Buffalo and Erie CountyWorkforce Investment

Board

2017-2018 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTSChairman’s Message....................................................................................1Executive Director’s Message..................................................................2Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board ....................3Workforce Buffalo ......................................................................................5Performance by the Numbers ................................................................6Business Services ........................................................................................7Workforce Buffalo Career Centers and Services................................9Specialized Client Services......................................................................10Center Locations ........................................................................................11Health Profession Opportunity Grant ..................................................12Youth Services ............................................................................................13Youth Program Performance ..................................................................14Financial Summary ....................................................................................15Workforce Investment Board Members ..............................................16Testimonials ................................................................................................17

Cover: Navigation: A Workforce Pathway Game was developed by The WDC Business Services Division as a comprehensive and innovative training model.

Workforce Buffalo stands as a lifeline to thousands ofindividuals residing in Buffalo and Erie County who areunemployed, underemployed or laid off from their place of employment and seek our support and assistance intheir journey toward self sufficiency. In addition, hundredsof local businesses utilize Workforce Buffalo to recruit andhire qualified, job-ready employees.

The Buffalo and Erie County WorkforceInvestment Board acts as the mainconvener and coordinator of the

many resources available underWorkforce Buffalo. Strategically partnering with theCounty of Erie, City of Buffalo,community based organizations,

educational entities, NYS departmentsand agencies and our local businesscommunity, we are committed to

maintaining a dynamicemployment and trainingsystem that meets or exceedsthe needs of all those weserve. The basis for ourrelationship is shared goalsand a commitment tostreamline services for ourmutual benefit. Services are

provided through our conveniently located Career Centersor direct business services.

Over the last year, we have focused on expanding current and developing new relationships with our business community. Despite the historic low unemployment rates, we want to

ensure that employers findthe talent they need tomaintain and expand theirbusiness footprint. Potentialemployees referred throughWorkforce Buffalo musthave the critical skills tomeet the demands of ournew, modern economy.Working with the NYS

Department of Labor and all our partners, we have focusedon developing innovative programs and initiatives thatremove an individual’s barrier to employment and meet the diverse skill needs our local employers demand.

On behalf of our board, partners and employees, I amhappy to present this year’s Annual Report.

Charles G. Jones, Jr. Wittburn Enterprises, Inc.Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment BoardChairman

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

1

Despite the historic lowunemployment rates, we

want to ensure thatemployers find the talentthey need to maintain andexpand their business

footprint.

There has never been a more exciting time to play an active role in the development of workforce programs and services in Buffalo and Erie County.With unemployment in our region at the historically low rate of 3.9 percent, the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce InvestmentBoard continues to lead local efforts to help businesses,employees and jobseekers reach their career goals.

Over the last year, we have expanded our services and ourimpact on the local economy by implementing several newprograms and services, including:

n Expansion of CareerPathways programs to include a Spanish-language CertifiedProduction Technician(CPT) program. Throughcollaboration with Erie 1BOCES and the New YorkState Department ofLabor, and with assistancefrom The Belle Center, we have launched the first bilingualworkforce development program in New York State.Participants in the 250-hour training program earn industry-recognized credentials, including the National Work ReadinessCredential, the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC)and OSHA 10 for General Industry.

n Rapid Response Services System partners worked together to conduct numerous Rapid Response events for employeesaffected by plant closures. Rapid Response services include

career coaching, resume writing workshops, interviewingtechniques and customized career fairs.

n Workforce board staff across the state partnered with the New York State Department of Labor to secure a federal grantaward to serve Dislocated Workers. Buffalo and Erie Countyreceived $1.2 million of the total grant award, and will providetraining, career and supportive services to Dislocated Workersseeking re-entry into the workforce.

In the coming year, we look forward to expanding ourcollaboration with our many community partners. A new focus will be expanding our efforts to assist independentworkers and entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business or expand their current business footprint. In addition, we will work closely with our manytraining partners on projects that lead to business expansion and/or implementation of new, state-of-the-art technologies.

We extend sincere thanks to our staff,partners and board for their dedication and service to job seekers and businesses,and to County Executive Poloncarz andMayor Brown for their support of theworkforce system.

Heather Gresham Executive DirectorBuffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board

EXECUTIVE D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE

A new focus will beexpanding our efforts to

assist independentworkers and entrepreneurslooking to establish a newbusiness or expand theircurrent business footprint.

2

OUR MISSION: Creating opportunities for job seekers.To provide leadership in promoting the economic vitality of our region by supporting job growth and ensuring that those who are unemployed, under-employed and dislocatedhave the education, skills and workforce preparation to meetemployers’ needs.

OUR VISION: Serving job seekers and our business community.To create and maintain a demand-driven workforce investmentsystem that is responsive across sectors to regional economicdevelopment goals by addressing the needs of job seekers andbusinesses and aligning the work of system partners towardcommon goals and outcomes.

OUR GOALS: Working toward a work-ready community.n Maintain a high quality workforce development system thataligns workforce investments and education with workforcedevelopment systems

n Provide increased access to education, training andemployment for individuals with social-economic, cultural and physical barriers

n Increase labor market relevance and expansion of focused business services

n Expand and continue improvement of workforce delivery systems

n Increase self-sufficiency for all system participants.

Workforce development efforts in Buffalo and Erie County are led by the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board (WIB).Our board is legislated under the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA). The Governor of New YorkState designates Workforce Development Areas and certifies local Workforce Development Boards. There are 33 WIB/WorkforceDevelopment areas across New York State.

Our local workforce area was formed through a partnership between Erie County and the City of Buffalo. Erie County ExecutiveMark Poloncarz and City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown appoint members to the board and bear responsibility for boardoversight. Federal legislation mandates that the board includes a cross-section of leaders from public, private and educationalsectors. The WIB sets workforce policy and oversees activities in our local workforce area.

Workforce Buffalo services are provided to job seekers and to businesses through a partnership between the Buffalo and ErieCounty Workforce Development Consortium, Inc. (WDC) and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), with theassistance of additional partners that provide wraparound services.

BUFFALO AND ER IE COUNTY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

3

OUR STRATEGY:Focus on jobs and opportunities.Working with partner organizations, local businesses and the New York State Department of Labor, the WIB has focused its efforts on identifying and filling positions that offer businesses and those individuals we serve the greatestopportunities for success. Highlighted, or demand, occupationsexist locally in the following industry sectors: AdvancedManufacturing; Agriculture; Energy, Health and Life Sciences;Logistics and Tourism. The WIB continues to lead efforts in Buffalo and Erie County to foster Innovative and cutting edge strategies that lead to providing the talent needed to fillthese opportunities.

Organizational Support: We bring funding to the region.The WIB and its workforce development efforts are fundedthrough the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. Program funding is broken down into threecategories: Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth. The level ofstate and local funding is based on a federal funding matrix,which takes into consideration key economic indicators. These key economic indicators include, but are not limited to,population, unemployment rate, poverty rate and number ofindividuals categorized as economically distressed. Additionalgrants are actively pursued at the local, state and federal levelsto support our local workforce system.

4

The WIB ensures the local availability ofworkforce development and employmentservices to unemployed, under-employed and dislocated individuals.

In addition, it is responsible for developing and maintaining a working relationship with local employers who ultimatelyprovide those we serve with gainful employment. To facilitatethis, the WIB has orchestrated the creation of a countywidenetwork of employment and training providers and communitysupport agencies, working together to provide a unified networkof workforce development services. This network is known asWorkforce Buffalo.

Adopting a “No Client Left Behind” focus, Workforce Buffalo ensures that those we serve – no matter the barrier to employment – are given anopportunity to succeed in today’s economy. Every individual has unique skills; interests; abilities; aspirationsand life situations. Our efforts tailor services to meet individualneeds. We focus on providing specialized and forward-thinkingemployment programs that bring the right support systems and resources.

To meet or exceed the needs of local employers, Workforce Buffalo has worked diligently to expand its labor pool with talented and well-trained individuals. This is accomplished, in part, by combining firsthand employerfeedback with labor market data to develop and implementprograms and best practices. Over the period covered in this report, sector-specific training programs have been implemented to the benefit of our clients and the business community.

Members of the Workforce Buffalo network include, but are not limited to:

ACCESS-VR

BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADULT EDUCATION DIVISION

BUFFALO URBAN LEAGUE, INC.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BUFFALO

CITY OF BUFFALO

COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATION OF ERIE COUNTY, INC.

ERIE COUNTY

ERIE I BOCES

SUNY ERIE

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR SERVICES

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

ERIE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (ECIDA)

GOODWILL OF WESTERN NEW YORK

HEALTH PROFESSION OPPORTUNITY GRANT

JOB CORPS

NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SERVICES OF ERIE & NIAGARA COUNTIES, INC.

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

THE ARC

THE SERVICE COLLABORATIVE OF WNY, INC.

VETERANS ONE-STOP CENTER OF WNY, INC.

WORKFORCE BUFFALO: ONE RESOURCE , MANY PARTNERS .

5

Priority Growth Industries ServedADVANCEDMANUFACTURING

HEALTH AND LIFESCIENCES

TOURISM

AGRICULTURE

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

ENERGY

PROFESSIONALSERVICES

PARTICIPANTS PLACED IN TRAINING 447

COST OF TRAINING PROVIDED $1,348,588

AVERAGE COST OF TRAINING $3,017

AVERAGE MEDIAN EARNINGS $26,007

ORGANIZAT IONAL PERFORMANCE BY THE NUMBERS*

WE DES IGN, DEL IVER AND MEASURE .

8.5%

Year End (July) Unemployment Rate Buffalo and Erie County

P

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7.5%

5.9%5.3%

4.4%5.2%

4.4%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

W

2017 2018

1

8

Total System Participants

Served

Total Participants

Placed in Jobs

S

19,601 13,916

5

Participantsby Ethnicity

Participantsby Gender

White

54%33%

8%

3% 2%

African American/Black

Asian Other

Hispanic/Latino

Male

48%52%

Female

8

Rapid Response Events

E

Meetings60

Businesses29

Employee Attendance642

Job Fairs/Customized Recruitments

Events25

Participating Businesses230

Job Seeker Attendance1,875

Business Seminars

Events3

Participating Businesses378

Since 2017, Western New York's unemployment rate has beenthe sixth most improved in the United States, behind VirginiaBeach, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas and Chicago.

6 *Source: New York State Department of Labor and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Note: Low unemployment reduces number of individuals seeking workforce services. Those seeking assistance generally require a greater complement of services to become job-ready.

Bridging the Gap.Our last program year saw a strategic shift from a traditionalsingle-serve training model to a more progressive incentivizedline of “Career Pathway”’ training. Our flagship “Pathways toSuccess” training models culminated from a number ofcollaborative partnerships. The industry-focused training“Pathways” were developed alongside hiring partners and oureducational provider, Erie 1 BOCES. Built to include multiplenational certifications in target industry sectors, our skill buildingmodels meet the unique needs of local employers by bridgingthe gap between the work environment and the classroom. Inthe last year, our team assisted with the implementation andoversight of four training pilots in priority sectors - designed toaccelerate skill building for entry-level candidates. These short-term certification trainings, guided by industry, create thegrowing pipeline of highly skilled and prepared talent.

Addressing the Need.Increased efforts to deepen our partnerships with industry havecreated momentum that has attracted funding opportunities toour region. Aggressively pursuing funding opportunities, wehave secured three major awards dedicated to the expansionand implementation of vital industry-focused workforce trainingprograms:

$91,000 NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Grantcreates additional “Pathways to Success” training solutions inAdvanced Manufacturing – Certified Production Technician (CPT)Paid Training Program

$51,000 NYS Department of Labor – Regional SectorPartnership – National Emergency (SP-NEG) Grantis a collaborative grant that leveraged best practices for the“Pathways to Success” model with the local workforce boards ofErie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.

Assisted Erie 1 BOCES in securing a $75,000 NYS Departmentof Labor National Emergency (SP-NEG) Grant to fund entry-level training programs. This second wave of programmingallowed our system to address the specific needs of monolingualimmigrant populations by launching the state’s first CertifiedProduction Training (CPT) in Spanish.

These landmark Initiatives address the growing needs of regionalemployers and are primary examples of how our team worksalongside regional partners to broaden our approach to growingthe local economy.

The strength of our local economy requires a successful business community, and the strength of our workforce system depends on our strong ties to local industry. Serving thousands of businesses in a thriving region is no small task. The ever-changing climateof our local economy requires our team of Business Service experts to remain both knowledgeable and agile in delivery ofworkforce system support. With record-low unemployment numbers and continued demand for skilled workers, our traditionaldelivery of Business Service support required growth and innovation. Our Business Services Unit has worked hard to answer thedemand and bridge the gap between the private and public sectors, serving as a vital resource and conduit to successful workforcecollaboration and planning.

BUSINESS SERVICES : VALUE-ADDED ASS ISTANCE TO GROW OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.

7

Sharing Knowledge.Over the last year, our team collaborated heavily with theWorkforce Development Institute (WDI) and the New York StateAssociation of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP).Across the state, we consulted and shared the knowledge wegained through the administration and implementation of our localworkforce pilot programs. Our team was honored to assist withthe implementation of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council(MSSC) pilot for the Capital Region. The MSSC pilot was created incollaboration with our colleagues at Hudson Valley CommunityCollege, Capital Region BOCES and the Business Council of NewYork State.

As we move the workforce into the next phase of upskilling, wehope to continue to bridge the gap between business and talentto create a multidimensional approach to maximizing the potentialof our local workforce system. Increased business engagement inthe development of workforce services ensures optimizedsolutions that meet industry needs and match growing businesseswith skilled talent. Our improved approach provides industryownership in the workforce preparation process and bringsincreased engagement in skill building to better leverage andevolve services that keep our workforce competitive.

Advanced Manufacturing Participant – BOCES – Specialized Business Services Program

8

Job seekers have diverse needs. Workforce Buffalo provides a wide range of services to assist our clients, including:nAccess and referrals to NYS job openingsn Career assessment and explorationn Skills training in demand occupations n Job readiness training n Social media training n Resume preparation and cover letter writing assistancen Career and labor market information library nNetworking opportunities and job clubs n Computer workshops nOn-site employer interviewingnAdult training and education nWork stations designed to assist individuals with disabilities n Clothes Closet

We also offer in-house services to assist local employers in securingnew employees and/or downsizing, relocating or closing, including:

n Employee recruitment and screening

nUse of Center facilities for group interviews

nOn-the-job training opportunities based on worker eligibility

n Rapid response to mass layoffs and plant closings

n State and/or federally generated labor market Information (LMI)

n Tax credit assistance

n Information about and referrals to business start-up, retention and expansion services

9

The Buffalo and Erie County area includes one full-serviceWorkforce Buffalo Career Center and four affiliate CareerCenters that provide assistance to job seekers. The full-service Buffalo Employment andTraining Center (BETC) offerscomprehensive employment,training and career developmentservices to employers, jobseekers, workers and youngadults. In addition, manynetwork partners areconveniently located onsite to assist job seekers.

Four affiliate Employment/Career Centers are convenientlylocated in Buffalo, Williamsville and Orchard Park. Twoaffiliate Centers are staffed and operated by the New York

State Department of Labor and two are directly operated bySUNY Erie Community College.Our primary goal is to help theresidents of Buffalo and Erie Countyfind work and assist employers infinding qualified workers.

WORKFORCE BUFFALO CAREER CENTERS AND SERVICES

“After 28 years, my position was outsourced, leaving me unemployed. The Buffalo Employment and Training Center helped me get back on track byproviding support, programming and job referrals.

I appreciate the management and staff for making an impact on my life.”

- Shirita Bryant-Brown, Client Services Specialist

JOB SEEKER SERVICES EMPLOYER SERVICES

Career Pathways IIThe Career Pathways II (CP-II) program, in partnership with Erie 1 BOCES, servesTemporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF) recipients between 18 to 24 who areunemployed or underemployed, recipientswho receive Family Assistance and/or SafetyNet Assistance without age restrictions, and16 to 17 year olds who are self-supportingindividuals and heads of households and who meet TANF 200% of federal povertyguidelines. The purpose of the program is to link education and occupational training tosubsequent employment through a continuumof instruction, combined with integratedsupport services. Our CP-II program primarilyconsists of first- and second-tier healthcareoccupational training along viable pathwaysfor economic self-sufficiency.

Training opportunities developed through theprogram are designed to create transferablecredentials along high demand healthcare occupationalpathways. For example, with additional training, participants canbecome Licensed Practical Nurses or Laboratory Technicians, or they may choose more advanced degree programs tobecome Registered Nurses, Medical Technologists or ClinicalLaboratory Scientists.

A Career Pathways Coordinator assiststrainees with the development of anindividualized career plan, job placementassistance and referrals to supportiveservices to overcome academic and non-academic barriers. Remedial assistance,financial aid for advanced degrees,maintaining current employment whilepursuing advanced credentials andassistance with child care and transportationare a few of the barriers addressed.

Steps to Succeed, Steps to Achieve AcademyThe Steps to Succeed, Steps to AchieveAcademy was designed to assist societal re-entry individuals looking to find gainfulemployment. The program providesassistance in identifying and addressing the unique barriers these individuals face.Workshops and individual mentoring aremade available to all who participate.

Employers partnering with the program may be eligible for federal and state incentive programs, including bondinginsurance, work opportunity tax credits, on-the-job trainingfunding and drug testing reimbursement.

Workforce Buffalo serves individuals with special needs, those experiencing significant barriers to employment and/or individualswho are representative of special populations. The following programs have been developed to assist these individuals:

SPECIAL IZED CL IENT SERVICES DES IGNED TO MEET THE D IVERSE NEEDS OF OUR CL IENTS

Suited For Success and FinishingTouches Clothes Closet

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Trade Adjustment Assistance ProgramThe Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program is a federally funded program that provides a pathfor employment growth and opportunity for U.S. workers who have lost their jobs as a result offoreign trade. The TAA program seeks to provide trade-affected workers with opportunities to gainthe skills, resources and support they need to become re-employed. TAA offers a variety of benefitsand services, including job training, job search and relocation allowances, income support andassistance with healthcare premium costs. TAA participants come from a variety of backgroundsand industries. Many enter the program with a wide array of skills and experience. The majority of TAA participants face similar challenges in obtaining re-employment: no post-secondary degree,job skills solely in the manufacturing sector and an average age of 46 with more than 12 years’experience in a specific job that may no longer exist.

Career Navigator ProgramThe Career Navigator Program is an intensive, five-day training program focused on assisting longterm unemployed individuals. The interactive program facilitates the development of a teamdynamic within the group that continues beyond the completion of the program. Participating jobseekers share experiences and job leads and offer support. Program elements include definingstrengths; job seeking strategies; self-branding and marketing; communication; decision making;goal setting and accountability.

Veterans’ Priority of ServiceWorkforce Buffalo provides “Priority of Service” to veterans and their eligible spouses inaccordance with the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002 and the Veterans’ Benefits, Health Care and Information Technology Act of 2006. Veterans’ priority of service means the right of eligiblecovered persons to take precedence over eligible non-covered persons in obtaining all availablesystem services.

Workforce Buffalo Career Centers support veterans by making available knowledgeable staff whounderstand the value and challenges of military experience in the civilian workforce. Dedicated staffmembers assist veterans in articulating military skills, connecting with veteran-friendly employersand accessing benefits available specifically to support veterans.

Suited For Success and Finishing Touches Clothes ClosetThe Buffalo Employment and Training Center and the SUNY Erie North Career Centers offer clientsaccess to a Clothes Closet stocked with donated business apparel available to them at no cost.

C E N T E R L O C A T I O N S

Buffalo Employment and Training CenterOne Stop Career Center77 Goodell St, Buffalo, NY 14203(716) 856-5627betc@wdcinc.orgwww.workforcebuffalo.org

ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER AFFILIATE OFFICES

SUNY ERIE Career CenterGleasner Hall, Room 1666205 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221(716) 270-4444 Fax: (716) 270-4491onestop@ecc.eduwww.ecc.edu/onestop

SUNY ERIE Career Center(South Campus)One-Stop Employment and Training Career Center4041 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127(716) 270-4444onestop@ecc.eduwww.ecc.edu/onestop

NYS Department of Labor Career Center284 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202(716) 851-2600www.labor.ny.gov

NYS Department of Labor Career Center4175 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221(716) 634-9081www.labor.ny.gov

1 1

Health Profession Opportunity Grant(HPOG) Buffalo is a program funded by theAdministration for Children and Families,the U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices. The grant trains TemporaryAssistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other low-income individuals for in-demand healthcare jobs. HPOG Buffalo isone of just 32 grantees across the nationapproved for these five-year grants.Originally established in 2010, the programis a working partnership between our WIB;healthcare employers; local schools; theNew York State Department of Labor; Erie County Department of Social Services and 1199SEIU.

As a key component of the publicworkforce system in Buffalo and ErieCounty, the HPOG Buffalo programcontinues to have a major impact on thelives of local individuals, as it has beenextremely successful in helping to addressthe shortage of healthcare workers in ourlocal economy. Training is provided in thefollowing occupations: Licensed PracticalNurse; Medical Secretary; PharmacyTechnician and Certified NursingAssistant/Home Health Aide.

HEALTH PROFESS ION OPPORTUNITY GRANT

Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Training

12

HPOG Program PerformanceJuly 1, 2017-June 30, 2018

Enrolled 180

Completed Training 146

Entered Employment 112

Placement Rate 76.7%

Average Yearly Starting Salary $30,742 “I wanted a better future, so Ielected to participate in theCertified Nursing Assistant

Program. Teachers helped meunderstand the material and

were there for support. The program offered child care

and bus pass. I am nowemployed by the MaguireGroup, own my car, and am

working toward buying a home.My dream is to eventually

become a Registered Nurse.” - HPOG participant Sherise Smith,

Certified Nursing Assistant, McGuire Group.

Youth Services are provided through Catholic Charities of Buffalo,Buffalo Urban League and The Service Collaborative of WNY. Staff members work with disadvantaged youth with specific social,educational and employment barriers to develop and enhance the skills needed to attain a diploma or high school equivalency,enroll in occupational skills training or post-secondary educationand obtain employment.

Local in- and out-of-school youth (e.g., school dropouts) are served through direct funding provided by the WorkforceInnovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). With technical guidanceprovided by the Workforce Investment Board staff, the needsof in- and out-of-school youth are met through the work ofcompetitively procured contractors tasked with improvingmeasurable skills, high school diploma and/or equivalencyattainment and placement in advanced training or education,leading to unsubsidized employment and earning growth potential.

WIOA eligible youth ages 14-24 enrolled in our program areprovided with the needed services and assistance to help themsucceed in life. Following is a partial list of services provided underour program: full comprehensive assessment of academic levels,skill levels, prior work experience, employability, interests andaptitudes; identification of developmental and supportive servicesneeds; development of an Individual Service Strategy, including life and employment goals and objectives; identification of andpreparation for post-secondary educational opportunities;identification and positioning of supportive links betweenacademic and occupational learning opportunities, andpreparation to seek and obtain unsubsidized employment in the local job market.

Goals and objectives for each youth are addressed through one or more of the following program service elements:

n Tutoring, study skills training and instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies leading to completion of secondary school or equivalent

nAlternative secondary school services

n Paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a componentacademic and occupational education

nOccupational skills training

n Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities

n Leadership development opportunities

n Supportive services

nAdult mentoring during program participation and subsequentperiod for at least 12 months

n Follow-up services for at least 12 months after programcompletion

n Comprehensive guidance and counseling services

n Financial literacy education

n Entrepreneurial skills training

n Services that provide labor market and employment informationabout in-demand industry sectors

nActivities that help youth prepare for and transition to post-secondary education and training

WIOA YOUTH SERVICES

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YOUTH PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

Youth program performance

390 Youth served 216 out-of-school youth174 In-school youth

49 Out-of-school youthattained a High SchoolEquivalency

37 Youth attained arecognized credential

129 Youth enteredunsubsidizedemployment, education or training

61 Youth were assisted inattaining NYS DrivingPermits/Licenses

23 Youth participated in year-round paid workexperience activities

36 Youth were assisted with attaining their high school diploma Nayirha Bishop –

Youth Services Program

Other Youth Initiatives:In July 2018, the International Institute ofBuffalo (IIB) partnered with the Buffalo andErie County Workforce Investment Board(WIB) and the Buffalo Urban League (BUL)to welcome an international delegation fromthe Near East and North Africa to Buffalo.Under the U.S. Department of State’sInternational Visitor Leadership Program,current and emerging international leadersconnect with their American counterparts toshare information and ideas.

The project, titled “Resilient Cities: Job Creation for Youth,”included a series of meetings with local youth service professionalsto discuss educational and employment programs for youth in theBuffalo and Erie County workforce area.

The delegation included participants from Egypt; Gaza Strip; Iraq;Jordan; Kuwait; Libya; Morocco; Saudi Arabia; Sudan and Tunisia.

The Buffalo Urban League, an established youth service providerof the WIB, hosted the delegation. Representatives from the WIBand BUL provided an overview of the comprehensive education,training, support and employment services provided to the localyouth population. The discussion covered the goals, objectives,successes and challenges of local youth programs and differenceswith similar programs in other parts of the world.

This project provided a unique opportunity for professionals fromvarious countries and cultures to exchange best practices whilepromoting an appreciation for diversity, understanding, sensitivityand tolerance toward one another.

“Until I participated in this program, I never had a resume or cover letter to helpme secure employment. I participated in

mock interviews and staff provided me withmany suggestions of how to present myselfprofessionally. After participating in the

program, I was able to secure my first job.” - Nia H., program participant

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Expenditures 2017-2018 Career Center Operations $2,568,800 26.5%

Central Operations $1,747,764 18.0%

Youth Program Contracts $1,370,615 14.1%

Individual Training Account $1,348,588 13.9%

Youth Wage Subsidies* $1,818,105 18.8%

Other Direct Services $15,338 .2%

General and Administrative $818,845 8.5%

Total $9,688,055 100.0%

Revenue Changes WIOA TANF TRADE ACT OTHER GRANTS TOTAL

2016-2017 $6,621,722 $1,057,993 383,185 3,000,362 11,063,262

2017-2018 6,126,773 0 230,519 3,330,762 9,688,054

Difference (494,949) (1,057,993) (152,666) 330,400 (1,375,208)

Overall revenue to support WIB activities, from all sources, decreased by$1,375,208 from fiscal year 2016-2017 to fiscal year 2017-2018.

* Paid work experience and fringe benefit expense.

F INANCIAL SUMMARY

8

Career Center Operations

Central Operations

Individual Training Support

Youth Program Contracts

General and Administrative

Other Direct Services

Youth Wage Subsidies

Expenditures 2017-2018 R

26.5%

18%14.1%

13.9%

18.8%

8.5%

.2%

8

WIOA TANF TRADE ACT OTHER GRANTS TOTAL

R

Revenue Changes

M

$6,6

21,7

22

$6,1

26,7

73

$1,0

57,9

93

$0 $230

,519

$3,3

30,7

62 $9,6

88,0

54

$383

,185

$3,0

00

,362

$11,

063

,262

2016-2017 2017-2018

15

-

D

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD MEMBERS

Julius Gregg AdamsExecutive DirectorUniversity at Buffalo, EOC

Jomo AkonoCouncil RepresentativeNortheast Regional Council ofCarpenters

Mary Margaret Aprile*Assoc. Director of HumanResourcesARC Erie County New York

Fred Boeheim CEOGypsum Systems

Carolyn BrightCareer Center ManagerNYSDOL

Tracy J. CardwellOwner/PresidentTJC Consulting

D. Sylvester DihaanOwnerRhythms Cultural Club Cafe

Silvia FaklerCEOAtSilvia

Andrew Federick*Sr. Economic DevelopmentSpecialistErie County

Katherine GraceSenior Vocational RehabCounselorACCES-VR

Joseph HannaPartnerGoldberg Segalla

Cory HaqqPresidentUrban Equity ManagementGroup LLC

L. Nathan Hare*Executive DirectorCommunity ActionOrganization, Inc.

Charles G. Jones, Jr.**PresidentWittburn Enterprises

Brian ManleyPresidentImagine Staffing Technology

Michael Martin*Executive DirectorNative American Comm. Svcs.of Niagara & Erie Counties

Brenda W. McDuffie*President/CEOBuffalo Urban League, Inc.

Oswaldo Mestre, Jr.*Director of Citizen ServicesCity of Buffalo

Elizabeth MillerMarketing Account ManagerSealing Devices

Robert Mootry, Jr.Regional DirectorCSEA Region 6

William PaladinoCEOEllicott Development Company

Scott PallottaChief Executive OfficerZehnder Rittling

Douglas ParksSenior Vice President, ChiefHuman Resources OfficerHealthNow New York, Inc.

Patricia Riegle*Supervisor of WorkforceDevelopmentErie 1 BOCES

Bridget RussoHuman Resources VicePresident, Talent ManagementCatholic Health

Ralph SalernoOwnerKeller Bros. & Miller, Inc.

April SandersConstruction/ComplianceCoordinatorUniland Development Company

David SullivanPresidentIndustrial Support, Inc.

Steven WeathersPresident & CEOECIDA

Myrna Young*Executive Director (retired)Everywoman OpportunityCenter

* Denotes Executive Committee Member

** Denotes Board Chairman16

“Anyone looking to become more involved in

the manufacturing community’s

workforce issues would do well

to become part of the Buffalo and Erie County Work-force Investment Board Business Services team.”

- Dave Johnson, ACB, CL, Pfannenberg

“More than 47 HPOG clients have been hired by The McGuire

Group. HPOG’s commitment to training and empowerment mirrors ours. They

equip students with the tools to obtain employment and maintain it.”

- Alison Courtney, Human Resources Director, McGuire Group

Demone Smith, BETC

Executive Director, and Joyce Faines, Counselor,

congratulate Omolola Shittu (center) on her

new job as a Customer Service Agent at IQOR .

“The Buffalo & Erie County Workforce

Investment Board has been a great resource and support for

the Business Council of New York State and our members.”

- Amber L Mooney, The Business Council of New York State

17

726 Exchange Street, Suite 630, Buffalo, New York 14210

716.504.1480 | info@becwib.org | www.workforcebuffalo.org

Funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). An equal opportunity employer/program. All Career Centers are handicapped accessible. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

A proud partner in the Network and