Coatesville Work Readiness Program Clocks In

Chester County OIC

By: Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

Chester County OIC is piloting a new Workforce Enclave Program aimed at helping individuals build workforce readiness skills and successfully move into a new jobs. “Our mission is to help people help themselves through a hand up not a hand out,” said Javonna Wylie, CCOIC Director of Workforce Reintegration.

Started last year with a $25,000 investment from the nonprofit Second Century Alliance of Coatesville followed by a Chester County grant for $243,947, the Chester County OIC was able hold four Enclaves reaching 40 people in 2022 and is budgeting to reach another 60 people with six Enclaves this year.

“It’s a work opportunity program,” Wylie said. “Our target is the underemployed or unemployed. By underemployed I mean someone working less than 40 hours (per week). As long as someone is 18 years old and able and willing—that is our only requirement.”

Applicants go through a competitive interview process to ensure they will be a good fit for the program. Successful applicants will be eager to embrace the opportunity and excited to be a part of it.

The program runs three days a week, five hours per day. CCOIC has partnered with the city of Coatesville and their public works department to spend 6 out of 15 hours each week to help with community clean-up activities. The remaining 9 hours each week are spent in classroom time learning employability skills. That work is centered around team building, trustworthiness, holistic wellness, conflict resolution, critical thinking and responsibility. Students may also receive certification in customer service from the National Retail Federation.

While this work is being done to grow the skills to get a productive job, the participants are paid $15 per hour as supplemental income while receiving the education. At the completion of the Enclave, students who are work ready are given assistance in finding an employer, while those that need some additional training are connected with additional resources.

“If a student needs a training that we don’t offer, we have community partners we depend on,” Wylie said.

Jobs come from all types of area businesses, from manufacturing, to marketing to retail. New this year, the program is piloting a second tier. Three out of the ten students that complete the five-week enclave program will be connected with employers for a six-week paid internship.

Often, people are afraid to make a change to a better job because they cannot afford to risk being without a salary for even a few weeks. The internship cost of $18 per hour is paid by the program. The worker receives a salary while the employer gets a chance to see them in action and continue their training to meet the employer’s specific needs.

During the internship, CCOIC’s Labor Resource Associate will continue to provide support to make sure the internship, and then the job, is a good fit for everyone. The Labor Resource Associate also checks with the workplace supervisor to be sure that the new employee is staying on track.

In an environment where good employees are hard to find, employers who participate in the program are getting workers who have the kind of skills that will help them both.

Chester County OIC is an independent agency affiliated with OICA Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, founded in 1964 by Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan. You can learn more about the national office and OIC affiliates https://oicofamerica.org/.

Chester County OIC supports local employers in the development of human resources and practices. CCOIC values social justice and advocacy through a community-based lens. The organization is intentional in serving students that can benefit from supportive services, free education and workforce training with the goal of economic enhancement.

This includes English as a Second Language students representing 19 different native languages.

The mission of the Chester County OIC is to open opportunities for individuals to prepare for sustainable employment and financial independence through education, training and support services.

To become a community or employer partner with Chester County OIC, contact Javonna Wylie jwylie@cc-oic.org. To invest in Chester County OIC programs, contact president and CEO Joyce Chester at jchseter@cc-oic.org.

Chester county OIC continues to grow and adapt to the needs of the county, students, and clients. CCOIC is located at 22 N. 5th Ave., Coatesville. For more information visit the website at www.ccoic.org.

By: Ashley Pierce, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce

The Alliance for Health Equity (formerly the Brandywine Health Foundation) has supported the Greater Coatesville area through over 20 years of needs. Formed in 2001 as Health Conversion Foundation, the organization was formed to increase access to care and services, focus on health equity, create lasting initiatives, and co-invest to advance education, employment, housing, health, and mental health. Nicolas Torres currently leads the organization as CEO, along with his staff and Board. “The Greater Coatesville community still struggles disproportionately in comparison to Chester County as a whole with health and economic disparities. Recognizing that health starts in the home, The Alliance for Health Equity is taking a more holistic approach relating to health issues in order to advance opportunities available in the community,” said Alyssa Kotzmann, Development and Communications Manager. Overall, The Alliance’s mission is to create a more equitable, resilient, and healthy Greater Coatesville community.

To achieve their mission, the organization has implemented a number of initiatives to combat the needs of the community. “We pursue our mission through grantmaking, providing scholarships, building partnerships, and being the impetus to spark new initiatives where they are needed the most. Our ultimate goal is to improve the health, social, emotional, and economic conditions among children, teens, and families in the Coatesville Area School District.” Nicholas Torres said.