HigHmark LocaL
Workforce iniTiaTive
outcomes report
highmark.com
strengthening communities, changing Lives
Dear friends,
In building healthier and stronger communities, nothing is more critical than access to sustainable employment
for everyone—those who have lost a job or never had one; individuals challenged by poverty or disability;
young adults with literacy issues, a lack of skills and job experience; and veterans returning home to a
depressed job market.
To help address these types of barriers and promote job training and career development, we launched the
Highmark Local Workforce Initiative (HLWI) in 2011. For the first year of the initiative, we focused on outreach
and took an assessment of local employment issues to identify the specific workforce needs throughout
our service area in Pennsylvania. In 2012, we finalized the Request For Proposal (RFP) and distributed the
funds in partnership with four local foundations.
The two-year, $2.4 million initiative, developed with the assistance of union officials, community partners and
workforce development experts, provided cash grants of at least $50,000 to 31 nonprofit organizations across
Pennsylvania. Each organization had a proven track record in making a positive impact on diverse rural and
urban neighborhoods in Pennsylvania.
We met regularly with the selected organizations throughout the grant period to discuss challenges, promote
collaboration and clarify outcomes. Funding was targeted to newly developed or expanded programs exclusively
designed to help unemployed and underemployed adults and youth find a pathway to meaningful jobs and
family-sustaining wages.
Results to date are already a cause for celebration (see Key Statistics on page 3). We expect the number of
job placements, promotions and wage increases to continually climb as new funding sources come forward,
enabling these highly successful programs to continue.
All 31 funded programs are listed on the pages that follow, along with a brief description and results summary.
In addition, six program participants are featured to illustrate the lives that have been changed by this initiative —
and by the organizations that have made it a success. Our thanks goes to all of them.
Daniel a. onorato
evan S. frazier
executive vice President
external affairs & communications
Highmark inc.
Senior vice President
community affairs
Highmark inc.
1
program snapshot & Key statistics
“The Highmark Local Workforce Initiative grant provided people
in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley with the
resources they needed to learn new skills to find jobs where
they could earn family-sustaining wages. The flexibility of
this grant allowed the nonprofits to develop new training and
job-support programs without restrictions, which was integral
to the success of the program and, ultimately, the participant.”
David Black, ceo
Harrisburg regional
chamber and creDc
“A capable and engaged workforce is critical to economic health
and vitality. In the Pittsburgh region, we’re working to ensure
that no talent is left behind. Investments such as Highmark’s
are helping to identify and deliver comprehensive workforce
development programs. Southwestern Pennsylvania has a
lot going for it. Preparing everyone to make the most of the
opportunity is an important goal in our region.”
Dennis Yablonsky, ceo
allegheny conference on
community Development
More than two-thirds of the funded
organizations indicated that new
partnerships and collaborations were
formed due to the Highmark Local
Workforce Initiative.
2
community outreach
$2.4
million invested
31
5,900+
Programs funded /
active grantees
individuals
Served
190
individuals Served
per Program
(on average)
36
counties impacted
across central and
Western Pa.
Training / Services Provided
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
adult education
Basic computer Skills
case management
coaching
employable Skills
geD Preparation
Job readiness
on-the-Job Training
resume Writing
Job Placement
community outcomes
785
504
180
23
Job Placements
Job retentions
advancements or
Wage increases
organizations formed
new collaborations
Career Industries Impacted
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
administrative Services
Banking / finance
Building & construction
child care
customer Service
energy / gas
Health care
Hospitality
manufacturing
Plumbing / Pipefitting
retail
Telemarketing
Utility Services
Warehousing
3
FunDeD programs
arch proJect
careerForce centers
Westmoreland-fayette Workforce
investment Board
Lehigh valley Business education Partnership
The ARCH project provided training and employment
in the health care industry for unemployed and low-wage
workers, in addition to combining case management and
conseling with occupational training and employer
recruitment assistance. The initial program served 60
individuals and successfully placed 20 program participants
as nursing assistants or phlebotomists. Many were previously
unemployed single parents, but are now in the beginning
steps of a career in health care. Additional funding to
continue the program has been secured.
contact: William J. Thompson
Phone: 724-755-2145
fax: 724-755-0914
email: wthompson@westfaywib.org
caLL center training
Life’s Work of Western Pennsylvania
Focused on military veterans, the call center training
program included a three-day evaluation process;
work readiness training, covering resume-writing
and online job-searching; and eight weeks of training
to learn computer and customer service skills in a call
center environment. Job counselors worked one-on-one
with each program graduate to help him or her find
competitive employment in the community. As a result,
12 out of 21 program participants were placed. Job
placement will continue through a partnership with
the Veteran’s Association.
contact: Kevin Kenny
Phone: 412-471-2600 Ext. 330
fax: 412-535-0418
email: kkenny@lifesworkwpa.org
4
Two Lehigh Valley CareerFORCE Centers were established,
staffed and equipped in the Bethlehem Area School District
to increase career awareness and planning, and to provide a
menu of work readiness activities for more than 3,600 students.
Participants were taught job-search techniques and solutions
to workforce barriers were provided with introductions to a
variety of occupations. The program will be sustained through
a career awareness class that will be permanently imbedded in
the freshman curriculum.
contact: Nancy Dischinat
Phone: 610-841-1122
fax: 610-437-3527
email: ndischinat@lvwib.org
certiFieD nursing assistant program
Johnstown area regional industries
This new initiative was designed to provide 50 unemployed,
underemployed or displaced individuals with specialized
training that offers career ladders, leads to family-sustaining
wages and includes placement options. The centerpiece
was a 160-hour certified nursing assistant program, including
classroom instruction and clinical training. Of the participants
who completed the course, 27 personally paid for their
certification tests—and all passed; 17 have been placed in
nursing assistant positions.
contact: Debi Balog
Phone: 814-262-8366
fax: 814-535-8677
email: dbalog@jari.com
chiLD care schoLarships
child care information Services, inc.
For low-income, young working parents in Northampton
County, child care scholarships removed a barrier to
continued employment and made additional work hours
possible. For 56 families and 65 children on the waiting
list for state subsidized child care, the scholarships
eliminated a five to seven-month wait, and supportive
coaching helped resolve work and family demands.
Of the scholarship recipients, 90 percent maintained
their jobs and 32 increased their current earnings.
contact: Betsy Gilgoff
Phone: 610-419-4500
fax: 610-419-3888
email: broberts@ccisinc.org
construction 101
Lancaster county Workforce
investment Board
This eight-week training program, with an internship
component, was designed to help prepare disadvantaged
minority youth and ex-offenders for careers in skilled trades
in construction and manufacturing. Of the 82 participants
who completed training, 30 found employement. Additional
success is expected because the project is continuing thanks
to traditional and new funding sources—and because
employers have begun to ask when more trained
graduates will be available.
contact: Scott Sheely
Phone: 717-735-0333
fax: 717-735-0335
email: ssheely@lancastercountywib.com
empLoyment support services
& access technoLogy center
Blind & vision rehabilitation
Services of Pittsburgh
Designed to serve adults with vision impairment or other
disabilities, this program included job readiness training
and computer classes for 32 participants. Computers were
equipped with screen reading, screen magnification and voice
recognition software, and instruction was individualized for
all levels of proficiency. A “job club” component enabled
participants to learn from each other and develop strategies
to overcome employment barriers. Five participants were
placed, and funding has been received to extend the
program to teens and young adults.
contact: Leslie K. Montgomery-Reidenbaugh
Phone: 412-368-4400 Ext. 2253
fax: 412-368-4090
email: lmontgomery@pghvis.org
Fit 4 poWDer metaL
community education council
of elk and cameron counties
This short-term training program was developed as
preparation for entry-level positions in the powder metal
industry. Classes culminated with an “interview day”
in which all students were assigned 15-minute interviews
with six to nine local area employers. Out of 35 program
participants, 28 were hired. Instruction was also provided
to 33 skilled employees in the industry to help them
improve in-house training. New ways to fund the program
are now under consideration.
contact: Kate Lomax
Phone: 814-781-3437
fax: 814-781-3447
email: kate@ed-council.org
5
FunDeD programs
pam
certified nursing assistant Program
JohnstoWn area regionaL inDustries
“When I learned that JARI was offering a certified
nursing assistant program, with the fees covered,
I knew it was an answer to my prayer.”
pam’s story
Pam always wanted to work in the medical field, but spending time with her young children was her top priority, so she opted
for child care instead and opened a day care center that her little girls could attend. Pam and her business partner, who is one
of her best friends, operated the center for 16 years, but with the economic downturn, business began to dwindle, and the center
eventually closed its doors. It was a serious financial setback, but it opened the way for something new.
“I decided it was my time to do what I wanted to do,” Pam said. And what she wanted was a career in health care. She began looking
for ways to enter the medical field, and training to become a nurse’s aide seemed like the best route. Money, however, was tight
and tuition was beyond reach. Then she discovered a new program offered by Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI).
“When I learned that JARI was offering a certified nursing assistant program, with the fees covered, I knew it was an
answer to my prayer,” she said.
Pam was quick to enroll in the 160-hour program and describes the classroom instruction and clinical training as “excellent.”
She passed her state certification test on April 29, 2013, becoming a registered certified nurse aide (CNA). Pam launched her
career just one month later.
Today, she’s working full-time in the stepdown trauma surgical unit at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in
Johnstown, Pa. and loves it.
“What I like best is making a difference for patients,” Pam said. “They appreciate everything you do. Just the other day an elderly
lady introduced me to her family as ‘the angel who’s been taking care of me all day.’ It makes you feel awesome.”
6
get2WorK centraL pa
hospitaLity inDustry training
central Pennsylvania Workforce
Development corporation
St. martin center, inc.
Expanding this existing initiative to a broader population
of out-of-school youth and young adults in seven counties
brought intensive support to those who are often
overlooked or found ineligible for government-funded
programs. A youth-oriented, customer-service curriculum
was also developed. Seventy-seven participants received
career guidance and counseling, paid work experience
and assistance in finding and retaining employment.
Job placements, including customer service positions,
were found for 34 participants.
contact: Rachel Smith
Phone: 570-568-6868 Ext. 225
fax: 570-568-6867
email: rsmith@cpwdc.org
heaLth careers anD manuFacturing
Lancaster-Lebanon education foundation
Forty-five adult education students in Lebanon County
participated in new classes designed to provide basic
skills instruction within the context of health care
and manufacturing careers. The program provided the
training and certifications needed for permanent and
self-sustaining employment, with paid internships
included. Both courses will be incorporated into a
federally funded adult education curriculum as part
of the Career Pathways Initiative.
contact: Sandra J. Strunk
Phone: 717-606-1873
fax: 717-606-1378
email: sandy_strunk@iu13.org
This program provided hospitality and culinary training,
including food preparation, sanitation and handling, kitchen
safety, customer service and serving, specifically developed
for the unemployed, military veterans and new Americans.
Hands-on experience in a catering/food service setting
was also provided, along with work readiness training, job
placement services and follow-up monitoring. Private/public
partnerships and academic collaborations to sustain the
program are being explored.
contact: David González
Phone: 814-452-6113 Ext. 210
fax: 814-461-9483
email: dgonzalez@stmartincenter.org
LaBor-management cLearinghouse
keystone research center
Designed to connect low-income residents in the Pittsburgh
area with family-sustaining wages and careers, primarily
in building and construction, this program begins with the
recruitment process and continues through to assessment and
training, one-on-one case management, job placement and
retention support. Strengthened recruitment/outreach
efforts identified 600 candidates within nine months, which
was more than double that of the previous year. Of the
identified candidates, 84 have already been placed.
contact: Steve Herzenberg/Angela Arrington
Phone: 412-325-1565 Ext. 38
fax: 412-325-1670
email: angela@winnets.com
7
FunDeD programs
richarD
construction 101
Lancaster county WorKForce investment BoarD
“Getting into construction really paid off for me.
A full-time job opened up, and I got it.”
richarD’s story
“I like working with my hands,” Richard said, “so anything mechanical or in construction where you use hand tools and power
tools is where my natural abilities lie.” That’s why he was a natural fit for Construction 101.
Richard had been working in manufacturing, mostly in injection molding operations, but was laid off in January 2009.
Unable to find a new job, he worked for a while helping a friend in his automotive repair shop—until it went out of business.
“Out of the past four years, there were probably two when I had no work at all,” he said. “It was a tough time, and if it wasn’t for
family and friends, and the training I got, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
Richard completed the Ready2Work program at PA CareerLink® of Lancaster County and began the eight-week course offered
by the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board and its training contractor, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Classroom work and a paid on-the-job internship provided instruction in safety procedures, hand and power tools, blueprint
reading, measuring and basic framing. After graduation, Richard continued to work with PA CareerLink, sharpening his jobsearch and interview skills.
When he saw a construction job advertised in the Sunday paper, Richard submitted his application in person first thing on
Monday morning. He was called back for an interview later that day—and hired on the next!
“Getting into construction really paid off for me. A full-time job opened up, and I got it,” he said.
Richard likes his job with Mobile/Modular in Leola, Pa., a company that specializes in mobile office trailers and commercial
modular buildings. He’s getting back on his feet, and has learned a few things. “You’ve got to be patient,” he said, “and
you’ve got to work hard. If you do, good things have to come from that.”
8
manuFacturing
FounDations eXpansion
mentors community
WeaLth-BuiLDing initiative
regional center for Workforce excellence
PoiSe foundation
With a focus on two related missions, this program helped
entry-level employees develop the skills they need to move
up the career ladder, while also helping Crawford and
Warren County employers maintain a well-trained workforce.
Training in specific manufacturing and metalworking skills
was provided for 23 newly hired employees, with 22
successfully completing the program. At least 10 of the
positions would not have been filled if not for this program.
To assist employers with identifying qualified minority job
candidates, and to capitalize on opportunities in Marcellus
Shale drilling, a six-week, industry specific training course was
offered to 44 African-American men from underserved areas in
the Pittsburgh region. Relationships with potential employers
provided a direct connection to the newly qualified job seekers,
and 21 job placements resulted. Initial funding from industry
partners to continue the program has been secured.
contact: Roland Andris
Phone: 814-333-1286 Ext. 111
fax: 814-333-1754
email: randris@nwpawib.org
contact: Shirrell Burton
Phone: 412-281-4967
fax: 412-562-0292
email: sburton@poisefdn.org
manuFacturing 2000
nca WorKForce DeveLopment
new century careers
northShore community alliance
Established more than a decade ago, this machinist
training and rapid re-employment program was able
to continue despite the elimination of state funding.
The program includes job readiness preparation, handson machinist training and machine shop math and
blueprint reading instruction. And, with job placement
assistance, 26 of the 27 most recent program graduates
are now employed. The program is expected to continue,
with partial funding already in place for an additional
three years.
Expanded outreach in employment training, career
exploration and GED preparatory classes, combined with
case management and job search assistance, provided
strong support for more than 150 Allegheny County residents
and resulted in 44 job placements. In addition, two job
fairs in the Manchester section of Pittsburgh attracted nearly
400 individuals–many of whom had previously given up
on finding a job–and directly connected them with
potential employers.
contact: Paul Anselmo
Phone: 412-258-6622
fax: 412-258-6625
email: anselmo@ncsquared.com
contact: Carol Washington
Phone: 412-322-7400 Ext. 310
fax: 412-697-6352
email: cwashington@ncapgh.org
9
FunDeD programs
LisanDra
s2L: career Path
Lehigh vaLLey center For inDepenDent Living, inc.
“I was looking for a job for more than a year,
but I never gave up … I don’t give up at all.”
LisanDra’s story
A 2010 graduate of William Allen High School, but without any work experience, Lisandra was spending much of her time at home.
She had been using a wheelchair since childhood, but despite her physical challenges, she was highly motivated and wanted a
job. “I wanted to be more independent,” she said, “and I wanted to help people.”
With assistance from her family, Lisandra turned to the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and in the spring of 2011,
was referred to the Career Path program offered by the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. That changed everything.
In Career Path classes, she became more comfortable meeting new people. And through skills training, she developed the work-
essential skills she would need for job applications and interviews. She learned about teamwork, explored career possibilities
and completed vocational assessments in her areas of interest. Then, with the help of Career Path staff, she was ready to begin her first job search. It wouldn’t be easy.
“I was looking for a job for more than a year,” Lisandra said, “but I never gave up.” She may have been discouraged, but was never
defeated. And her determination seems to be in her DNA. “I don’t give up,” she said. “I don’t give up at all.” Neither does the
Career Path team, and because of its key relationships with local employers, and their strong support for Lisandra, her
perseverance finally paid off.
Hired as a part-time customer service representative by Carmike Cinemas in Center Valley, Pa., she’s now greeting moviegoers, taking their tickets and directing them to the appropriate movie theater. “I like my job,” she said, “I like everything about it.” Lisandra gets to work independently, using public transportation. She had been looking for more independence,
and now she has it.
10
neW american initiative: Learning
Language through technoLogy
nurse aiDe training
anD LaDDers program
Urban erie community Development
corporation
Wrc Pennsylvania memorial Home
To improve the language skills of 112 new Americans,
this initiative used language software as a critical
component of an enhanced English as a Second Language
(ESL) training program. The ESL course was designed to
teach the language and core concepts related to employment
in the health care, manufacturing and transportation industries
as well as the building trades. The program also directly
connected job seekers and potential employers, and 15
participants were placed.
contact: Gary Horton
Phone: 814-899-3904
fax: 814-898-3633
email: ghorton@uecdc.org
neW choices
Pennsylvania Women Work
An expansion of career development classes in seven
Western Pennsylvania counties helped 88 low-income
and unemployed individuals develop the skills they
needed to successfully navigate the job market. Additional
classes and workshops, such as budgeting and financial
management were incorporated into the standard curriculum,
and a new, five-week “fast track” summer class was added.
Of 88 program participants, 56 were placed. Many others
went on to community colleges, trade schools and
apprenticeship programs.
contact: Lynda Broze
Phone: 412-391-5101
fax: 412-225-1217
email: lbroze@pawomenwork.org
This new in-house training program exceeds the Department
of Education standards for certified nurse aide (CNA) classes.
It was designed to identify, train and educate previously
unemployed or underemployed individuals and provide
them with the skill set and certification needed to
enter the field of long-term health care. A peer monitoring
program was also developed to improve communication
and job retention. Program results included 16 job placements,
12 promotions and salary increases.
contact: Stephanie Cable
Phone: 814-849-1205
fax: 814-849-7426
email: scable@wrc.org
peer-to-peer WorKForce DeveLopment
national alliance on mental illness (nami)
of erie county
Developed for people with mental illness who are interested
in a path to wellness and recovery, this peer-to-peer program
helps individuals create a health recovery plan and eliminate
barriers to employment. Job readiness and financial
management training, individual job coaching and placement
services were included. Of 100 people served, 60 were
placed in new jobs, 40 retained their positions and 15 were
promoted. Additional funding sources to continue the program
are now under review.
contact: Denise L. Kolivoski
Phone: 814-456-1773
fax: 814-451-0340
email: denise@namierie.org
11
FunDeD programs
Jorge
Veterans LeadershiP Program
vLp LocaL WorKForce initiative
“I love what I do. I’m really excited about it,
and I want to continue growing my business.”
Jorge’s story
After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1983, Jorge returned to Pittsburgh to raise a family. He held various jobs before
accepting a position at the Veterans Administration Hospital, where he worked for nearly 18 years. Opting for early retirement,
he headed to Florida with his wife, Ethel, and opened a small cleaning business with three employees in Clearwater. However,
the economic downturn took its toll and the business failed.
Jorge and Ethel returned to Pittsburgh in the summer of 2012, but it was a very difficult time. “We were living in my little
automobile for awhile,” Jorge said. Ethel found part-time work, but her salary was small. And then Jorge found his way
to the Veterans Leadership Program (VLP). “The VLP helped me in so many ways,” he said. “I’m proud to have been a veteran
and to be working with such a great organization.”
Housing case managers found a place for Jorge and Ethel to live, and career case managers underwrote tuition so that Jorge
could take a semester of business and accounting courses at the Community College of Allegheny County. “I’d like to go back
to school whenever I can afford it,” Jorge said. But, in the meantime, he’s building his own business.
Early in 2013, Jorge and Ethel launched a new company, Veteran Cleaning Services, LLC. The business, which provides residential
and commercial cleaning services, is building a customer list that includes a day care center, a number of condos and a very
special client—the Veterans Leadership Program. “It’s great to work with VLP,” Jorge said. “I do my part and I hope they like the
work. I love what I do. I’m really excited about it, and I want to keep growing my business.”
Jorge hopes that eventually he’ll be able to hire some veterans. “It’s going to be a long journey,” he said. “It takes time, patience
and dedication to grow a business, but hopefully, one of these days I can put somebody to work.”
12
QuicK train For JoBs
s2L: career path
Three rivers Workforce investment Board
Lehigh valley center for independent
Living, inc.
This interactive training dashboard was designed for job
seekers and the organizations that serve them. For job
seekers, it provides streamlined information about available
short-term training in Western Pennsylvania and connects
them to service providers and community resources that
alleviate barriers to employment. For service providers, this
newly developed Web-based tool helps match qualified and
motivated individuals with subsidized training programs.
It also generates reporting data for training administrators,
career counselors and job placement specialists. The ultimate
goal is for the training tool to be used regionally.
contact: Andrea Longini
Phone: 412-552-7090
fax: 412-552-7091
email: alongini@trwib.org
reaDing reBounD
United community Services
for Working families
A comprehensive employment education program,
Reading Rebound was developed to connect urban minority
youth to jobs with family-sustaining wages. The program
primarily focused on work readiness training, GED tutoring,
case management and support services, creating job
shadowing opportunities and job placement. Of 38 program
participants, 26 are now employed. Through a partnership
with the city of Reading, options for sustaining the program
are under consideration.
contact: Ruth M. Mathews
Phone: 610-374-3319
fax: 484-664-2853
email: ruth.mathews@comcast.net
For young people with disabilities transitioning from
high school to adult life, the Career Path program provides
vocational and life skills training, with future employment
as the ultimate goal. Relationships have been established
with more than 240 potential employers to link their needs
with Career Path candidates. To date, the program has
resulted in 35 interviews and 16 job offers, and the process
is ongoing. For employed participants, support continues
as needed, helping to ensure long-term success.
contact: Joe Michener
Phone: 610-770-9781 Ext. 131
fax: 610-770-9801
email: joemichener@lvcil.org
south centraL WorKForce soLutions
United Way of the capital region
In this first effort to address workforce development challenges,
minority and low-income youth and young adults were
connected to career education and family-supporting job
opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Training included
a “boot camp” on basic literacy, math and employability
skills, as well as industry-specific manufacturing and forklift
training. Of 63 participants, 16 are employed, and a three-year
commitment has been made to continue the program.
contact: Tim Whelan
Phone: 717-732-0700 Ext. 4053
fax: 717-732-5200
email: twhelan@uwcr.org
13
FunDeD programs
KeLLy
get2WorK centraL Pa
centraL pennsyLvania WorKForce
DeveLopment corporation
“I have attainable goals that I want to work
toward; I have higher standards for myself.”
KeLLy’s story
“There’s got to be something better than delivering pizza for the rest of my life.” That’s what Kelly was thinking when someone
walked into the pizzeria asking to post a flyer about a career placement program. The program was GET2WORK Central PA,
and it would mean big changes for Kelly in a very short amount of time.
She joined GET2WORK Central Pa. in June 2013, making it clear that she didn’t want a job—she wanted a career, but in the short
term, her immediate goal was full-time employment. Her first steps were life skills and financial literacy workshops. “Money
management training helped the most,” she said, “because I never knew how to manage my money.”
Armed with new-found life skills and encouraged and guided by her workforce specialist, Kelly began her job search.
“The GET2WORK Central PA program gave me the motivation that I never thought I would have,” she said. And that motivation
quickly paid off. In August 2013, she accepted a full-time position, with benefits, at the Sheetz gas station/convenience store
in Elysburg, Pa.
Kelly began as a salesperson, but in just three weeks, she was promoted to shift supervisor. She completed a four-week training
program in October and believes she is on track to become an assistant manager. “I really landed a good job here,” she said.
“There is a lot of opportunity and a lot of room for growth. And I’m hoping to be a store manager by this time next year.”
With a steady job and family-sustaining salary, Kelly was able to move into her own apartment, and because it’s a two-bedroom,
her four-year-old daughter, Clarissa, has her own room for the first time. “The apartment is really beautiful,” Kelly said, “and I can
actually afford it because now I know how to manage my money.”
Working at Sheetz has encouraged Kelly to learn more about retail business management, and a college degree may well be
in her future. “I actually have attainable goals that I want to work toward,” she said. “I have higher standards for myself.”
14
springBoarD Kitchens
vLp LocaL WorKForce initiative
Lutheran Service Society/Springboard
kitchens
veterans Leadership Program
A new internship program and new partnership with the
Allegheny Intermediate Unit to build workplace skills and
behavioral therapy significantly enhanced this on-the-job
culinary training initiative. This organization primarily serves
ex-offenders re-entering society, people with mental illness
or addiction issues and the homeless. Paid internships have
already been provided to 17 clients in Allegheny County.
Job placement in above-minimum-wage food service jobs
have been found for 26 out of the 62 program participants.
Internships will continue through earned revenue growth
and public funding.
contact: Jennifer Flanagan
Phone: 412-780-6352
fax: 412-471-2909
email: jflanagan@sbkpgh.org
step it up
Harrisburg area community
college foundation
This six-step program is a holistic approach to job readiness
and career connections for at-risk young people in Franklin,
Adams and York counties. The program is customized to
help participants overcome specific barriers they may face.
The training focused on careers in health care, as well as
health care and computer numerical control (CNC)
machining, a high-demand, entry-level manufacturing job.
Relationships with local manufacturers will help sustain the
program, and 15 participants have already been placed.
contact: Linda B. Whipple
Phone: 717-780-2567
fax: 717-231-7670
email: lbwhippl@hacc.edu
Serving unemployed and underemployed military veterans
and their families in 14 Western Pennsylvania counties,
this program offers a comprehensive menu of training
opportunities and support services to help clients become
job-ready and retain employment. The educational
component includes classroom work, on-the-job training
and apprenticeships. Peer mentoring, rapid re-employment
assistance and collaborative efforts with the Veterans
Administration (VA) are also offered. More than 100 clients
have been served, 87 placed and 58 jobs retained.
contact: Michele Margittai
Phone: 412-481-8200
fax: 412-481-8202
email: margittaim@vlpwpa.org
Ways to WorK
family Services of Western Pennsylvania
This family loan initiative was designed to help working
families maintain economic stability by providing short-term,
low-interest loans despite challenging credit histories. Recently
expanded, the program is now available in six counties and
has served 165 individuals, parents and students. The program
includes financial literacy training, one-on-one budget
counseling and case management. It will be sustained with
funding from United Way in Allegheny and Washington
counties and a foundation grant.
contact: Donald Goughler
Phone: 412-820-2050
fax: 412-820-2060
email: cholodofskya@fswp.org
15
FunDeD programs
steve
manufacturing 2000
neW century careers
“I don’t think I would be where I am right
now without Manufacturing 2000.”
steve’s story
At the end of June 2013, Steve began working as an entry-level machinist at the global headquarters of Aerotech, Inc., a Pittsburghbased company that designs and manufactures precision motion control products. He’s operating a manual vertical mill, making
specialized machine parts, and he loves it.
A full-time employee with benefits, Steve has an official title of Level 2 Trainee because—after just three months on the job—the
company enrolled him into the four-year National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) Apprentice program. Because of
the training Steve had received through MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K), he was able to “advance place” out of the first full year
of classes and immediately move into his year-two apprenticeship instruction.
“The company is registering me with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor as a machinist apprentice,” Steve said, a necessary
step on the road to his journeyman papers. “I really appreciate the amount of support I get from Aerotech,” he continued,
“how fast they’re willing to let me grow and the opportunities that are available.”
He also appreciates his M2K training. “I don’t think I would be where I am right now without MANUFACTURING 2000,” he said.
Steve entered the M2K machinist training program after high school graduation and began classes at Pittsburgh’s Training and
Innovation Center in October 2012. “It’s a great facility,” he said, “and the training was really in depth. We learned to operate such
machines as manual mills and lathes and surface grinders; we studied trigonometry, blueprint reading and CNC programming.
We learned all the basics and were taught by great instructors who had tons of experience. It really got me into the groove of
being a machinist.”
Steve completed 564 hours of M2K training and, in the process, earned three National Institute for Metalworking Skills Industry
Credentials. “The M2K program set me up for a great start in machining and kick-started my career,” he said. “Everything that I
learned there, I’ve used on the job, and that’s really given me a great start at Aerotech.”
16
WorKForce preparation
yW-WorKs
Perry county Literacy council
YWca of greater Harrisburg
The purchase of a passenger vehicle and collaboration
with a local transportation company eliminated a major
barrier to training class attendance for unemployed,
at-risk young adults in rural Perry County. The van provided
transportation to and from a seven-week, 200-hour
workforce credentials course. With transportation issues
solved, GED preparation classes, post-secondary training
and job interviews were assured. In addition, case
management services were enhanced for 15 program
participants, all of whom received their GEDs and workcertified credentials.
Established to connect youth and young adults in Dauphin
and Lebanon counties to achievable and living-wage careers,
this initiative focused not only on immediate employment,
but also on education, training and work experience in regional
growth industries related to each individual’s particular strength.
Job readiness seminars, job-specific training and placement
services were provided, along with assistance with child care
and transportation. Of 156 program participants, 44 were
placed. The organization was able to leverage the workforce
grant to receive additional public funding.
contact: Kathleen Bentley
Phone: 717-567-7323
fax: 717-567-7997
email: kbentley@pa.net
contact: George Payne
Phone: 717-234-7931
fax: 717-234-1779
email: gpayne@ywcahbg.org
WorK Zone
Urban League of greater Pittsburgh
Individualized services for job search candidates with
significant employment barriers has recently enhanced
this workforce development program. One-on-one career
coaching introduced new career options and affordable
training opportunities, while maximizing professional
development workshops. Introduction to computer
training was incorporated into an expanded curriculum,
now including “soft skills,” such as decision-making,
problem-solving and work ethics. The program served
87 clients and resulted in 22 job placements. Steps to
continue workshops and career coaching services are
under review.
contact: Lynnette Taylor-Criego
Phone: 412-227-4230
fax: 412-227-4870
email: lcriego@ulpgh.org
17
Leveraging positive outcomes
new Strategies for continued Success
Dynamic new partnerships and collaborations were
formed not only among social service organizations
and educational institutions, but also with local
employers, unions and industries across the state,
both well-established and newly emerging.
Improved and more flexible programming allowed
a greater number of clients to be served, many of
whom would be ineligible under traditional
funding. Barriers to training and employment were
addressed with renewed creativity. And because of
proven results, Highmark’s Local Workforce Initiative
grants could be successfully leveraged with other
funders for the continuation and expansion
of new program models.
The representative examples to the right reflect
the type of results already achieved and the
program’s continued progress.
18
The funding flexibility of the Highmark
Local Workforce initiative encouraged
a climate of innovation and community
collaboration among all recipients.
1
2
3
4
a piLot program taKes oFF
Pennsylvania Women Work was able to create and
pilot a fast-track, five-week career development
program, a condensed version of the usual 10-week
course. Popular, efficient and successful, the new
approach fostered quicker entry into the job market.
And its proven track record helped the organization
leverage its HLWI grant into an additional $60,000
from local businesses.
a neW proJect taKes shape
In building on the success of YW-WorkS, the
HLWI-funded program was designed to connect
young people with achievable and living-wage
careers. The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg leveraged
its Highmark grant into a $924,574 YouthBuild project.
The new program continues the collaboration with key
agencies established through YW-WORKS. The program
partnered with local trades and unions to utilize their
expertise and increase construction-based employment
opportunities and apprenticeships.
7
8
Instead of “recreating the wheel,” St. martin center, inc.
turned to other organizations to offer culinary skills
training in the hospitality industry, such as Mercyhurst
University. St. Martin’s program was intended to be
shorter and more basic to allow for quicker entry
into the workforce, and its partnership with the
university provided valuable help with curriculum
development, contacts, job placement and more.
9
The United Way of the capital region determined
that selecting and referring job candidates who meet
employer entry requirements was the only way to
start a flow of individuals from the target community
into jobs and careers. Continuing that flow requires
working with individuals not initially able to meet
these requirements to bring them up to the standards.
Because candidates from the Harrisburg area
community college (HACC) Foundation’s training
program are so well-qualified, local manufacturing
companies are now donating materials to be used
in training and sending additional candidates to
HACC for instruction. In addition, Lancaster county,
Workforce investment Board’s Construction 101
program has local employers asking for more
trained graduates.
hitching a riDe
When the Perry county Literacy council used a large
portion of its grant money to provide transportation for
at-risk young people in rural communities, a clear lesson
was learned: no one turned down a ride. Data collected
shows that non-participation in training programs was
not linked to lack of interest, but to lack of access. The
newly purchased vehicle has solved the problem.
caring For chiLDren
BuiLDing a sense oF community
Interaction between participants was key to the
success of a program developed by the Blind & vision
rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. Because dealing
with a disability can be an isolating experience, the
new “job club” provided a sense of community.
The club enabled participants to meet others who
have dealt with the same problems and helped them
develop strategies for overcoming barriers that other
job hunters seldom encounter.
matching JoBs anD JoB seeKers
meeting empLoyer reQuirements
What goes arounD comes arounD
child care information Services underscored the
direct and positive impact of available and affordable
child care on the employment status of young, lowincome working parents. The availability of child care
scholarship funds and supportive coaching made a
measurable difference to more than 50 families in
Northampton County.
partnerships pay oFF
For the veterans Leadership Program, the changing
employment landscape—and the recent boom in
shale drilling—was an impetus to review its network
of employers, creating new connections that led to
more opportunities for clients. The drilling industry was
also a focus of the PoiSe foundation, which offered
industry-specific training, while helping potential
employers find qualified minority job candidates.
5
6
10
estaBLishing reLationships With empLoyers
Thanks to the flexibility of the HLWI grant, the Lehigh
valley center for independent Living was able to hire
a part-time staff member to concentrate on building
mutually beneficial relationships with employers and
provide ongoing coaching support for the employee.
It was a win-win situation for everyone. Prior to the
grant, staff often had to spend their time on “hit or miss”
opportunities that were not always the best match for
the employee or the employer.
19
acKnoWLeDgements
highmarK LocaL WorKForce initiative
aDvisory BoarD memBers
Central Pennsylvania
David Black
CEO, Harrisburg Regional
Chamber and CREDC
ed mccann
COO, Berks County Workforce
Investment Board
ellie Lamison
Manager, York Economic
Development Corporation
frank Siriani
President, PA Building and
Construction Trades Council
Jeffrey Woodyard
Executive Director, Tri-County OIC
nancy Dischinat
Executive Director, Lehigh Valley
Workforce Investment Board
omar Shute
Executive Director, Cumberland County
Economic Development Group
Phil mitman
Executive Director, Easton Industrial
Land Development Company, Inc.
rosemary Browne
Director (former), Programs and
Community Investment, The Foundation
for Enhancing Communities
Scott Sheely
Executive Director, Lancaster County
Workforce Investment Board
Terri kaufman
Executive Director, South Central
Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board
20
Western Pennsylvania
alex Johnson, Ph.D.
President (former), Community College
of Allegheny County
Dara Ware allen, Ph.D.
Executive Director (former), Youthworks
Linda Hippert, ed.D.
Executive Director, Allegheny Intermediate Unit
gabe morgan
Director, Pennsylvania SEIU
gary Horton
President/CEO, Urban Erie Community
Development Corporation
Jack Shea
President, Allegheny County Labor Council
Laura fisher
Senior Vice President, Allegheny Conference
Linda Thomson
President, Johnstown Area Regional Industries
melanie Harrington
CEO, Vibrant Pittsburgh
michele a. Zieziula
CEO, Regional Center for Workforce Excellence
richard Stanizzo
Business Manager, Pittsburgh Building
and Construction Trades Council
Stefani Pashman
CEO, Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board
community FounDation FiscaL
aDministrators
carol Dean Henn
President & CEO (retired),
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
Janice Black
President and CEO, The Foundation
for Enhancing Communities
michael Batchelor
President, The Erie Community Foundation
Yvonne maher
Vice President for Development and Donor
Services, The Pittsburgh Foundation
speciaL thanKs
Jorge
Veterans Leadership Program
kelly
GET2WORK Central PA
Lisandra
S2L: Career Path
Pam
Certified Nursing Assistant Program
richard
Construction 101
Steve
MANUFACTURING 2000
highmarK community aFFairs
Central Pennsylvania
Susan Hubley, Director
717-302-3843
Susan.Hubley@highmark.com
Western Pennsylvania
mary anne Papale, Director
412-544-4032
Mary.Papale@highmark.com
21
To learn more about what Highmark
is doing in the community, visit
www.highmark.com/communityimpact.
11/13
CS 106738
highmark.com