NEW CASTLE (July 23, 2018) – A USDA-funded program designed to help food benefits recipients in Delaware increase their earning power and decrease their dependence on state benefits is expanding its services to eligible participants.

Delaware WONDER (Work Opportunity Networks to Develop Employment Readiness), a program administered by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) Division of Social Services (DSS), offers free training in fields such as basic construction, forklift operation, rigging and signal calling, flagging, culinary arts, hospitality, guest services, front desk and restaurant services, and manufacturing. To be eligible, people must have opened food benefits cases on or after Feb. 1, 2016.

The program received approval in June to expand its barrier reductions package to eligible participants to make sure people in need of jobs don’t face barriers in getting and keeping them. These services include hotel vouchers, rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or homelessness; auto repair to enable grant participants to get to work or job interviews; and interview/day-to-day workplace attire or workplace uniforms.

“We know that sustainable employment is a key part of an individual’s health and the health of a community,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Cabinet Secretary for DHSS. “Having the use of these additional tools to reduce the barriers faced by those looking for employment is another step forward for Delaware WONDER.”

“We are grateful for the WONDER grant resources, which are helping so many people in our state find well-paying, permanent jobs,” said DSS Director Ray Fitzgerald. “With the additional barrier reduction funding, we will be able to reach more of our critical-needs population who have been historically shut out of the job search process – people who lack education, permanent housing, reliable transportation or child care.”

In 2015, Delaware was one of 10 states chosen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to receive a three-year federal grant to collaborate with community partners in providing employment and training services for people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The USDA funded programs in the 10 states as a research project to determine the most effective ways to prepare people who receive food benefits for career paths with a higher earning potential. Each state’s results will go through an extensive evaluation process.

From Feb. 1, 2016, through June 30, 2018, 3,224 people participated in the Delaware WONDER program and 1,317 of those participants obtained employment while in the program. Due to the success of WONDER, DHSS plans to continue offering similar services by transitioning the state’s existing employment and training model to more closely mirror the WONDER approach once the USDA grant ends in December. Due to the reduced funding once the grant ends, it is likely fewer clients will be served.

For more information about WONDER, contact a New Castle County Outreach Specialist at 302-761-6794; a Kent/Sussex County Outreach Specialist at 302-422-1133; or de_wonder@delaware.gov.

Department of Labor bus will connect Wilmington residents with job-seeking resources in their communities

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and Delaware Labor Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson announced a new initiative on Wednesday to send employment services teams into various communities in Wilmington using a specially-equipped bus dubbed the Mobile One-Stop (MOS) unit.

Dispatching the 40-foot Department of Labor office on wheels also will increase awareness about the agency’s services for job seekers and employers – bringing these valuable resources to Delawareans in their communities. The bus is equipped with 10 computer workstations, a monitor to display presentations, wireless internet access, and a printer. On board, Delaware Department of Labor employees are ready to assist clients with job searches, resume building, and work training enrollment.

Labor employees on board also can answer questions about the many services offered by the agency.

“We are working hard to make sure that Delaware’s economy works for all Delawareans. Often, that means connecting Delawareans with jobs resources that will help them find good-paying work,” said Governor Carney. “Through this mobile jobs unit, the Department of Labor is getting out into the communities we serve, and meeting Delawareans where they live. This initiative also is one of many examples of how we are working across agencies, with the City of Wilmington, to improve our economy and quality of life for residents in our largest city. Thank you to Mayor Purzycki and Secretary Gilliam-Johnson for their leadership.”

The mobile jobs unit will be dispatched in the City of Wilmington through October to assist Wilmington residents in their job searches. There are currently 2,560 unemployed Wilmington residents actively seeking work. And though 11.6% is Wilmington’s contribution to the county’s labor force of 15,040, the city represents 16.6% of the unemployed.

“This is serious and we have to do something about it,” said Dr. Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Many of the problems Wilmington residents face today can be linked to unemployment, and in order to get to a solution, we have to make meaningful connections with those seeking work, erase this inherent sense of hopelessness that exists, and present them with real and viable opportunities.”

This year, the bus has been deployed at a community block party in South Bridge, is scheduled to make weekly visits to Wilmington’s Safe Haven Community Centers and, until the end of October. will deploy regularly at the Rodney Square Downtown Visions Farmer’s Market on Wednesday afternoons.

“We want to educate Wilmington residents about employment services that are available through the State Labor Department, and to help job seekers more easily access those services,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Given that a lack of transportation can be a huge obstacle for someone who is unemployed, we need to make it easier for residents by bringing those services to the people who need them the most – meeting people where they are and where they live.”

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Find the Mobile One-Stop bus:

Latin American Community Center
Wednesday, September 6 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 7 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
403 N Van Buren St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

West End Neighborhood Home
Tuesday, September 19, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, September 20, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
710 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

Hilltop Lutheran Center
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
1018 W 6th St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Fraim Boys and Girls Club
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
669 S. Union St. Wilmington, DE

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Governor Carney Signs House Bill 190 to Modernize the Coastal Zone Act
Governor Carney Named to NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 30, 2017

Newark, DE – Due to construction activity at the site, the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training office has temporarily closed its Hudson State Service Center and relocated the operation to the agency’s Pencader Corporate Center.

Effective June 1 and until further notice, the team from the Hudson office will be operating out of the Employment and Training facility off of DE-896 in Newark.

While no specific date for moving back to the Hudson State Service Center has been set, the move is expected to last some three weeks.

The Pencader Corporate Center address is:

225 Corporate Blvd, suite 211

Newark, DE 19702

Members of the public can continue contacting the staff from the Hudson office 302-451-3466.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice and a strong economy. The department is made up of four divisions:

Division of Unemployment Insurance

Division of Industrial Affairs

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information

The combined efforts of these divisions and offices support the employment-related needs of nearly 400,000 Delaware workers and more than 20,000 businesses throughout the state.

CONTACT:

Leon Tucker, Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor

302.761.8002 office

302.530.5770 Cell

Leon.Tucker@delaware.gov

http://dol.delaware.gov/

DOVER – More than 200 representatives from state and community agencies focused on assisting Delawareans navigate the challenging and sometimes harrowing experience of becoming gainfully employed will come together this week to further strategize on enhancing their collaborative efforts to serve their customers.

The One-Stop Partner Convening provides an opportunity for front-line staff to continue to learn about the resources currently available to job seekers and employers. This One-Stop Partner system brings together workforce development, education and other human resource services in order to improve long-term employment outcomes for Delaware citizens and ensures employers have a skilled workforce.

“This one-stop system has gone a long way toward helping the Delaware Department of Labor provide our residents with the kind of support that goes beyond just landing a job,” said Secretary Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson. “Often times people looking for work are faced with other challenges that presents the need for access to other services such as finance management, temporary public assistance, adult education and the like.”

“It is important we ensure this cross collaboration remains strong,” she added, “which is why the annual convening is critical.”

The One-Stop Partner Convening is in its second year is and part of a larger effort by the Delaware Workforce Development Board to realign services with the changing workforce requirements.

“This event is another example of how Delaware agencies are working together to make a difference in the lives of Delawareans across our state. We are all committed to helping all Delawareans build the skills necessary to compete and succeed in today’s economy,” said Governor John Carney. “This one-stop concept helps take our delivery of these services to the next level.”

Most of the participants at the May 17^th event will be state employees from a variety of agencies that provide career or supportive services to Delawareans to assist them to reach their career goals, said Bill Potter, Executive Director of the Delaware Workforce Development Board.

“The one-stop system brings together workforce development, educational, and other human resource services in a seamless customer-focused service delivery network that enhances access to the programs’ services and improves long-term employment outcomes for individuals receiving assistance,” he said. “One-stop partners administer separately funded programs as a set of integrated streamlined services to customers.”

Employment and financial empowerment are closely linked said Mary Dupont, Director of Financial Empowerment at $tand By Me.

“$tand By Me is pleased to be a One Stop partner because our goal is to ensure that everyone in Delaware has access to personal financial coaching, especially when they are going through life transitions,” said Dupont. “Having someone in your corner who you can trust and who will support you as you wrestle with financial changes can reduce stress and help people dealing with job changes to feel more in control of their finances.”

Since lifelong learning is a 21^st century requirement for all those in the workplace, Adult Education, as part of this One Stop System, will teach the information and skills necessary to get and keep good paying jobs that support Delaware’s economy.

“Simultaneously, Adult Ed will help parents to support their children’s success in school because we live for the moment but must also grow the future,” said Maureen Whelan, Director of the Delaware Department of Education’s division of Adult and Prison Education Resources. “This convening brings front line staff from all of the partners together to learn, to discuss, to make the system better because it is a meeting of the minds, the spirits and the energies of many focused on the common goal of meeting Delaware’s employment needs.”

Included in the one-stop system is the DOL Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which also works to support people with disabilities who experience barriers to employment. Individualized plans for employment are crafted between counselors and customers using services such as:

• Assessment
• Post-secondary training
• Pre-employment career counseling services for students and sheltered workshop employees
• Assistive technology
• Counseling, coaching and guidance support
• Placement, resume writing and interviewing care
• Benefits counseling
• Pardon and expungement provisions
• Transportation support

For a list of One-Stop Partners visit https://det.delawareworks.com/one-stop-system/System%20Partners.php

What: Delaware Workforce Development Board One-Stop Convening

When: Wednesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m

Where: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

ABOUT THE DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The Delaware Workforce Development Board is the Governor’s appointed board established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.  The majority of its members represent local employers.  They are responsible for many tasks but overall provide guidance and accountability for the state’s workforce system.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice and a strong economy.

Leon Tucker, Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor

302.761.8002 office

302.530.5770 Cell

Leon.Tucker@delaware.gov

http://dol.delaware.gov/

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell and state legislators today expressed support for job creation and economic development efforts at the site of the former General Motors manufacturing facility near Wilmington following the announcement that CBRE Group, a global commercial real estate services firm, will begin soliciting bids for the redevelopment of the Boxwood Road facility on behalf of their client, Wanxiang America. The project aims to maximize the value of the site for future economic development opportunities.

In announcing the plans, CBRE noted that the site had a number of features which would make it attractive to a future buyer, including its proximity to major East Coast cities, access to major networks of road, rail, sea, and air transportation, Delaware’s high quality workforce and public education system, and the state’s responsive government.

“I will never forget walking into the Boxwood Road facility just hours after the workers there got the news from GM that the plant would close down,” said Governor Markell. “I look forward to this redevelopment project, and hope it will ensure a brighter future for the site.”

“Like so many in my district, I fondly remember the glory days of the Boxwood Plant and I’ll be sad to see it torn down,” said Senator Patricia Blevins (D-Elsmere). “Its closure was tough for Delaware because of the job losses that came with it and because it represented a significant shift in the American economy. That shift continues with the acquisition of the facility and corresponding plans to redevelop it, which I’m confident will lead to extraordinary new job opportunities that simply don’t exist there today. Like with the STAR Campus in Newark, tech-focused redevelopment plans have the opportunity to propel our state forward and make us a regional leader in the 21st Century economy.”

“While we ideally would have loved to see vehicles rolling off the assembly line again, this is great news and an indication that we are on the path to having a facility employing Delaware workers on that site once again,” said Rep. Larry Mitchell, whose district includes the former Boxwood plant. “I am looking forward to more positive developments and seeing a new business rise from the ground.”