Narrative: b. 1. C.

The WV Statewide is a member of the Interagency Collaborative Team (ICT), which is composed of leadership from entities such as the Division of Rehabilitation, WV Correctional Industries, Veteran Services and more that represent the workforce target groups. One of the primary goals of this group is to enhance communications, maximize resource sharing and program standardization. Additionally, the Bureau sits on the WV Workforce Development Board, which is composed of key state players within the workforce arena, including legislators, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, labor leaders and corporate representatives. The main purpose of this group is to approach the system-based issues that require changes in law or formal regulations pertaining to workforce initiatives. As stated, these entities are composed of private and public key stakeholders. The WV Statewide SCSEP network will continue to maintain relationships and participate in meetings and events to guarantee that SCSEP is considered for program partnership, employment opportunities for enrollees and ultimately remains relevant in discussions regarding barriers to employment. The Bureau will remain an advocate for Older Workers in these groups.  

Partnerships will be increased with organizations that provide resources on how to alleviate employment barriers throughout the state, such as transportation, rural location, age discrimination, fear of health care being discontinued due to program participation, fear of losing subsidized housing benefits, just to name a few. The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) who contract with county aging providers continue to be utilized and researched to determine what additional employment barriers seniors in rural/urban counties might face. Furthermore, the Bureau will take a more active approach with reaching out to AAA’s to also determine additional resources and/or training opportunities that may be available in covered areas. Faith based and community  organizations will be utilized to help disseminate information regarding the program while reaching the most in need population. Also look to increase these entities as Host Sites.