The WorkPlace
Mission Statement
The mission of The WorkPlace is to develop a well-educated, well-trained, and self-sufficient workforce that can compete in the changing global marketplace. We carry out our mission by encouraging every discipline within the organization to innovate and activate as ideas are placed in motion for the greater good of the economy and society as a whole. The majority of people served by The WorkPlace are dislocated workers, low-wage workers, long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, mature workers, veterans, out-of-school youth. On average, nearly 33,000 people are served through the American Job Centers and WorkPlace projects. The WorkPlace is responsible for more than 20 programs. All programs are designed to help specific populations overcome barriers to employment, providing opportunities for all to succeed in the workforce and enable participants to develop stronger financial futures. Individuals are able to break the cycle of poverty by acquiring job skills leading to meaningful employment.
About This Cause
The WorkPlace, Southwestern Connecticut’s Regional Workforce Development Board, has a 33-year track record in workforce development training, employment and education. The WorkPlace helps people prepare for careers and strengthens the workforce for employers. As the regional workforce development board, The WorkPlace administers job training and preparation funds allocated by state and federal agencies, as well as private support from foundations and corporations. We believe in the power of ideas to affect great change -- so we act as convener, catalyst, collaborator and advocate for workforce development throughout the region, state and nation. The WorkPlace engages economic development representatives, community representatives and the public by inviting them to public planning meetings; by inviting entities to partner in WorkPlace projects, including federal competitive grant opportunities; by requesting input on planning projects; by inviting local officials to participate on WorkPlace committees; and by connecting with economic development officials when area employers are looking to expand their workforces. The WorkPlace holds forums throughout the region on a variety of workforce development topics to educate the public on our programs, goals and objectives. Beyond traditional training programs, The WorkPlace fulfills more than the basic requirements of a workforce development board, seeking additional state and federal competitive grants and funding from foundations and corporations to help “fill-the-gap” in training to serve more people in-need. With the additional funding, we are able to provide more access to job preparedness, skills training, vocational certification, education, and career counseling to better prepare unemployed and under-employed individuals for meaningful employment at jobs with economic mobility. For purpose of brevity, below are descriptions of four of our key programs. American Job Centers - The WorkPlace operates four American Job Centers in Bridgeport, Derby, Ansonia and Stamford. American Job Centers match employers to qualified job seekers, including job seekers with disabilities. The Health CareeRx Academy is designed to prepare people to be employed in health care careers. It provides occupational training, work readiness, and other supports to low-income and long-term unemployed individuals who desire to start or enhance a career in health care. Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County is a program that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program is designed to help at risk mortgage borrowers increase their job skills and become more financially stable so they can keep their home. The program offers: customized employment services, job training, job placement assistance, financial literacy, credit counseling, and referrals to other services. Additional programs include the Mobile Career Coach, Valor Programs supporting our veterans, YouthWorks, YouthBridge, Job First Employment Services, STEP UP Programs, Face Forward and Re-Entry Mentoring Programs, and the Retail Academy. The Board of Directors is community-focused, members are nominated by chief elected officials in the 20 cities and towns in The WorkPlace's region. A majority of the board members are business leaders; other board members include representatives from labor, human resources, community-based organizations, education, and government. The WorkPlace serves individuals residing in 20 towns and cities in southwestern Connecticut, including Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bridgeport, Darien, Derby, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton. Individuals connect with no-cost services through the four American Job Centers located in Bridgeport, Stamford, Ansonia and Derby.