Laserfiche WebLink
_I <br />"Project H.O.P.E." (Hope, Opportunity, Preparation and Employment): A Gifford <br />community event held on November 13, 1999 at the Gifford Youth Activities Center. <br />Representatives from a variety of agencies were available to provide information on <br />available services to improve individual economic status. John V. Burns, an expert on <br />entrepreneurship, provided information to people interested in starting their own <br />businesses. <br />Agencies included: SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives); Treasure Coast Job <br />Training Center, Workforce Development Board; Division of Workforce and <br />Employment Opportunities; Gifford Economic Development Council; Agricultural Labor <br />Program; Gifford Youth Activities Center, Indian River County Public Schools; <br />Department of Children and Families; Gifford Civic Progressive League; Indian River <br />Community College; Economic Opportunities Council; Indian River County Chamber of <br />Commerce. <br />Bus Tour of Gifford Community: The Workforce Enhancement Task Force spent a <br />morning in March touring specific locations in the Gifford area. Task Force Chairman <br />Freddie Woolfork directed the tour. "Attachment II." <br />Existing community assets were identified and are named. "_attachment III." <br />GENERAL FINDINGS <br />• The county's 20 most in -demand jobs paying a starting wage averaging $7.00 per hour <br />have been identified by the Workforce Development Board along with the skill sets <br />necessary to qualify for each of those jobs. See review of jobs and qualifications at <br />kjobsorg <br />• Federal and state grants are also available to help people upgrade to better jobs. The <br />Indian River Community College Vice President of Grants Programs is available to help <br />discuss grant opportunities. <br />• Funds for chronic unemployment may be available from state and federal agencies, Black <br />Minority Business Funds, Workforce Development Board. <br />• The Minority Business Enterprise Small Business Initiative is identifying minority owned <br />businesses in Indian River County that would be eligible for Federal and State set aside <br />contracts. <br />• Indian River Community College held a Basic Entrepreneurship Training Program in <br />Gifford and is willing to do more outreach. <br />• Manufacturers and other businesses need employees. <br />• Drugs, criminal records, and credit records block the efforts of the unemployed to find <br />jobs. <br />SPECIFIC FINDINGS <br />• Transportation: Affects the job seeker's ability to take advantage of opportunities <br />including training/schooling, community events, service providing agencies, child care, and <br />the ability to find work Community Coach currently has fixed route service to Gifford and <br />in some cases an informal transportation arrangement is available to workers. - <br />AUGUST S, 2000 BK 1 14 PG 508 <br />-54- <br />• 0 <br />