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EMBRACING EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE
ECONOMIC CHANGE
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
Table of Contents 04 CEO Letters
www.urgjobs.org
24
Models and Initiatives
05
Mission and Vision
34
Honored Guests
06
Regional Snapshots
36
Giving Back
12
Unemployment Rates
38
Measures & Recognitions
14
Expenditures
40
Locations
18
Customers Served
41
Board Members
20
Success Stories
Chief Elected Official Mayor John Cook As Chief Elected Official for the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board, it gives me great pleasure to share with you the Board’s accomplishments for 2009!
wide awareness of green jobs and the trends for the future. We remain committed to these efforts by investing training dollars in the emerging green industry
This past year was remarkable. A highlight was last
groups. A special thanks to my counterparts in the
summer’s collaboration of the largest and certainly
six counties: Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hud-
most diverse gathering of community partners to en-
speth, Jeff Davis and Presidio. It is through our
gage in the economic opportunities resulting from
remarkable collaboration that we are making great
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The
strides toward a successful future by transforming to
significance of this gathering is that El Paso was
meet the rapidly evolving face of 21st Century jobs!
one of first communities to embrace and address
Sincerely,
the challenges that come with a significant technology and industry shift as the nation gains green consciousness and the jobs that will result. This dis-
Mayor John Cook
cussion created the spark that ignited community-
Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Reyes As you take a look at the accomplishments of your
landscape to our nation and our region, it also mag-
workforce development board, I want to thank all
nified the urgent need to collaborate, to think outside
of our employers, key stakeholders and partners in
the box and reinvent the way we do business. As a
Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, El Paso, Jeff Davis
workforce development board, we need to be certain
and Presidio. The successes on the following pages
our job seekers, training providers and employers
could not have been accomplished without you!
adjust to a paradigm shift. We need to prepare our
I also want to recognize the thousands of customers who came through our doors in 2009, counting on us to help them achieve a better tomorrow. Though the situation they faced may have been one out of their control, such as a company closure, the decision to seek assistance from us was an individual one taken from personal initiative. We thank you
youth, assist our adults and support our employers to take advantage of growing industries, jobs of the future and competitive dollars – you should expect no less. Though the roadmap may not be solidified, it is an exciting time to reinvent our future for economic success! Sincerely,
especially for counting on us! While the recession did bring an unprecedented 4 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Lorenzo Reyes, Jr.
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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Our Mission
To provide skilled workers for employers by advancing education,
employment and economic development opportunities.
Our Vision
A strong network of strategic alliances which builds a
gainfully employed workforce based on employer needs in a competitive global economy.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 5
Regional Snapshots Brewster County Profile _____________________________________ County Judge: County Seat: Cities/Towns: Land Area:
Population Estimate: 9,445 Invested Workforce Dollars: $1,117,493 Participants Served: 1,465
Val Clark Beard Alpine Marathon, Terlingua and Lajitas 6,193 square miles
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
3.6
3.6
3.3
3.1
3.2
4
3.8
3.5
3.4
3
3.1
3
2008
3.7
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.6
4.3
4.1
4.1
4
3.6
3.9
3.8
2009
4.8
4.2
4.3
3.9
4.2
5.2
5.2
5
5
4.7
4.6
4.6
6 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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Culberson County Profile ____________________________________ County Judge: County Seat: Cities/Towns: Land Area:
Population Estimate: 2,345 Invested Workforce Dollars: $67,172 Participants Served: 172
Manuel Molinar Van Horn Kent and Lobo 3,813 square miles
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
3.1
3.1
2.8
2.8
2.5
3
2.8
2.5
2.5
2.3
2.4
2.5
2008
2.7
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.9
3.4
3.2
3.5
3.3
3.3
3.3
3
2009
3.9
3.8
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.8
4.9
4.4
4.4
4
3.9
4
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 7
El Paso County Profile _____________________________________ County Judge: County Seat: Cities/Towns: Land Area:
2007
Anthony Cobos El Paso Anthony, Vinton, Socorro, Horizon City and Fabens 1,013 square miles
Population Estimate: 729,097 Invested Workforce Dollars: $42,685,629 Participants Served: 146,992
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
6.7
6.5
5.7
5.7
5.6
6.4
6.4
5.8
5.8
5.3
5.4
5.4
2008
6
5.7
5.7
5.2
5.7
6.6
6.7
6.7
6.5
6.5
6.8
7.1
2009
8.3
8.7
8.2
7.6
8.3
9.5
9.7
9.6
9.8
9.5
9.2
9.7
8 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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Hudspeth County Profile ____________________________________ County Judge: County Seat: Cities/Towns: Land Area:
Population Estimate: 3,275 Invested Workforce Dollars: $20,898 Participants Served: 263
Becky Dean-Walker Sierra Blanca Dell City, Fort Hancock and Cornudas 4,571 square miles
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
5.5
5.5
5.7
5.7
5.2
5.3
5.2
4.7
4.6
4.3
4.4
4.7
2008
4.5
4.3
3.9
3.6
3.9
4.7
4.8
4.5
4.3
3.8
4
3.7
2009
4.8
4.4
4.9
4.8
4.9
6.2
6.4
6.2
6.5
7.3
7.2
7
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 9
Jeff Davis County Profile _____________________________________ County Judge: County Seat: Cities/Towns: Land Area:
Population Estimate: 2,278 Invested Workforce Dollars: $5,090 Participants Served: 66
George E. Grubb Fort Davis Valentine 2,264 square miles
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
3.9
4
3.4
2.9
3.2
3.7
3.8
3.4
3.3
3.1
3.1
3.2
2008
3.6
3.5
3.5
2.9
3.5
3.9
4.1
4.1
3.7
3.4
3.7
3.6
2009
4.5
4.3
4.1
3.6
3.9
4.7
5
4.9
5.5
4.8
4.7
4.3
10 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE
221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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Presidio County Profile ____________________________________ County Judge: County Seat: Cities/Towns: Land Area:
Population Estimate: 7,585 Invested Workforce Dollars: $70,963 Participants Served: 1,276
Jerry Agan Marfa Presidio, Redford and Shafter 3,856 square miles
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
10.2
9.1
7.8
8.3
8.3
9.3
10.2
9.8
10.4
7.6
7.3
8.7
2008
9.3
8.2
9.4
8.8
9.1
12
12.9
13.8
11.8
10.4
10.4
12.7
2009
15
15.1
15.8
14.4
15.8
17.8
18.9
19.1
17.9
17.9
18
19.1
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 11
Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board by the Numbers Established: 1998
Total Households: 243,349
Counties Served:
Average Household Income: $49,877
Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Presidio Median Age: 31.4 Square Miles: 21,708.6 Educational Attainment Level: Population: 754,025 Less than High School
28.3%
High School Graduate
25.7%
Some College, No Degree
19.9%
Customers Served 2009: 150,929
Associates Degree
6.5%
Including:
Bachelor’s Degree
13%
• Employers: 4,408
Graduate Degree
6.7%
Locations: 13
• Veterans: 5,927 • Children: 10,603 Unemployment Rate: 8.9% Fastest Growing Industries: Administrative and Waste Services Construction Educational Services Public Administration Accomodation and Food Services Health Care and Social Assistance Professional and Technical Services
12 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
2009 Estimates
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE
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Closing the Gaps:
A 10 Year Comparison of Unemployment Rates
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
United States
4.2
4
4.7
5.8
6.0
5.5
5.1
4.6
4.6
5.8
9.3
Texas
4.7
4.4
5
6.4
6.7
6
5.4
4.9
4.4
4.9
7.5
URG Region
9.6
6.9
7.3
8.2
8.8
7.6
7
6.7
5.9
6.2
8.9
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 13
Expenditures Other Programs
7% WIA Youth
Child Care
13%
44%
WIA Adult & Dislocated Worker
15% Project Achieve
SNAP E & T
2%
14 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Trade
TANF/Choices
7%
10%
2%
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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EXPENDITURES BY GRANT CHILD CARE
$ 20,266,557
SNAP E & T
$ 961,180
TANF/Choices
$ 5,362,447
TRADE
$ 2,656,461
PROJECT ACHIEVE
$ 857,851
WIA ADULT & DISLOCATED
$ 6,223,485
WORKER WIA YOUTH
$ 3,574,511
OTHER PROGRAMS
$ 4,094,755 TOTALS
$43,997,245
FOR PERIOD: JULY 1, 2008 - JUNE 30, 2009
Child Care
Trade
individuals who have lost their job as a result of a closing or layoff.
- Enabling self- sufficiency through employment to food stamp recipients.
Project Achieve - Upgrading the educa-
WIA Youth - Encouraging youth 14-21 years of age to continue education and training.
TANF/Choices (Temporary Assistance to Needy
WIA Adult & Dislocated Worker
- Helping families access affordable quality child care.
SNAP E&T
(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program Employment and Training)
- Job preparation and work opportuni- ties to end the dependence on government benefits.
Families)
- Employment transitioning services for trade-certified workers with limited English.
tion and trade skills of individuals with limited English.
Assisting eligible adults to access employ- ment and training opportunities. / Aiding
-
Other
- Assistance to Veterans, Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers and Employment Services.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 15
Auditor’s Letter
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Board of Directors Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board, Inc. EI Paso, Texas We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board, Inc. (URGWDB) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2009, as listed in the table of contents. These financial statements are the responsibility of URGWDB’s management. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and the significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the URGWDB as of June 30, 2009, and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
16 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE
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In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated November 5, 2009, on our consideration of URGWDB’s internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards and should be considered in assessing the results of our audit.
The management’s discussion and analysis and budgetary comparison information on pages 4 through 10, are not a required part of the basic financial statements but are supplementary information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have applied certain limited procedures, which consisted principally of inquiries of management regarding the methods of measurement and presentation of the required supplementary information. However, we did not audit the information and express no opinion on it.
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise of URGWDB’s basic financial statements. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards is presented for purposes of additional analysis as required by U.S. Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, and is also not a required part of the basic financial statements of URGWDB. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
White + Samaniego + Campbell, LLP El Paso, Texas November 5, 2009
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 17
Customers Served PRESIDIO
OUT OF STATE
OTHER
Totals
9
9
2
1,297
17
4,135
CULBERSON
EL PASO
14
5
1,258
TANF/CHOICES
34
6
4,055
5
2
16
DISLOCATED WORKER
3
1
1,681
3
1
9
ADULT BRAC
HUDSPETH
JEFF DAVIS
BREWSTER
489
SNAP E & T
3
25
1,779
NCP ONESTOP
537
1
171
8
50,148
492
1,723 6
11
3
1,785
2
174
368
51,075
RIO
865
113
978
TAA
618
8
626
YOUTH
120
38
4,230
69
5
163
CHILDCARE
116
26
10,422
5
11
23
JOB FAIR JOB SEEKERS EMPLOYERS MSFW
129
10
8,541 35
8,541
3
4,353
4
2
4,764 10,603
13
4,408
555
21
9
587
VETERANS
36
5
5,874
2
3
7
5,927
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
566
79
60,491
154
44
1,016
62,350
1,463
172
155,530
263
66
1,276
Totals
169
526
Note: Totals includes duplicates if participant was enrolled in more than one program. Data based in the TWIST system. Report Period 7/1/08 to 6/30/09. Childcare Data from
18 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
159,465
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Completion Breakdown of Educational Enhancement Educational Enhancement Description
Number of Partcipants 106
GED
72
High School Diploma
159
Bachelors Degree or equivalent Other credential
32
Advanced training/Vocational skills
33
Advanced training/Technical school
2
Associate Degree
128
Occupational Skills License
126
Occupational Skills Certificate or Credential
706
English as a Second Language
16
Enrolled in Post Secondary
2 Total:
1,298
For the Period 10/1/2008 to 9/30/2009
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 19
Success Stories:
Kelly Owens and Tricia M. Muench Kelly and Tricia are employed at Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine after graduating in December 2009. They share their stories in their own words: I decided I wanted to become a nurse in 2005. I applied and got accepted
I would like to thank Ninfa and Anna with Workforce Solutions in Alpine,
to the Vocational Nursing Program at that time, but because I was a single
Texas for their timeless efforts in assisting me with the Sul Ross State Uni-
mom and would have to give up work in order to attend school, I declined
versity LVN Program. The LVN program requires 4 hours of homework EV-
my spot in the program. After lots of “life” happened, I decided it was time to
ERY evening and approximately 16 hours of homework on Saturdays and
make my dream come true - things were not going to get any easier. I ap-
Sundays and therefore leaves NO time for the ability to work. I am married
plied and got accepted into the 2009 Vocational Nursing Program and it was
and have two children and live in Fort Davis. In November, 2008, the com-
there that I learned about Workforce.
pany I worked for in Fort Davis moved to Houston and I was suddenly at a
Workforce helped pay for books which totaled around $1500.00, they re-
loss of what to do “next” considering the economy.
imbursed $150.00 per month for mileage, reimbursed overnight hotel and
After careful research and consideration for my future employment, I decid-
per diem for out of town clinicals, picked up miscellaneous mandatory ex-
ed to attend the Sul Ross State University LVN Program - having NO IDEA
penses required by the Nursing program and helped pay for daycare, leaving
what was ‘in’ my future. The LVN program is extremely intense and literally
me to pay only $34.00/month for child care services.
left NO TIME for family or work. Tricia Muench introduced me to Josh and
Josh, Ninfa and Anna all worked diligently at helping me any possible way they could. I really appreciate everything they have done. This year was beyond stressful! It was difficult and required 110% commitment from myself. I honestly do not know if I could have made it through this year without the support and dedication from Josh, Ninfa and Anna and the Workforce services. I appreciate this service more than you can imagine. I plan on working in Alpine at Big Bend Regional Medical Center and continuing my education to become a Registered Nurse. I look forward to serving my community and repaying the kindness that was shown to me through your staff. Once again, thank you so very much! Sincerely,
Tricia M. Muench
20 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
then Ninfa as well as Anna who helped me figure out a way to survive. It was because of Workforce Solutions that I was able to continue in the program as they provided $150.00/month for fuel expenses, purchased my summer books (about 4 books), reimbursed the hotel expenses and meals incurred in Pecos and Fort Stockton during mandatory travel for clinicals. It is because of Workforce and Ninfa Rodriquez that I was able to stay in the program and graduate Valedictorian. I cannot thank the program enough for the kind generosity and support. I plan to work for Big Bend Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Room and return the ‘favor’ to the community. I also plan to further my education and return to school for completion of Registered Nurse. Thank you, and God Bless.
Kelly Owens
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Success Story:
Sona Elbo
“I knew that I needed to go to Workforce Solutions to make a better life for my family.” In the winter of 2008, Sona Elbo and family made the lengthy journey from the turbulence of the Gaza Strip to the unfamiliar confines of El Paso. This trip was not planned, but the result of a decision that was made out of her hands. Upon returning to Gaza after a family vacation six months earlier and finding the borders of her homeland had been closed, Elbo and her family were forced to discover another place to call home. Once in El Paso, the Elbo’s stayed with relatives, working wherever and whenever they could, searching everyday for the opportunity to become self-sufficient and to truly begin a new life. That opportunity came in the form of Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande. “I knew that I needed to go to Workforce Solutions to make a better life for my family,” said Elbo. Elbo, a skilled X-ray Technician, found it difficult to apply the credentials she earned in the Middle East to the U.S., and the language barrier she experienced did not help. She knew she needed an alternate form of training. “I worked very hard. I wanted my family to be proud of me,” expressed Elbo. She began participating in the TANF/Choices program and through support from dedicated staff was shown the guidance she and her family desperately needed. Elbo was enrolled at International Business College (IBC), and in October of 2009, after months of intensive work was awarded her Certification in Medical Billing and Coding. She began an externship shortly thereafter with Ellys Billing and is now employed there. Considering all of the upheaval that Elbo and her family faced leading up to today she maintains to have an uplifting spirit, “God gave me this. I’m not sorry for what I lost. This is a new start for us,” said Elbo.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 21
Success Story: Hope Marquez “I try and help everybody” Seventeen-year-old Hope Marquez was one of nearly 3,000 regional youth who participated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Summer Youth Program in 2009. Marquez spent two months of her summer break working at the Alpine Independent School District Administrative Building’s Special Education Department (588 Co-Operative) where students are provided assistance in occupational, physical and speech therapy. Marquez, who herself is a special education student, was all smiles when referring to her job duties, and despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis, showed confidence in her abilities, “This job’s easy. I really like it,” she exclaimed. Marquez worked as a secretary assistant and performed general inner office duties like filing and copying paperwork. 22 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
She was also instrumental in helping her fellow classmates with transitioning into the Special Education Program. “I try and help everybody,” smiled Marquez. She made a big impact on those who worked in her office, especially her supervisor. “We are very happy Hope is here. We are short staffed so Hope being here really helps out. She enjoys it way too much for a summer job,” emphasized Secretary Imelda Galindo. After Marquez completed her employment via the Summer Youth program, she was offered a chance to stay on board at the district office during the upcoming school year, but declined. The reason? Marquez said she wanted to focus on her schoolwork. There is a plan already in place for Marquez to continue her employment with the Alpine I.S.D. for summer 2010. While she focuses on her studies in the meantime, she still makes trips to the familiar 588 Co-Operative office. The last time she made a visit was to show off her senior class ring. Marquez is scheduled to graduate in May of 2011.
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Success Story: Jamie Thomas “I want to have an impact on young students much of the same way that the Tech Prep teachers have had an impact on me” In December of 2009, 18-year-old Jamie Thomas was recognized for
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today. When we see everyone today and how proud we have made you, we know we can accomplish anything we want.” Today, Thomas is an expectant mother and currently works at the YWCA, demonstrating her attraction towards educating and caring for children. “I want to have an impact on young students much of the same way that the Tech Prep teachers have had an impact on me,” explained Thomas. She dreams of one day becoming a teacher.
her painstaking efforts as she received her General Education Development (GED) Certification at the Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande 2nd Tech Prep Graduation. The road to the graduation had been a long road for Thomas, who admittedly lacked direction, and was unsure of what her future held. “You could say I had no life. I would stay at home and watch the days pass me by,” she said. This memorable day was the climax of a process that began seven months prior, but it was also the start of a new upcoming journey.
The Tech Prep Program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act and offers a unique blend of individual specific teaching methods like traditional classroom instruction, one on one tutoring, and computer based lessons to eligible youth and adults in need of obtaining a GED. Thus far, 56 students have received their GED, including 18 in December of 2009 who varied in age from 17 to 30. These students spent a variety of time completing coursework; from 1 week to 1 year.
In the spring of 2009, Thomas was enrolled in Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande’s Youth Program and was subsequently encouraged to participate in Tech Prep to finish her high school education. By July, Thomas began attending GED classes but still faced many personal obstacles to overcome. That was not going to stop her. By fully committing herself to the program, and through valuable help from the Tech Prep instructors the finish line drew ever so close. As Thomas stood at the podium during the graduation ceremony the words she phrased as she held back tears painted a clear picture of thanks and of hope, ”Once I found out about this program and how helpful it could be to me, I couldn’t let it pass me by. If it had not been for this program I could honestly say that I don’t know where I would be WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 23
Models and Initiatives to start preparing our workforce earlier and inform them of available opportunities,” said Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande CEO Lorenzo Reyes, Jr.. “Future jobs will require some sort of credential and we want our workforce to be ready,” said Reyes. The expo’s aim is to bring different educational and occupational entities within the Upper Rio Grande region together under one roof. “A lot of students need help with getting all of the information they need when it comes to getting ready to go to school after they graduate. This is cool how so many different schools are here and this just gives us a head start,” said Education Expo attendee Maria Sanchez. Sanchez is a
Agricultural Employer Forum Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande, Texas Workforce Commission, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, MET, HELP-New Mexico, Inc and Sin Fronteras partnered for the First Agricultural Employer
16-year-old junior at Mountain View High School and she has her future mapped out already, but that didn’t stop her from making it out to the expo, “I want to be a pharmacist, so I know what it’s going to take. But I’m here to see what else is available to me,” added Sanchez.
Forum February 11. The session was free and consisted of experts who educated and updated agricultural employers on labor laws, regulations and available technical assistance and support. About 60 attendees took advantage of the opportunity from across our region including College Station, Austin, Marfa, Albuquerque, Deming, Hatch, Anthony and El Paso. The forum was the first of its kind for all partners involved, as organizations from across state lines collaborated on the effort. The forum was modeled after similar forums in other parts of Texas and Southern New Mexico. The event’s agenda included special presenters and breakout sessions
Education Expo The Carlos Ramirez Tech H20 Learning Center was the top spot for area youth on December 12, as Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande hosted the 3rd Annual Education Expo. Nearly 200 youth came out to the learning function, which was created as a way of showing students the educational and occupational resources accessible to them. “We need 24 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
focusing on key subjects like resume writing, financial aid, finding and applying for scholarships, and budgeting. There was also a discovery area filled with post secondary institutions, training providers and community organizations including UTEP, EPCC, and Troy University. They were all on hand to offer guidance on what steps students need to take to be successful in this changing world. “We need to make sure students are
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better prepared for the real world. If students wait until graduation to find out what they are going to do, it’s too late,” said Troy University Adjunct Professor Michael B. Moore. If college was not the first choice for expo goers, job training providers like the David L. Carrasco Job Corps Center were on-site offering help. “Having a variety of options gives students more incentive to expand their educational goals, and the Education Expo was just one step in making that happen for area youth, “We want youth to continue their education; even if it’s not college they’re interested in. There are apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training available,” said Reyes.
center complex walls and trailed down the San Antonio St. sidewalk. The winding line was confirmation of the urgent need for employment during the recession. Those in search of work possessed a multitude of skills each bringing his/her own talents to the table. Employers in attendance like The University of Phoenix took over 120 resumes from qualified candidates and showed promise they would find the right fit. Alpine Access is a home based in-bound Call Center company out of Denver that made the long trek to El Paso. They were in search of filling bi-lingual customer service representative openings. Alpine Access Vice President of Technology Dan Rojas explained why they secured their spot at the fair, “El Paso is the perfect place to come and recruit. There is a large well trained, educated, and most important bilingual population here. That is why we chose El Paso.” Alpine Access had
Career Connection Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande teamed up once again with the
already been at a job fair in Chicago earlier that day. They were looking to fill 700 positions.
El Paso Times to put on the 7th annual Career Connection Job Expo on September 23. In a matter of six hours, a staggering 5, 674 job seekers
Job-a-Thon
walked through the doors of the Judson F. Williams Convention Center in
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande partnered with local television
Downtown El Paso with high hopes on their mind and refined resumes in
stations to help match employers with job seekers during the 7th Annual
their hands. Eighty-eight employers lined the inside of the facility, offering
Job-A-Thon May 28. Job seekers across our region picked up the phone
1,634 available positions in fields such as customer service, sales, edu-
and called between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. They were reminded by
cation and instruction, food service, industrial, and office administration.
partner television stations every 30 minutes through promotional spots
For a portion of the day the line of job hunters wrapped around the civic
during that time. WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 25
nursing assistant for a home healthcare agency. But she wants to find a full-time job as a medical office specialist - a job she trained for at a career school. “This (Job-A-Thon) is a good idea. I have three children, and it’s hard to go to a job fair,” Tarin said. The Job-A-Thon received an average of 145 to 200 calls an hour. Operators answered a total of 1,343 calls. In 2008, the Job-A-Thon received 857 calls. Callers received answers from 20 operators to questions on specific job openings, employment sectors, qualification requirements and the area of town the employer is located. More importantly, callers learned how to apply for the open positions through the state job bank system:
Breaking Barriers Sixty-three youth with disabilities were congratulated for
www.workintexas.com.
a summer of employment at an
The online job bank system has more than 1,000 jobs on a weekly basis
award ceremony held on Au-
ranging from entry level positions to professional level employment and
gust 25 at the Volar Center for
includes both part-time and full-time positions. Unlike other job banks,
Independent Living. The enter-
www.workintexas.com, is free for employers and job seekers and features
prising group of teens received
information on local job fairs and workforce events.
certificates of recognition as part of the Breaking Barriers Summer Youth
El Paso Times reporter Vic Kolenc spent some time at the event covering the story for the newspaper. He was able to speak to some of the job seekers to get reaction on the annual effort. The following are quotes from his story published the following day. “I saw it (Job-A-Thon) on TV, and I’ve been looking everywhere” for a job, said Linda Dominguez, an East Side resident and single mother. She’s been trying to find a job in a medical lab for the past four months. “My résumé is posted on Monster (online job board). I thought maybe they could help me. I don’t see lab jobs here.” The call produced a job lead for Dominguez -- a job opening for a phlebotomist, someone who draws blood, paying $9.19 an hour. Thirty-one-year old Jessica Tarin, said she is working part time as a 26 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Program. Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande along with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and the Volar Center for Independent Living placed the labor ready group in various positions throughout border region in an effort to provide real world work experience. “We have people in our community with disabilities and especially young adults who need an opportunity who are very skilled, who want a chance to gain more skills and prove to employers that they can be competitive employees and help employers be successful ,” said Workforce Solutions CEO Lorenzo Reyes. The second year program is growing in its success, as the number of youth enrolled in the program doubled in size from its inaugural year. Gabriel and Alejandra Jasso are an industrious brother and sister tan-
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dem that made
sources we have available for them,” said Workforce Solutions Upper
the
of
Rio Grande Program Coordinator Lizet Soltero. “These spouses need to
their
summer
know we understand their needs and that they are not alone in their ef-
break.
Gabriel,
forts to continue their careers and professional life.”
most
16,attends San Elizario
Nearly two dozen employers, ready to hire military spouses, attended
High
the event. One hundred spouses spent their day at the conference and
School, and got
job fair.
down and dirty at Diesel Specialists as an auto mechanic in training,“I helped the guys with transmissions and working on motors. I really liked it and that’s what I want to do when I grow up,”explained Gabriel. Gabriel’s sister Alejandra, 14, who also goes to San Elizario High School, witnessed first-hand the impact the Breaking Barriers Youth Program had on her brother. Her interest in the program grew and she used her opportunity to participate as means to contribute to her family,”I saw my brother and he was really happy in the program. I wanted to be independent and be able to buy my own stuff and also help out my mom and dad with money,” said Alejandra. Alejandra is a hopeful cosmetologist and spent her summer break at Maya Beauty Salon helping groom customers and working the register.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Summer Youth
BRAC Conference Rio
More than 2,900 youth in the six county Upper Rio Grande region were
Grande hosted the first BRAC Confer-
certified and participated in the ARRA Summer Youth Program. To help
ence and Job Fair on April 29 at the
serve them a center specific for the ARRA Summer Youth Program was
Centennial Club at Biggs Army Air
opened and a highly qualified team of 25 to assist was hired.
Workforce
Solutions
Upper
Field. The event, tailored for military spouses, was free and featured job readiness sessions and an on-site job fair.
One hundred eighty-two employers participated offering 2500 work experience opportunities. In addition, 650 classroom training oppor-
“It is a great opportunity to assist
tunities were made available for the
and inform military spouses of the re-
14 – 15 year old youth and a total of WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 27
ized customer service and SCANS to be job ready. The U.S. Department of Labor Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) revolves around the demands of the workplace and whether today’s young people are capable of meeting those demands. 2,553 were provided a classroom component. We targeted growing industries with in-demand occupations through specialized youth camps: El Paso Community College IT Camp: Students not only learned about computers, they built one from scratch and got to take the new computer home at the end of the session. The camp also exposed kids to college life as the courses were similar to courses college students take. The eight week camp was a first for both Workforce Solutions and EPCC.
Those students completing the customer service component received certification. La Fe Camps: As part of the Workforce Solutions funded Summer Youth Program, nine young artists spent six hours a day for two months during the summer working
UTEP Healthcare/Engineering Camps: One hundred thirty-three stu-
on the El Paso Beautification Project. They collaborated as a unit, demon-
dents, mostly 14 and 15 years old, participated in one of two Camp Minor
strating their gifted ability in creating a dazzling mural alongside Centro
Miner cohorts. One camp focused on healthcare while the other focused
De Salud La Fe’s first independent clinic on Saint Vrain St.
on engineering. The two to four week Monday - Friday day-long camps were specifically developed for this program and engaged campers in an array of exercises. In healthcare those included visiting hospitals, CPR and first aid certifications, kinesiology instruction and sign language. Engineering activities included exploration of engineering fields (civil, computer, mechanical, electrical, environmental and industrial) via experiments and interaction with technologies in design, robotics, solar energy, and chemistry. EPCC Customer Service Camp: More than
The mural’s theme originated from a photo captured years prior; show-
2,000 youth participants received custom-
ing a family who once lived in the very streets where the vivid renovation
28 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
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took place. The teens received
participant educational enhancement was measured via a pre and post
lessons on the process behind
test; most showed improvement. Eighteen hundred participants received
designing a mural from the con-
customer service certificates and nearly 300 received their CPR and first
ceptual aspects to artistic tech-
aid certifications.
niques such as pouncing, which is the process of transferring a design from one surface to another. Just a few blocks away at the La Fe Cultural and Technology Center Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande in conjunction with Centro De Salud La Fe allowed aspiring chefs from all across the borderland to explore their interest in future culinary careers. Fifteen gourmet driven youngsters were given lessons on kitchen fundamentals and implementation. The students worked in a commercial kitchen with all of the professional tools of the trade. A total of $2 million dollars were infused to the regional economy as a result of this program. The additional financial resources the 2,980 youth participants received provided them with a one time opportunity to provide for themselves and their families while at the same time directly generated more business activity locally. Additionally, the indirect effect of this one-time direct benefit spilled over to other industries and suppliers of those industries creating more economic growth and retaining and/or adding new jobs to the local economy in these though economic times. As of 9-11-09, 26 students in the six county region were offered permanent job offers after their completion of the summer youth program enhancing the economic impact on their families and our regional economy. The extra help, at no additional cost, helped employers keep their doors open during a challenging economic time or aleviate their workload. For William Beaumont Army Medical Center the help provided by 11 students helped clear six months of backlog in requests for copies of medical records . Many students in the class component expressed the desire to continue to college after the exposure to the setting. All
Rural Expansions Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande offices in Van Horn and Alpine expanded in 2009. In Van Horn, the growth included two additional rooms to serve customers. One of those rooms now serves as a resource center equipped with computers for job search activities. The second office is used for workshops or instruction. On March 5, computers and furniture were delivered and set up at the location. “We’re very happy about the additional two offices at our Van Horn location,” said Robert Morales, program specialist for Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande. “Customers have access to our new resource center that includes five new PCs and a laser printer. We’ll be able to offer basic computer classes as well as classes in Microsoft Office and resume writing,” added Morales. In Alpine, the changes include additional resource computers and a new training area. “The Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Alpine Office is very excited to receive new computers and equipment,” said Alpine Lead Josh Riquelmy. “With our new Learning Center housed at the Alpine Office location, we now have the ability to facilitate trainings for both community members and program participants. We are also better equipped to provide an enhanced customer service expeWORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 29
rience in our Resource Area, allowing customers to make use of current
release. Offenders who visit the location can receive job search assis-
technology that is essential for developing today’s job market skills.”
tance through workshops, case management and the use of computers,
Rural office staff members also saw an improvement; their computers were updated, refurbished or replaced.
fax and telephones. Customers also receive post placement follow-up Employers who hire offenders can also benefit two ways: the Work Opportunity Tax Credit; a federal income tax credit that reduces the federal
University of Texas at El Paso Office Students on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso can now visit Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande on-site. A satellite office was opened in the fall of 2009, next to the University Career Center assisting students with tuition support, transportation assistance, child care, financial support for educational materials, case management and job search and job matches in collaboration with the Career Center.
tax liability of private-for-profit employers and fidelity bonding. Project RIO, through the Texas Workforce Commission, provides individual fidelity bonds to employers for job applicants who are, or may be, denied coverage by commercial carriers because of record of arrest, conviction and confinement in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice or Texas Youth Commission facility leading to Project RIO enrollment. In program year 2008-2009, 978 offenders were assisted through Project RIO.
NCLEX Support Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande is helping get more nurses into our community. Since 2007, the Board has provided financial support to those nursing students who are in the final semester of their studies and preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination for nurses (NCLEX). The students may be enrolled in either a licensed vocational nurse or registered nurse training program at the local community college or university. In the two
Project RIO Relocates
years more than 200 nursing students at the University of Texas
In 2009 Project RIO relocated to 6130 Montana, Suite 209. Project
at El Paso and El Paso Commu-
RIO is a state-funded program designed to prepare and transition of-
nity College were assisted and
fenders from the Texas prison system and Texas Youth Commission
NCLEX passing rates have sky-
(TYC) facilities into gainful employment as soon as possible after their
rocketed.
30 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
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Joining Forces to Provide a Second Chance The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office, Bureau of Prisons, Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande, El Paso Community College and other community partners joined forces for the Second Annual Offender Workforce Initiative Job Fair on May 1. The job fair was free and is part of a national initiative to facilitate a seamless approach to re-entry into society, including employment, for federal offenders. “Research has established that stable employment is one of the most significant predictors of success for individuals on supervision,” said U.S. Probation Officer Juan Peralez. “Through this partnership, employers and the community work together to provide offenders with skills required for employment, retention, and career advancement.” The job fair included nearly 15 employers, as well as community agencies, which can assist in the transition back into society, and welcomed
El Paso Job Register
more than 400 offenders looking for a job.
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande and the Greater El Paso Cham-
“The United States spends more than 40 billion dollars in incarceration
ber of Commerce relaunched a job search site for incoming military
of individuals,” added Peralez. “The first three years after release are criti-
spouses: www.elpasojobregister.com. As part of the partnership, Work-
cal because it is easy for them to re-offend if they don’t obtain a job; they
force Solutions Upper Rio Grande funds the site while the Greater Cham-
also need a support system,” he said.
ber of Commerce assists in employer engagement and recruitment.
Employers who hire state offenders can receive work opportunity tax
The new and improved site allows incoming military spouses to post
credits and bonding assistance. One of those employers that’s taken ad-
their resumes, search jobs and receive information on helpful links to
vantage of these credits is Seal-Rite. The company owner, Tony Ponce,
additional job sites, resources and services before relocating to Fort Bliss
was a guest speaker at the employer luncheon before the job fair. Speak-
www.elpasojobregister.com was originally launched on June 30, 2007, but was redesigned to refine site capabilities and incorporate customer tracking reports. The site is free for both employers and military spouses; all each has to do is register!
ing immediately after was one of their success stories: Gabriel Lopez. “All these people that are coming out of prison that’s what they need, a second chance – to change,” said Lopez. “It is a risk for the employer to give someone a second chance because some don’t want to change but some do want to change but there’s a lot of us that do want to change do stuff for our family and for our community.” WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 31
Lopez has done so well; the probation office presented a special gift to
know that I am trying to make them comply. They treat me good, but they know they need to do their job also and treat the people with respect.”
him the day of the job fair: his certificate of early release!
A Harvest of Opportunities
Farm Labor Contractor Rogelio Santillana is grateful for the visits and
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande is offering migrant and seasonal
assistance he receives.
farm workers (MSFW) a harvest of opportunities. The laborers are being
“This work is very hard, only the experienced last long,” said Santillana.
informed about the chance to obtain their GED, receive job search as-
“Some people may work only a couple of hours then can no longer do
sistance or attend training. The outreach is not done in an office setting,
it.” He counts on Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande to recruit farm
but at their worksites.
workers and welcomes the outreach to his workers about opportunities
“I was a farm worker,” said MSFW Outreach Specialist Rodrigo Jacquez. “I worked the farms for about eight years so I can really relate to them. I
outside of the seasonal job. “The economic crisis has hit the fields,” he said. “Most of the farmers have not been paid for last year’s cotton crop. The price of diesel and chemicals has also gone up. That has affected the
can identify with them and help them out as much as I can.” Jacquez is known by name out in the fields by both farm workers and farm labor contractors. Called a guardian angel by both, Jacquez not only provides information to farm workers on opportunities outside of agriculture, but also monitors their worksite and treatment. “We used to work the onion and chile crops, but they used to not pay us minimum wage; some contractors tried to make some money off of you,” said
Jacquez
thinking
back to his time as a farm worker. “When contractors see me out here they 32 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
number of farm workers we can employ. Last year I had three times the number of farm workers I do today.” Guillermo Archuleta is one of those farm workers. At an annual salary of less than $5,000 a year, many may wonder why Archuleta has committed to the work for two decades. The Juarez native wakes at 3:00 a.m. to be at work on time. Archuleta admits a lack of resources kept him from pursuing a different career, but when asked why he does farm work; tears came to his eyes for a heartfelt answer. “I have always been very grateful
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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and happy. It’s what
for individuals who meet the income guidelines and meet the work or train-
we have lived from,”
ing requirements. It can cover up to 100% of the cost, depending on an
he said. “For me it’s
applicant’s income.
an honor to be part
The child care services program works with a network of more than 300
of the agricultural
providers in our region, but it’s up to the parents to decide on the pro-
field.” The
vider. Choosing a day care can be difficult though. To assist, Workforce success
in
Solutions Upper Rio Grande promotes the Texas Rising Star Certification
service to this tar-
Program. The program was developed by the Texas Workforce Commission
geted population is
to assist day care facilities in providing quality care. Providers that acquire
enhanced through a partnership with Motivation, Education and Training Inc. and a location at Sin Fronteras. Motivation Education & Training, Inc. (MET) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded for the purpose of providing academic and vocational training to migrant and seasonal farm workers, with the objective of furthering economic selfsufficiency for MET participants. Sin Fronteras Organizing Project is a
the certification exceed the Department of Family and Protective Services Minimum Standards and provide the framework for a higher level of quality of care. Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Child Care Services staff assist this program by monitoring child care facilities on a quarterly basis to ensure criteria is being met. All the Texas Rising Star Providers must meet criteria or be in the process of meeting it on a day to day basis!
non-profit that started in 1983 to organize migrant and agricultural workers in our region. Their goal: improve working conditions, improve minimum wage and provide social services.
In
2009,
117
child
care providers in the
Child Care Services
six
county
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande pro-
region were
vides an array of support services to help job
recognized
seekers obtain employment. One of those
for
services is child care. Every year about half of
ing the TRS
the Board’s budget is spent on providing care
certifica-
for more than 10,000 children. The support
tion with a
service allows parents to return to school, ad-
plaque,
vance their education and/or work to provide
window de-
for their families. The program is a financial assistance program available
acquir-
a
cal and marketing assistance or training. WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 33
Honored Guests edented opportunity to hear from Secretary Solis about U.S.
Department
of Labor plans and priorities to reduce unemployment,” said Reyes. “She is very well informed about workforce issues affecting our region and indicated the department’s continuing technical support as we seek opportunities to match job seekers with employers and provide employers with expanded business services opportunities,” he added.
Secretary Visits El Paso
As a token of appreciation Reyes presented the secretary with a framed success story and book noting the outcome of the Summer Youth Pro-
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis was in El Paso on
gram funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The book
September 26. Secretary Solis met with representatives from various
included youth participant letters and program media coverage. “Great,
local labor and business organizations at a round table meeting at the
this is great,” said Secretary Solis after hearing about the Board’s suc-
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Norman Haley Employment Cen-
cess in the Summer Youth Program. “We definitely need to take this back
ter at 300 E. Main Street.
with us.”
“I am pleased that Secretary Solis accepted my invitation to come to El Paso,” Congressman Reyes said. “This is a unique opportunity for our local business and labor organizations to interact with one of the most influential leaders in Washington. As the first Hispanic Secretary of Labor, she is an inspiration to many in our community.” Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Board of Director’s Vice Chair Patricia Villalobos was the moderator for the session. The event was not open to the public and was by invitation only. Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande was one of 16 key stakeholders selected to speak at the round table discussion.” We had an unprec34 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
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Texas Worforce Commisioners Texas Workforce Commissioner Chair Tom Pauken was in El Paso on February 6. His day-long visit was full of activity. He started his day with a visit with Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Board Members at the Norman Haley Employment Center then he spent some time with the El Paso Times editorial board, had a lunch meeting with Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Members, stopped at the TWC tele-center and finished with a visit to Mission Early College High School, a meeting with county judges and a tour of the El Paso
Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Ronald Congleton was in El Paso June 17 to present a Skills Development Fund grant check to El Paso Community College President Dr. Richard Rhodes and company representatives belonging to a manufacturing consortium. The $818,798 was used to custom train workers for 762 new and upgraded jobs.
Community College Workforce Unit. Andres Alcantar is the Commissioner Representing the Public for the Texas Workforce Commission. He was in El Paso on March 25 to present two Self-Sufficiency Fund grants totaling $698,483. The two business consortia partnered with El Paso Community College to provide training for 260 new or upgraded positions in customer service and auto collision repair. Immediately after, the Commissioner Alcantar participated in a ribbon-cutting of the Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande ARRA Summer Youth location at Bassett Place Mall.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 35
Giving Back
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande works daily to bring job seekers
tween both locations! A total of 132
and employers together, but takes time out to give back to the community
lives were positively impacted by the
throughout the year.
donations.
Staff strapped on their walking shoes for the Susan G. Komen Race for
In the summer, staff acted quickly to
the Cure; $250 was donated to the cause. Staff walked for and in memory
make sure those who needed a fan to
of those affected by the deadly disease.
get through torching temperatures had
In April, staff donated Easter baskets and all the needs for a fabulous picnic for more than 200 foster children in El Paso and all the children living at the Reynolds House, a shelter for homeless women and their families. Staff also volunteered their time to grill burgers and provide a party atmosphere with piùata and games for the children. United Blood Services was welcomed to two workforce centers in June for a summer blood drive. UBS collected a total of 44 pints of blood be36 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
the opportunity to obtain one. Antonia Martinez was a resident in the Segundo Barrio who called and desperately needed a fan. On July 7, Workforce Solutions co-workers pitched in and knocked on the door to help her out. Staff also donated additional fans. That collection was given to the Extreme Weather Task Force for distribution.
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
Workforce
Solutions
Upper Rio Grande Staff and Santa Claus delivered toys to children currently living in the Reynolds House on December 12. It was the ninth year staff donated gifts to the children staying at the homeless shelter for women and their families. At the time, the home currently housed 29 children and 13 moms, the most it has ever housed since the home opened 19 years ago.
p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790 www.urgjobs.org www.urgjobs.org
CERT Staff members participated in Community Emergency Response Team Training or CERT in February 2009. The group, from different workforce locations trained side by side, with other community agency employees. Each learned emergency response tactics from officials with the FBI and El Paso Police and Fire Departments. The team is the second to graduate from the training for Workforce Solutions. The teams can be activated during a mass disaster for assistance in recovery and aid. The training is sponsored by the Rio Grande Council of Governments.
Board Staff also has the option to contribute to the Reynolds
House throughout the year by having any amount they choose be deducted from their paycheck which emphasizes the importance of education and vocational training. In 2009 alone, staff contributed $2, 041. An additional $2,700 was donated to the United Way.
During the holidays, board staff also participated in Operation
Boot Box with gifts for 65 children living in area colonias. The annual effort is led by Texas Tech. Laborers in the fields were not forgotten. With more than 4,000 migrant farm workers and their families living in and around El Paso, Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande staff sponsored “braceros” with daily needs and food items. Staff also donated turkeys and trimmings for farm workers during the Thanksgiving holiday.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 37
Contracted Measures Contracted Measures are the performance targets determined by the Texas Workforce Commission to measure the effectiveness of the services provided by the Worforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande. There are a total of 17 measures. The Board is one of seven large boards in Texas. Below is a comparison of the seven, by performance. LARGE BOARDS
Exceeding Performance
Meeting Performance
Not Meeting Performance
Total
Alamo Area
11
5
1
17
Dallas/ Dallas County
5
10
2
17
Gulf Coast
6
8
3
17
Lower Rio Grande
7
5
5
17
North Central
10
3
4
17
Tarrant County
9
3
5
17
Upper Rio Grande
8
5
4
17
*Program Year 2009 (October 2008-September 2009)
Recognitions 2009 Communicator Awards
2009 Davey Awards
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande was
When the winners of The 2009 Davey Awards were announced by the
selected as a winner of three (3) Awards of
International Academy of the Visual Arts, Workforce Solutions Upper Rio
Distinction when the winners of The 2009
Grande was on the list. It was selected as a winner of a Silver Award in
Communicator Awards were announced by
three categories: print (Agricultural Forum), print collateral (2008 Annual
the International Academy of the Visual Arts
Report) and marketing effectiveness (Career Connection 2008).
(IAVA). The Board’s monthly newsletter was recognized in the print category and two marketing campaigns; one for employment services aimed at the college population, the other for services for military spouses, were recognized in the Integrated Campaign category. The entries were all developed in-house by the Board’s Regional Relations Unit. In 2009 there were more than 7,000 submitted globally and 1,192 were selected. Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande now has four Communicator Awards. 38 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande now has four Davey Awards and a total of eight international recognitions for creative excellence, all have been earned in the last two years. The work recognized was designed and developed in-house by the Board’s Regional Relations Unit, with the exception of the annual report which was designed by AGI Marketing Solutions. More than 5,000 entries were submitted globally for the competition, 574 winners were selected.
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790 www.urgjobs.org www.urgjobs.org
Spirit of Excellence Awards 2009 Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande November 12 recognized 17 key stakeholders in the region with the Spirit of Excellence Award. The award recognizes partners that have gone above and beyond in their contribution to the workforce system – capturing the “Spirit of Excellence”. Honorees were in one of four categories: community partners, employers, staff and training providers. Criteria considered during the selection process varied, according to category, but included state and board reports, in-kind contributions and return on taxpayer investment.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 39
Locations Administrative Office 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas
915.772.2002 www.urgjobs.org
East 1359 Lomaland 915.887.2000
Ft. Bliss 2494 Ricker Road 915.566.5649
West 5070 Doniphan 915.887.2730
Downtown 300 East Main 915.313.3000
Northeast 9740 Dyer 915.887.2857
Bassett 6101 Gateway West Suite 605 915.781.7600
40 • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
South El Paso Sin Fronteras 201 East Ninth Ave. 915.532.0921 Ysleta del Sur Pueblo 11100 Santos Sanchez 915.872.8648 Fabens 206 S.E. 8th Street 915.764.4285
Van Horn 704 W. Broadway 432.283.8327 Presidio 100 Market, Unit B 432.229.1170 Alpine 710 Holland Avenue #4 432.837.9800
EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000 El Paso, Texas 79901 221 N. Kansas, Suite 1000, El Paso, Texas 79901 p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790
p. 915.772.2002 f. 915.351.2790 www.urgjobs.org www.urgjobs.org
Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board
Officers
Irene Chavez Private Sector Representative
Judy Ledbetter Community-Based Organization Representative
Patricia Villalobos Board Chair Private Sector Representative
Luis Enrique Chew Vocational Rehabilitation Representative
Lane G. “Buster” Mills Private Sector Representative
Cille S. D’Ascenzo Community-Based Organization Representative
Dr. Gilda Morales Private Sector Representative
Yvonne “Bonnie” Dominguez Private Sector Representative
Leticia Paez Community-Based Organization Representative
Leo Duran, Sr. Private Sector Representative
Fernando Peña, Jr. Private Sector Representative
Bertha A. Gallardo Private Sector Representative
Sotero Ramirez, III Public Employment Service Representative
Dr. Ana Huerta-Macias Literacy Council Representative
Dr. Richard Rhodes Adult Basic and/or Continuing Education Representative
Tracy Bristol Board Vice-Chair Private Sector Representative Henry Gallardo Board Secretary Private Sector Representative Luis Rivera Past Board Chair Private Sector Representative
Members Mary Margaret Adame Public Assistance Agency Representative Javier Casas Labor Representative
Debra K. Koch Private Sector Representative Jesus Martinez Public Education Representative
Dr. David A. Schauer Economic Development Representative David C. Wilson Public Education Representative
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS UPPER RIO GRANDE • 41
EMBRACING EMBRACING ECONOMIC CHANGE
ECONOMIC CHANGE
IN
EMBRAC
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