NEWS
JobAssist Expands to Four Additional Wyoming Communities
CHEYENNE- The Department of Workforce Services is expanding its Healthy Families Succeed JobAssist Program to include Jackson, Cody, Casper and Sheridan. This program, which started in March 2008 as a pilot project for Laramie County, is aimed at establishing greater job skills leading to sustained self-sufficiency for Wyoming families already receiving two or more publically-funded state services (such as benefits from Food Stamps or Medicaid, or services from the Department of Corrections or the Department of Employment).
Joan Evans, Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, said, "As we've seen in Laramie County, the JobAssist program has a high potential for assisting clients who receive a variety of state services. With the support of the executive and legislative branches in Wyoming as well as state agency directors, this program has demonstrated a method of improving cross-agency coordination that leads to less dependence on state services and entry into employment for these clients."
JobAssist works closely with its partner, Human Capital Management Services, to help clients with coordinating all publicly funded services, facilitating cross-agency collaboration, accessing training and education, and connecting supportive services to clients.
From March 2008 until now, JobAssist has served citizens located primarily in Cheyenne. The pilot enrolled 280 individuals and their families. A significant number of participants were able to access training services that led to recognized certificates and diplomas in high demand careers that pay self-sufficient wages. Other participants were able to access intensive services that also resulted in employment and increased job stability. Because of these successes and additional funding received from the Wyoming Department of Family Services, JobAssist is able to expand into Jackson, Cody, Casper and Sheridan.
Dr. Ann Reyes, JobAssist Program Coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, said, "JobAssist helps to match improved employment opportunities and the needed training to low-income families. The Department's JobAssist Program has taken a lead role in facilitating coordination among several agencies to ensure that the clients receive the maximize benefit that will lead them to self-sufficiency in the fastest possible way."
Listen to the audio from Joan Evans, Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
Listen to the audio from Ann Reyes, JobAssist Program Coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
