that were placed with traditional funding streams) for a total of 789 youth employed during the summer of 2009. - The single goal of the Youth Summer Jobs program was job readiness with all participants completing/utilizing the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan and documenting skills gains. To date, 93% of Youth funding has been distributed; 97% of Adult group training dollars have been obligated/distributed; and 93% of Dislocated Worker group training funds have been obligated/distributed. Funding budgeted for Adult and Dislocated Worker “Individual Training Accounts” have been 100% expended. As you can see, seven months have passed since the inception of the WIB’s Recovery Act implementation and nearly all training dollars have been allocated. However, there is an overwhelming need that still exists for additional training capacity. While the Greater New Bedford’s workforce development system is ready and able to deliver additional training to its customers and the community, the funding is not currently available to do so. Any additional funds coming into the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Area would help continue the successful work outlined above and on the attached progress report snapshot. Please feel free to contact us or Len Coriaty, Executive Director/CEO, at the WIB office (508 979-1504 ext. 12) should you or your staff wish to discuss any of the WIB’s priorities and projects in greater detail. Thank you for your past support and we look forward to a strong continuing partnership well into the future. Sincerely, ______________________________ _____________________________ Scott W. Lang, Mayor David DeJesus, Jr., WIB Chair City of New Bedford Sr. Vice President of Human Resources, Southcoast Hospitals Group SWL/DD/am Attachment (1) Info: Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Jane Oates, USDOL Employment & Training Administration Secretary Joanne Goldstein, MA Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development cc: file copy 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |