Lincoln County pilot program for employment and skills development builds on community partnerships
News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Lincoln County Partnership for Child Well-Being launched its Employment and Skills Development (ESD) pilot program in August 2015 to help improve family economic security by developing public-private partnerships that focus on adult and youth career development. ESD provides participants with career guidance and development services, helps find and secure affordable housing and child care services, assists with educational opportunities and GED testing, works to expand the network of county employers looking for workers, and establishes and maintains an expanding transportation network that assists participants who are applying for work or commuting to their jobs.
“Sometimes something as basic as not having reliable transportation keeps someone from getting or keeping a good job,” said Jami Earp, program coordinator. “Lincoln County citizens are hardworking people that may lack certain experiences or training for positions that would enhance employment opportunities. The team works with them to overcome those barriers so they can find employment or educational opportunities that enhances their ability to rise up out of poverty.”
The partnership is comprised of several entities including the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), nonprofit organizations, the faith community and other agencies. Specific job and skills development resources are provided through partnerships with Central Technology Center, Gordon Cooper Technology Center and First Capital Trolley.
“I am thrilled to see such tremendous response from our partners as we work to assist our customers find gainful employment,” said DHS Pottawatomie and Lincoln County Director Cindy Rudich. “We feel this partnership will play a critical role in the community for years to come.”
In addition, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services helps participants with disabilities gain access to resources that can help them gain better employment opportunities.
“The role of the Department of Rehabilitation Services on the ESD team is critical to help reach out to those youth with disabilities and their families who may not know of the resources out there to help with obtaining competitive integrated employment,” said Kimberly Osmani, DRS transition coordinator. “We have a niche that we fill and actively work as part of the team to help youth transition while in high school and upon completion.”
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