Published: April 11, 2008 11:16 am            

Working to keep Texas working

Danie M. Huffman

wdreporter2@yahoo.com

Self worth. That’s what it’s all about. It’s typical to hear people say you have to love what you do and do what you love.

At the North Central Texas Work Force, dozens of employees make it their top priority to help those seeking employment find more than just a job, they help them find that worth.

When a potential employee enters the local Work Force center, located at 126 College Park Drive, they are greeted by someone who cares in helping them find that perfect job.

One of five employment counselors will help find their needs. They will be an Experienced Works trainee. Experience Works is a program designated to help adults 55 and older to find employment.

“They help them in the process and walk them register step-by-step,” said Claudia Bowden, accounts manager. “They are the core of the center and help people increase their chances in finding not just a job, but one they will be perfect for. They offer resume classes every Wednesday at 1 p.m. plus workshops to help train and remove barriers i finding employment. All classes are free of charge including computer classes from basic to Power Point”

Heather Dezomitis, program specialist heads up the food stamp employment and training section.

Clients attend a four-week job search followed by one week of community service and if needed, another two weeks of job search, as mandated by Health and Human Services.

Prospective employee allotments are made for job-related expenses along with incentives if jobs are found within the first four weeks.

Single mothers may find it helpful by taking advantage of bypassing a waiting list for child care services if they qualify.

“I love working here and helping people become self sufficient,” Dezomitis said. “There are so many success stories. In Parker County, there’s a network of organizations with resources at their disposal and most single moms don’t know where to begin.”

Other programs include assist young mothers who wish to attend college and need child care while they work.

Linda Hernandez, personal service representative, manages the Choices and Reintegration of Offenders (RIO) programs.

Through Choices, Hernandez helps TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Family) members obtain transportation, with work-related expenses and bonuses for staying on the job for more than 60 days and other needs.

Ex-felons on parole or recently released from prison are some of the hardest to place.

Through RIO, Hernandez helps about one dozen felons complete training and find jobs each month.

“I love dealing with people,” she said. “I get really excited when they find a job. It builds their morale and self esteem.”

Center Manager Kola Adeyeye said the most rewarding part of the Force is helping people and the ability to give back to the community.

“It’s challenging,” he said. “People have different expectations, but we have an excellent staff who helps them be more self sufficient.”

Tim Bastress, the youth personal service representative, deals with young adults seeking employment from ages 14 to 21.

His main goal is to help provide education and employment with training and certification.

As an ice-breaker, Bastress tosses a stuffed ball around the room to the youth he deals with.

Each panel of the simulated soccer ball has questions for his clients to answer like “what is your dream car or favorite restaurant?”

The program has eligibility requirements as most of the center’s programs, but Bastress knows the system and helps his youth every step of the way.

“I love seeing the youth grow and develop in their lives and jobs,” he said. “It helps them get their start.”

Erik Frankoff has a special place at the center designed specifically for veterans.

He’s the veterans’ advocate to the Texas Veterans Commission and provides a link between his vets and employers.

“We just show them what a veteran has to offer,” he said. “We help them outreach to other organizations for job assistance, medical and educational needs. The vet, in general, is the most important part of my job. When I finally see them get a job, It’s extremely satisfying.”

Brenda Shumate, the recruiter, said there is no charge for the center’s services.

“We are paid from the Unemployment Tax that is paid by employers,” she said. “We work to ensure the employer’s request for employees are filled quickly and satisfactorily.”Through WorkInTexas, she matches the right employee for each job posting. Follow-up procedures and feedback regarding quality of referrals and employer satisfaction are also taken.

Job Fairs are held frequently and typically expose job opportunities for in some cases, hundreds of people.

Debra Welch, financial aid specialist, manages the program for people blocked by barriers in getting a job.

She helps in providing placement in training, in their child care search, with transportation and clothing and tools for the jobs with eligibility requirements.

Orientation is held Tuesdays and Fridays beginning at 11 a.m.

Grant funding is provided for training programs in nursing, computers, dental assisting, construction trades, radiology, truck driving and more fields.

“Seeing them make changes and watching them obtain their dreams is the most rewarding part,” Welch said. “The most important part is determining the right field where they fit.”

For more information, contact the North Central Texas Work Force at (817) 594-0049, or stop by to register.

        

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