Updates

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS STORIES from around TREHAB's service area

TIOGA COUNTY: Nichole

Before Beginning the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) program in 2005, Nichole had been involved in an emotionally abusive relationshiop, which forced her to remain at home without pursuing her personal goals. Nichole really wanted to obtain her GED, get a job, and even pursue higher education.

After regaining her personal independence, she began attending TREHAB's learning center in Wellsboro for GED test preparation and to complete job readiness training. Shortly after, Nichole's vehicle was repossessed and SPOC assisted her in purchasing another vehicle so she could attend classes and pursue job search.

TREHAB staff arranged for Nichole to attend an intensive 3-week GED preparation class through Mansfield University's lifelong learning program. In May of 2005, Nichole passed the GED exam, and also through TREHAB, received certification in CPR and First Aid.

After two months of intensive job search, Nichole obtained employment at Corning, Inc., where she has since moved up to a new position with greater responsibility and increased earnings.

Nichole had a strong desire to succeed and become self-sufficient, and she has accomplished that!

SULLIVAN COUNTY: Gwen

Gwen entered the SPOC Program (Now the EARN CDC Program) in 2005. The single mother of two young children, she had no job, no driver's license, and no high school diploma. Gwen had also been the victim of identity theft in another state and was dealing with barriers created by this event.

Working hard at the TREHAB Learning Center, Gwen rapidly improved her reading, math and language levels, earning her GED just three months after beginning the program.

Then, she began job search and obtained full-time employment at a restaurant. Since she didn't have a driver's license, Gwen had to make arrangements for transportation to her children's day care and to her job. She made it to work on time every day.

In the meantim, she was working with a lawyer to deal with issues related to a driver's license as well as with her stolen identity. With patience and perseverance, Gwen has been able to get her driver's license and, through the SPOC program, purchase a vehicle.

With fulltime employment, reliable childcare and transportation, and her GED in hand, Gwen has accomplished the goals she set for herself in 2005 and is a true success story!

WYOMING COUNTY: Rhiannon

This February, Rhiannon successfully complete the EARN CDC (formerly SPOC) Program. It had been a rocky road to success, buty she did it.

A recipient of public assistance, Rhiannon was required by the State of Pennsylvania to obtain and maintain fulltime employment. Not having met the requirement early in 2006, she agreed to attend the SPOC Program designed to help her prepare for job training and/or employment. Initially, Rhiannon resisted participation and didn't report to TREHAB for the SPOC program. She finally joined the program only when her assistance benefits were "sanctioned", i.e. stopped until she attended and met program requirements.

A single moth with a 1 and half year old son, Rhiannon had no transportation but was able to attend SPOC by borrowing a vehicle. With consistent attendance the sanction was lifted, and she began to design a resume', develop job search plans and prepare for job interviews. Also, with supportive monies from the assistance office and the SPOC porgram, she was able to purchase a vehicle, insurance and work clothing.

Following several part-time jobs, she applied to St. Michael's School for troubled children gained employment and began as a fulltime classroom aide. She receives benefits including health care and continuing education assistance, but she has also gained a sense of purpose and passionate commitment to the job: As she looks to the future, Rhiannon's long-term goals are to continue working with at-risk youth and to complete a bachelor's degree focused on the behavioral and developmental aspects of education.

TREHAB Workforce Development Coordinates Safe Food Handling Certification

In collaboration with the PA Dept. of Agriculture and the Home Economics faculties of Blue Ridge and Susquehanna Community high schools, the Susquehanna County TREHAB Workforce Development Program staff coordinated a one-day training session in safe food handling on April 11. This training provided home economic and TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) students the opportunity to obtain a Food Sanitation and Safety Certification. The training was held in the auditorium of the Susquehanna Community High School.

The program was aimed at providing training in proper food handling techniques in order to enhance food quality and consumer trust in food service establishments. Following instruction on preventing food borne illness, proper sanitation processes, personal hygiene and correct food temperatures as basics to maintaining safe food handling procedures, the attendees received their official certification. A total of 43 students attended, of which 13 were TANF recipients.

The program had the goal of increasing the participants' knowledge of food safety as well as improving their employment opportunities.

FUNDING APPROVED FOR OAKRIDGE TOWNHOUSES

Oakridge Townhouses, the first affordable family townhouse community proposed for Bradford County in more that 20 years, will now become a reality, thanks to funding approval from the PHFA (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency).

Located in the Borough of Towanda, Oakridge will hold 40 townhouses, 28 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units, in eight residential buildings. A freestanding community building is also planned for the 8.95 acre site.

Oakridge is being developed by TREHAB and Monarch Development Group, a Pennsylvania for-profit corporation. TREHAB will be the managing general partner for the project. Construction is set to begin later this year.