Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Wagner-Peyser Program (Employment Services)
All Program-Specific Requirements provided for the WIOA core programs in this section must be addressed for either a Unified or Combined State Plan.
e. 6. A. Collaboration
Describe any collaborative agreements the state workforce agency (SWA) has with other MSFW service providers including NFJP grantees and other service providers. Describe how the SWA intends to build upon/increase collaboration with existing partners and in establishing new partners over the next four years (including any approximate timelines for establishing agreements or building upon existing agreements).
Current Narrative:
Collaboration
To better assist with providing services to MSFW workers there is currently a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the TCSG OWD and Telamon Corporation. This will continue to ensure MSFW workers have meaningful access to services in a way that meets their unique needs as well as access to career pathways, job training, and other supportive services offered through the workforce development system to improve their livelihoods.
The partnership between TCSG - OWD and Telamon Corporation which operates the National Farmworker Job program (NFJP) in Georgia continues to grow stronger. This program is funded under Title 1 of the Workforce Investment Act to provide core, intensive and training services and related assistance for MSFWs. The cooperative agreement between TCSG - OWD and Telamon was developed to coordinate and enhance service delivery to MSFW workers. Alone with the sharing of personalized labor market information, training, supportive services and job-related resources available to MSFW workers, TCSG - OWD and Telamon share informational reports on the staff hours spent performing MSFW outreach activities.
Telamon staff are located in the areas near our local career centers. Service locations:
- Douglas
- Moultrie
- Vidalia/Lyons
- Tifton
- Valdosta
- Waycross
Outreach staff also collaborate with The Southeast Non-profit Housing, an NFJP grantee, to serve Georgia by offering financial assistance to farmers and growers for housing needs and assisting MSFWs with home repairs. The MOU outlines responsibilities for both agencies, emphasizing efficient service delivery, mutual referrals, and goal-oriented support.
The Georgia Migrant Education program also services families across the state by actively participating in parent meetings, yearly state meetings, and other cross-training events. Staff engages with MSFWs in local areas and throughout the state, establishing partnerships with the program’s outreach staff within their service areas. Outreach materials are provided in Spanish, the preferred and understood language of the attendees, to ensure effective communication.
The Georgia Farmworker Health Program is also another partner. They play a crucial role in providing health services to MSFWs at clinics located in Colquitt Co., Decatur Co., East Georgia Healthcare Center, Migrant Farmworker Clinic, Phoebe Sumter Healthcare Clinic-Ellaville, and South Central Primary Care Clinic. Outreach staff actively collaborate with the farmworker clinic outreach teams in their service areas to maximize outreach efforts.
Collaborative outreach also extends to diverse organizations, including High School Equivalency Programs and the College Assistance Migrant Programs in Georgia, located in Gainesville, Tifton, and Valdosta. MSFWs pursuing education receive contact information, and outreach representatives are invited to present in yearly parent/student orientation.
TCSG OWD is also working on an MOU with Wage and Hour to partner in delivery of services. The MOU will allow for data sharing, referrals, coordinated enforcement, joint outreach and compliance assistance. TCSG OWD has also begun strengthening the partnership with East Coast Migrant Head Start and has had preliminary conversations regarding establishing an MOU in place.