Narrative: b. 4.

The following table illustrates the types of services needed in the communities most in need, based on higher unemployment rates, and the organizations providing the services. “Office support” for human services and “medical support” for health care organizations are the two primary categories of “most in need” services by the host organizations. These organizations are often located in regional hub communities in greater Minnesota, serving the rural communities within their regions.

ADD TABLE

The matching of participants to the needs of community services is based on participant interest and skills. Participants are able to fill a community while updating skills to move toward unsubsidized employment. SCSEP sub-grantees complete a needs assessment with each participant and base worksite placement on this assessment.

Other considerations for placement include looking for an eligible host sites that are safe, have good supervision and expresses the interest to mentor and train the SCSEP participant to assist them to move to an unsubsidized job. These organizations are able to provide training opportunities to our participants so they can be more competitive when applying for unsubsidized employment. The training often helps our participants upgrade their existing skill set, gain new skills, increase self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as gain new references within the community. Most training assignments are targeted with "hot jobs" in the areas mentioned.

We have utilized supportive services for those participants that need help with clothing and transportation (gas or bus passes) so that they can present themselves appropriately for interviews and be able to get to their training sites. Participants network with their host agencies which helps them obtain more resources for possible job openings. Plus their assignments help them feel they have a purpose in life. It is truly an individualized and the location of enrollees and their training plans/goals.