Jobs & Economic Development

Developing and Recruiting for a Job Skills Mentoring/Empowerment Program

The Civic Engagement and Communication Teams will help with the referral process into Circles, a life skills development program that is currently housed at The Fairbanks.
  • Status: In Progress
  • Timeframe: TBD
  • Scope: Grant Beach – The Fairbanks
  • Cost: TBD
  • Want to help? Sign up here.

Project 2: Opening a Missouri Job Center - Satellite Location in Zone 1

Currently, Zone 1 residents that rely on public transportation to the Sunshine Street Missouri Job Center must allow nearly two hours for travel time. The Ozark Workforce Development Board has identified a location within Zone 1 in which to open a full-service center to serve in a satellite location. Residents will be able to access job opportunities, case management and job referral assistance, job preparation and supportive services. This will also provide a recruitment source for employers.

  • Status: Planning Phase
  • Timeframe: Late summer opening
  • Scope: Zone 1 
  • Cost: TBD
  • Want to help? Sign up here.

Project 3: Scheduling a Mobile Job Center Route In Zone 1

The Missouri Job Center has been actively providing job referral and related services in the Zone 1 area through the use of the Mobile Job Center. A schedule will be determined and promoted, alongside other efforts, such as health screenings and educational opportunities. 

Help Needed

Getting the word out.

  • Status: Planning Phase
  • Timeframe: TBD
  • Scope: Zone 1
  • Cost: TBD
  • Want to help? Sign up here.

Project 4: Offering and Promoting Additional Financial Literacy Training

Community Partnership of the Ozarks currently offers a variety of financial literacy classes, which need promotion and/or expansion. They include:

The CASH Basic Budgeting Series is a free four-week basic budgeting program that is interactive and fun. This program assists participants in finding ways to save money and create an easy to follow budget while providing the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a local banker. The Basic Budgeting Series addresses other topics such as money beliefs, goal setting, needs vs. wants, and wealth and assets. After completing this four-week class, participants have the opportunity to open a free savings account and the potential to earn a $100 match for meeting their savings goal!

CASH Ask the Experts is designed to address specific topics that participants want to learn more about. They are facilitated by professionals with expertise in that particular field. Some of the classes that have been offered include: Understanding Loans, How to Use Credit Wisely, How to Reduce Your Debt, Rebuilding Your Credit, and Investments 101.

The CASH Graduate Club is exclusive to graduates of the CASH Basic Budgeting Series and provides monthly educational encouragement through guest speakers and peer mentoring. Free dinner and childcare are provided for all of our financial education classes.

Help Needed

 
Help with promotion; funding for classes including $100 match for each CASH participant; trained financial counselors to meet with clients after graduation from classes.

  • Status: In Progress
  • Timeframe: Year-round
  • Scope: Zone 1
  • Cost: TBD
  • Want to help? Sign up here.

Project 5: Offering and Promoting Apprenticeships 

As the baby boomer segment of the population prepares to retire over the next five to ten years, it is estimated that 40 percent of current tradespeople will need to be replaced. This is expected to create many opportunities for young people to enter the trades. Unlike many other careers, job security and earning potential are relatively high in skilled trades and technology fields. Skilled trade workers are in high demand in Southwest Missouri’s work force. With rising tuition in colleges and universities, the concept of hands-on learning and “earning while learning” is very attractive to many young Springfieldians.

Missouri Job Center will coordinate a new apprenticeship program. These programs offer on-the-job training and generally have minimal prerequisites for hiring. 

The project will include creating a directory to raise awareness about the apprenticeship programs that already exist in Zone 1 and will be updated regularly to include new programs that are developed.

Help Needed

Funding; Getting the word out; Recruitment expenses, such as promotions and mailings.

  • Status: Planning Phase
  • Timeframe: 18 months
  • Scope: Zone 1
  • Cost: TBD
  • Want to help? Sign up here.