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Dignitaries cut the ribbon making the Arizona Workforce Connection officially open for business. John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
The Arizona Workforce Connection and Adelante Juntos Coalition (AJC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the opening of a one stop center at the AJC El Centro Youth Center in San Manuel. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local business people, non-profit organizations, and employees of Central Arizona Government (CAG). The one stop center offers the use of two computers to file for unemployment insurance, family assistance programs such as SNAP, seek employment and apply for jobs all on-line. It is part of the CAG Workforce Investment Act (WIA) that works with individuals and businesses to develop a skilled labor force for employers. The WIA is a federally funded program.
The ribbon was cut by Diana Polanco of Adelante Juntos. Dave Franquero, an employment specialist with the Work Investment Act Dislocated Worker Program spoke about the services offered at the new one stop resource center. The one stop center provides information on jobs, training, education and resources for both adults and youth. The youth program is for those between the ages of 14 and 21 who meet income eligibility criteria. The income criteria are based on family size and income. Some of the services provided to youth include: help obtaining your high school diploma or GED test; work readiness training; assistance with tuition and books; and career guidance.
Adult services and programs include: basic skills education; career development; GED pre-testing and preparation; on-the-job training; referrals to community agencies; and career and educational training. A one stop center is also available in Mammoth at the Mammoth Library. The two new one stop centers are a welcome addition to the Tri-Community and will provide much needed services to the people of the community. If you have a computer and would like to learn more about the Arizona Workforce Connection and the WIA visit their website: www.azjobconnection.gov. Better yet, visit the one stop center at the El Centro Youth Center.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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