Narrative: a. 10.

The following organizations have entered into a contract or memorandum of understanding with the Family Support Division.

Division of Workforce Development (DWD):

The FSD has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DWD. The DWD then has a MOU with each of the fourteen Workforce Development Boards (WDB) to provide SkillUP services in the Job Centers.

The FSD entered into an agreement with the DWD in January 2016 as the ABAWD waiver was expiring and FSD wanted to offer ABAWDs a variety of options and locations to meet their new work requirements. By entering into this agreement, the number of locations Food Stamp recipients could be served increased from 4 to 39.

DWD offers all SkillUP components including: staff assisted job search, job search training, work-based learning, vocational training, education, and entrepreneurial training. SkillUP participants can be placed in any component based on their employment plan. If the participant will begin short-term training, cohorts start on a regular basis. Participants can engage in a variety of other components as outlined in Appendix B until the cohorts begin.

SkillUP services are offered through 35 Job Center locations in the following locations: Arnold, Branson, Cape Girardeau, Chillicothe, Clinton, Columbia, Hannibal, Independence, Jefferson City, Joplin, 3 locations in Kansas City, Kennett, Kirksville, Lebanon, Linn Creek, Nevada, Park Hills, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, 2 locations in St. Louis County, St. Louis City (SLATE), Sedalia, Sikeston, Springfield, St. Charles County, St. Joseph, Warrenton, Washington and West Plains.

ABAWDs may contact DWD after receiving a mailing which is sent to all “new” ABAWDs that lists DWD as an option to meet participation hours. In addition, DWD sends SkillUP flyers to Food Stamp recipients who have opted in to receive emails and other notifications.

The DWD refers clients who need reoccurring intensive case management to MU for assistance. In addition, DWD refers clients to the Community Colleges and other eligible training providers based on the client’s assessment, Employment Plan and LMI.

University of Missouri (MU):

The FSD contracted with MU in 2014; however, MU’s role has changed from being the sole SkillUP provider serving a small population of volunteers to being one of three SkillUP providers.

MU provides services through 9 case managers who cover various parts of the state. For FFY18, MU will hold informational sessions for potential SkillUP participants. During these sessions, case managers will complete an initial employment plan, provide an overview of SkillUP, explain the local labor market, review other services the participant may be eligible for (i.e. childcare, services through other agencies, etc.), and discuss career/training options. During subsequent visits with the participants, case managers will continuously update the participant’s employment plan as well as coordinate services with other agencies (i.e. FSD for childcare, Community Action Agency for energy assistance, etc.) The goal of these sessions is to increase interest, commitment and excitement of potential clients, and to create cohorts of participants who can support each other throughout training.

MU receives referrals from DWD to serve clients with ongoing intensive case management needs. MU assists Community College clients on the intake. MU also conducts outreach through various events and provides information at the University of Missouri Extension offices which are located in each county.

Missouri Community College Association (MCCA):

The FSD has a contract with MCCA to provide SkillUP services. MCCA then has a contract with Community Colleges.

The FSD contracted with MCCA in December 2016 to provide additional provider locations for ABAWDs and volunteers. MCCA received funding to provide administrative oversight and to provide tuition funds to Community Colleges.

SkillUP services are offered at the Ozark Technical Community (OTC) College in Springfield which provides services in 4 locations and Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City which provide services in 5 locations. For FFY18, MCCA will also have a contract with St. Louis Community College (STLCC) to provide services in 4 locations.

The Community Colleges provide SkillUP training to new students identified as an ABAWD or Volunteer in MoJobs. The Community Colleges released news stories and press releases on the programs availability for Food Stamp recipients and later released an article on a participant’s success in the program. In addition, the Community Colleges provide training to referrals from DWD and MU.

MU assists the Community College clients in completing the intake process as the Community Colleges do not have staffing to perform these functions. As SkillUP continues to expand opportunities for Food Stamp recipients, some Community Colleges may handle the intake process.