This month’s success story is an example of community agencies working together to assist participants on their journey.
As part of a Pilot Program to promote and encourage individuals receiving SNAP benefits, the Northampton County Assistance Office and the Lehigh Valley EARN program streamlined a process so individuals applying for or renewing SNAP benefits would directly connect to EARN program staff. EARN staff provides an individual overview of program services and assists participants with a timely program referral.
Naomee came to EARN through the SNAP Pilot Program with the Northampton County Assistance Office. She completed her application for SNAP assistance and was interviewed by the Intake Worker who provided her with the contact information for the EARN department. Naomee followed through and connected with the program to discuss the benefits of working with EARN to mitigate barriers and offer employment, training assistance, and funding. Naomee chose this program because it offered the additional services she needed and promptly completed the enrollment steps.
Naomee had several barriers to overcome, but the most crucial was the ability to find and fund childcare for her children so that she would be able to work and become self-sufficient. Through the EARN program, we were able to connect Naomee with the Early Learning Resource Center and get that started.
Once childcare was in place, Naomee lost no time in taking the next steps to secure employment. She completed her resume, searched for jobs, and received additional support from our Licensed Counselor. In no time, she located and accepted full-time employment with Access Services in Bethlehem as a Direct Support Professional. She utilizes her skills and compassion to care for children and adults with disabilities both physical and intellectual.
The program was also able to assist with transportation costs and uniforms for work. All barriers presented were mitigated, and Naomee has successfully reached retention with the EARN program. A successful ending for both the participants and the agencies working together for our community.
Mark your calendars to find out more about our PA CareerLink® Services! Visit the job huts during PA CareerLink® Awareness Days from August 25 to September 15 to see how we help you with resumes, career coaching, learning about local hiring opportunities, and available career training options. Find our job huts in Easton on August 25, Bethlehem on September 8, and Allentown on September 15.
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Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities/Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Programs at PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley are funded in whole or in part by federal funds. Detailed information can be found at www.lvwib.org/stevens-amendment. Equal Opportunity Officer: EqualOpportunity@careerlinklv.org or 610-841-8332 TTY Line 610-437-0741. More information on adaptive equipment and Equal Opportunity resources can be found at www.lvwib.org/equal-opportunity-and-adaptive-equipment. ... See MoreSee Less
Looking to boost your team's skills? SkillUP™ Lehigh Valley offers free training and employee assessment screenings! With over 6,000 courses and 130 certifications, we help companies like yours create custom course clusters to develop your workforce. Learn more: lvwib.org/training-service-providers/skillup/
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Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities/Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Programs at PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley are funded in whole or in part by federal funds. Detailed information can be found at www.lvwib.org/stevens-amendment. Equal Opportunity Officer: EqualOpportunity@careerlinklv.org or 610-841-8332 TTY Line 610-437-0741. More information on adaptive equipment and Equal Opportunity resources can be found at www.lvwib.org/equal-opportunity-and-adaptive-equipment. ... See MoreSee Less
🚀 Youth Spotlight: J’Livette’s Journey of Workforce Success! 🌟
Meet J’Livette, a recent high school graduate with big dreams of becoming a psychologist. Through the WIOA In-School Youth program, offered by the Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board in partnership with PA CareerLink®, she gained real-world experience, career-readiness skills, and the confidence to succeed.
After completing employability training and a paid work experience at the Allentown Public Library, J’Livette landed a retail job and is preparing to start her next chapter at Moravian University this fall! 🎓💼
Her journey is just one example of how workforce programs empower local youth to grow, lead, and achieve. 💪 ... See MoreSee Less