The Department of Economic Security (DES) recently hosted Good Morning Winslow, the Winslow Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business networking event. They took the opportunity to inform the public about all the services they offer the public. Among these services is childcare assistance which is a vital component to getting single parents back into the workforce when they otherwise would not be able to. Additionally, they emphasized their commitment to addressing food insecurity through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, ensuring individuals and families have access to nutritious meals.
A central focus of the department’s mission is connecting people to employment opportunities. They act as a bridge between job seekers and employers, facilitating job placements that benefit both parties and strengthen the local workforce. Complementing this, they offer various training and skill development resources, recognizing the importance of equipping individuals with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. Whether it’s vocational training, certifications, or on-the-job training, the department helps individuals access these crucial resources.
Apprenticeships are another significant facet of the department’s efforts to empower individuals in the workforce. They facilitate apprenticeship programs, connecting aspiring apprentices with employers and even offering financial assistance, covering up to 50% of training costs. This support makes it easier for individuals to gain valuable skills and experience in various trades.
Sherri Davis a program manager for ARIZONA@WORK, who works with job seekers at DES spoke at the meeting and gave anecdotes about the different people she has helped and how they were able to do that. She spoke about getting people experiencing homelessness jobs in truck driving because it often pays above the national average and the large semi-trucks are fitted with a sleeping area for drivers.
In another story she spoke about a student who has just graduated high school and immediately jumped into the apprenticeship program at DES, without any of the debt that comes with a typical degree that person was able to get a job making $65 an hour after a couple years of the apprenticeship, while also becoming certified in a trade.
Beyond assisting job seekers, the department extends its support to local businesses. They help businesses manage additional employees and, in some cases, contribute to employee wages during training periods, alleviating the burden on employers and promoting workforce development.
The Good Morning Winslow meeting showcased the Department of Economic Security’s comprehensive approach to facilitating community members finding their place in the economy. Additionally, the meeting also acts as a stage for other groups in the community to speak about the new developments with them.
Both the City of Winslow and the Winslow Unified School District both have surveys available to the public that will determine what improvements and upgrades are made to those entities. The city’s capital projects survey will determine the priority projects for the town for the next five years. The school’s survey is so they can determine what upgrades on campus including foundational work and facility upgrades need to be invested in first.
Good Morning Winslow is the place for businesses and organizations to connect and potentially create lasting relationships with other organizations. The next Good Morning Winslow meeting will be held at 7 a.m. on Nov. 1 at the meeting room located at 523 W. 2nd St.
