As COVID-19 continues to impact business around the globe, finding and keeping employment has become a struggle for many in West Virginia and beyond.
But help is available.
Tracey Kennedy, with the Human Resource Development Foundation, said there are a number of programs available through the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.
Kennedy explained that HRDF works with the Region VI Workforce Development Board to assist eligible individuals by directing WIOA dollars for a variety of programs, including education, training, certifications or licensure, among others.
“Basically anything a person needs in order to obtain a job and gain stable employment,” she explained. “The whole goal of our organization is to serve the underserved, whether that’s the unemployed, underemployed, low-income, ex-offenders, those in treatment or having trouble with addiction. That is kind of our target audience, the underserved of West Virginia.”
There are eligibility requirements for WIOA assistance. You must be an adult authorized to work in the U.S. Workers who have been laid off, terminated or have exhausted unemployment benefits and are unlikely to return to their former industry are eligible. Also, those who were previously self-employed but are now unemployed due to economic conditions.
Anyone who is receiving public assistance through programs like SSI, SNAP and TANF are automatically eligible. Otherwise, there is an income guideline based on the household.
Kennedy explained that anyone in Monongalia and Preston counties can contact WIOA Career Planner Tabetha Burch at 304-296-8223 Ext. 24. The Monongalia and Preston County office is located at 1644 Mileground Road.
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