The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Workforce Investment Board (CWIB) and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), awarded Golden Sierra $166,000 in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) discretionary funds to design, develop, and implement projects that accelerate employment and re-employment strategies for people with disabilities (PWDs).
Building on Golden Sierra’s historical success in serving the PWD population the DEA grant will allow Golden Sierra to provide solutions to some of the most difficult challenges that are keeping PWDs in the region from achieving success in jobs and careers. With the additional DEA funding, GS will be able to refine and develop greater coordination with DOR, PIRS, Crossroads, PRIDE, Goodwill, CalWORKs, Employment Development Department, More, Probation, local businesses and apprenticeships through “earn and learn” engagements such as On-the-Job Training (OJT), Work Experience (WEX) and other subsidized wage initiatives. GS will also be able to identify and accelerate existing skills through pre-employment workshops. In addition, attainment of industry-valued credentials and customer service training will be offered to increase employer access to a highly-trained, qualified, culturally-competent workforce.