Summer Edition 2015 Human Resource Development Foundation, Inc. Volume 4

NEWSLETTEREmployment and Training

Kroger Rewards

Tomblin unveils help line

Emergency Prep

Success Summit

YouthBuild

Safe at Home

In This Issue

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HRDF Leads Flood Clean-Up Efforts In August 2015, WorkForce

West Virginia, a division of the Department of Commerce, announced the availability of approximately 2 million dollars in U.S. Department of Labor National Dislocated Worker Grant Funds for 2015 Severe Storm/Flooding clean-up.

The flooding occurred in March and April 2015, and affected 29 counties, as indicated in FEMA Declaration 4210-DR, FEMA Declaration 4219-DR, and FEMA Declaration 4220-DR. West Virginia counties affected are as follows: Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, McDowell, Mingo, Monongalia, Putnam, Raleigh, Ritchie, Roane, Summers, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood,

and Wyoming counties.The Disaster funding will

allow clean-up activities on public property as a result of damage that occurred during the severe storms and flooding.

WorkForce West Virginia will provide temporary employment for clean-up in declared locations for individuals dislocated by the severe storm and flooding, general dislocated workers or long-term unemployed workers, with priority given to veterans. These workers may provide assistance delivering food, clothing, shelter or other humanitarian assistance and will do clean-up, renovation, demolition or reconstruction of public or non-profit buildings and also removal of debris from public lands, parks, roadways, streams or

Pictured above is an example of the damage and debris local streams have endured as a result of flooding during the Spring of 2015. Crews will work to revitalize areas identified.

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Ready-Set-Grow Gardening ProgramThrough a collaborative effort, HRDF and several community

service providers will implement an afterschool gardening program in Charleston, West Virginia. The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation granted funds to HRDF and partners in the amount of approximately $51,000. The Ready-Set-Grow program will offer activities surrounding healthy choices regarding recreational opportunities and locally grown foods. These activities will assist in improving healthy choices for students attending afterschool centers. Students will engage in the 4-H Junior Master Gardener and Girl Scouts Healthy Habits curricula, by utilizing both classroom and outdoor hands-on activities. Approximately 200 youth aged K-5 will be served by the Ready-Set-Grow program. Project activities will be implemented at the Bob Burdette Center and PRO-Kids service sites, and the Girl Scouts will access services at one or more of these sites. Service coordination will be enhanced by HRDF and support

from West Virginia State University Extension Services. It takes a whole village to raise a child, and it is important that agencies recognize this fact and foster a combined effort to reach the unique needs of children across communities. The Mission of The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is to make investments that grow the multiple forms of wealth necessary for communities to thrive.

Students will learn about healthy choices and how to garden.

rivers.HRDF was granted the

funds to coordinate the clean-up efforts. HRDF will employ crews across 16 of the affected counties, and 5 service locations will be utilized in the implementation of the efforts. The counties to be served include; Barbour,

Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Putnam, Raleigh, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, and Wyoming Counties. Dislocated workers will be identified in each county, and will be certified eligible to participate by the

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ATTENTION: It is TIME to RE-ENROLL in the Kroger Community Rewards Program

This program has been established for non-profits to raise funds to be used in their communities. HRDF serves hundreds of youth and dislocated workers on an annual basis; and, has been successfully running several types of programs for over 40 years. Grant funded programs house guidelines for how funding must be spent, and often times, there are not monies available for staff to spend on needed support services or recreational activities to help

build morale and cohesive relationships amongst participants. This reward program will help HRDF staff go the extra mile in reaching the many participants that engage in HRDF Programs. The program tracks levels of spending and HRDF will be eligible for a rebate check each quarter, based on how much is spent during that period. The maximum reward Kroger will distribute is $50,000/quarter. Quarterly checks are mailed within 30 days of each quarter end.

This won’t affect your reward points at all! Follow these easy steps to help support programs at HRDF!

1. Have a Kroger Plus card, set up an account on (www.kroger.com/communityrewards) and connect your card with Human Resource Development Foundation (#93905) under the Community Rewards tab on their website. You may do this over the phone by calling 1-800-409-4438. PLEASE CONFIRM that your phone number is tied to this Kroger Plus Card account either online or over the phone- if you are planning to use your phone number and not the card in the store when you check out.

2. At the store, use your Kroger Plus card or enter the phone number tied to your Kroger Plus Card account in order for credit to be accrued.

HRDE/HRDF Staff attended the Triple J Golf Tournament on August 7, 2015. The tournament is held at the Big Bend Golf Course in Tornado, West Virginia. The event honors Joe Powell, Jack McComas, and Jim Bowen for their service to West Virginia working families.

Pictured above (from Left to Right) are; Phil Leinbach, Ralph Dupert, Taylor Runner, and Don Savage.

Thanks to your efforts in enrolling in the Kroger Community Rewards Program, HRDF has raised approximately $500.00 in funding for youth programs. Please take a moment to re-enroll in the program, as it is a requirement of participation.

The Charleston HRDF staff participated in Children’s Mental Health Day at the Park on May 14, 2015, sponsored by the FAST (Family Advocacy Support and Training) Program, housed by Legal Aid of West Virginia. HRDF and other community agencies were invited to set up resource tables, and to walk for the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Event. The event included an Awareness Walk at the Appalachian Power Park in Charleston.

There was children’s art work displayed at the ballpark during the walking event. The theme for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day this year was to address the needs of children, youth, and young adults with mental health and substance abuse challenges, and their families. Green signifies new life, new

growth, and new beginnings. All attendees were asked to wear green to help raise awareness for the needs of youth who face mental health challenges in the community. The event offered green ribbons and balloons, snacks, and prizes.

Mental Health Day at the Park

HRDF Staff at the Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. Pictured (from Left to Right) are; Steph Ahart, Steph Jerrell, Jabbar Thomas, Beth Elkins, Loyd Casto, and Shannon Robinson.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (September 9, 2015) – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the launch of 844-HELP4WV, the first statewide 24-hour substance abuse call line, providing those battling substance abuse with information about specialized treatment and recovery services.

“Substance abuse is a heartbreaking problem individuals and families across West Virginia face every day,” Gov. Tomblin said. “As governor, fighting back against substance abuse has been one of my top priorities, and I’m proud to take our efforts to the next level by offering residents the opportunity to call for help, overcome their addiction, and return to their families, communities and workplaces.”

The new 24-hour call line will be administered through a collaborative partnership between the West Virginia DHHR and First Choice Health Systems, a West Virginia-based company that has successfully operated West Virginia’s Problem Gambler Help Line

for more than 15 years.“In addition to substance

abuse recovery and treatment information, the 844-HELP4WV call line will also provide services to those battling other behavioral health struggles, such as suicide and depression,” Secretary Karen Bowling said. “Through this holistic approach, we are making sure all West Virginians have access to the treatment and care they need to achieve the bright future they deserve.”

First Choice Health Systems employees are professionally certified and trained to engage callers in conversation, working on a one-on-one basis to determine the best steps moving forward for each individual.

“Those struggling with addiction are often afraid to take the first step and seek help. With this hotline, we are offering West Virginians across the state the opportunity to talk to professionals, discuss available treatment options, choose a path and begin the road to recovery,” Gov. Tomblin said.

No callers are placed on hold and can be immediately connected with treatment staff to help determine the most appropriate treatment option. The call line also provides appointment reminders, directions, and transportation assistance to ensure callers remember their appointments and show up on time.

Follow-up phone calls are placed after the first appointment, the first month, and the first three months to help patients stay on

track and have access to any additional clinical information or resources on community-based programs and local support groups.

“With medical personnel onsite 24/7 and the ability to dispatch local law enforcement officers for safety checks, we are telling West Virginians in need, we care about you – and your life – and stand ready to help you build a bright future,” Gov. Tomblin said.

Governor Tomblin Announces Launch of 844-HELP4WV

West Virginia’s first 24-hour substance abuse and mental health call line unveiled by Govenor Tomblin.

National Preparedness Month -- observed each September -- is a reminder that everyone must take action to prepare for emergencies. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”

National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30 with National PrepareAthon! Day, a bi-annual opportunity to prepare for specific hazards with drills, exercises, and group discussions, during which individuals, families, organizations such as K-12 schools and institutions of higher education, and communities will take simple, specific actions to increase emergency preparedness. For more information about emergency preparedness visit http://www.community.fema.gov/.

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Daniel applied to HRDF’s Mon YouthBuild Program, located in Fairmont, West Virginia (WV), in August 2014 with the goal of completing his TASC (formerly the GED). In addition to wanting to acquire his TASC, Daniel was interested in learning about

the various building trades and seeking a job in the emerging construction field. Once Daniel was enrolled in the 6-8 month program cycle, he took the program very seriously. He gained new technical skills, as well as important leadership and soft skills that are so

important in today’s work world. Daniel studied hard and passed his TASC on the first try. He completed Mon YouthBuild’s Occupational Skill Training class, offered through program partner Stanley Technical Institute (STI). His participation in STI allowed him to also study for, and pass, two industry recognized certificate attainments: WV Plumber in Training and WV Electrical Apprenticeship. Upon successfully passing each test, Mon YouthBuild staff assisted him in acquiring his license for both. While enrolled, Daniel received a 10 hour OSHA Safety Training and his Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certification. Daniel also received support services, including assistance with transportation, through co-enrollment in the YouthReady Program, funded by the WorkForce Innovation and Opportunity Act, also administered by Human Resource Development Foundation, Inc. (HRDF). Upon

Mon YouthBuild Success Storygraduation Daniel made a contact, utilizing his new electrical license, and was hired by Electrical Systems Inc., located in Clarksburg, WV. The company, at that time, was completing contracted electrical work in Ohio. Daniel moved to Ohio to work as a contracted employee, and then moved to Iowa, as the company landed a contract there. Daniel is making approximately $18.00 per hour, plus per diems. Although it is far from home, Daniel enjoys his work, and is grateful for the opportunity that Mon YouthBuild gave him. YouthBuild staff are grateful for the opportunity to assist Daniel and others through the years. It is rewarding that the services provided make a positive difference in many of the lives of youth served. Mon YouthBuild has been providing YouthBuild services since 1995 throughout North Central WV, and the program is administered by HRDF, located in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Shop Instructor, Ed Vincent (Left), and Mon YouthBuild Participant, Daniel, standing outside of a worksite.

REXO Success StoryHarley Rae was an 18 year

old high school senior at Riverside High School when she enrolled in the Human Resource Development Foundation, Inc. (HRDF) RExO program in Charleston, West Virginia. Harley was referred by the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s office for truancy and she enrolled in the EPIC Program, which stands for Empowering Positive Integration in Communities, on May 6, 2014. HRDF staff placed Harley Rae in several activities which were structured to develop her skill level while restoring her confidence and reputation. She participated in Academic Counseling,

Job/Readiness and Work Preparation, Tutoring, and other Support Services.

Harley Rae was also placed by HRDF staff in a subsidized internship with the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission as a Life Guard at the Coonskin Park pool. Harley was trained to maintain order at the pool facility by preventing accidents through the enforcement of policies, rules, regulations, and ordinances governing the conduct of patrons. After the training, Harley Rae was offered full-time employment with the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission, but chose to enroll at West

Virginia University (WVU). At WVU, Harley decided to take subjects in the engineering field and received a 2.9 GPA her first semester.

This summer Harley Rae successfully gained two jobs and made the decision to transfer to WVU Tech where she plans to major in chemical engineering. Harley Rae’s words of wisdom to other youth interested in attending training programs are: “The HRDF program gave me opportunities that I otherwise would not have had. These opportunities have better prepared me to be successful in my education and jobs that I now have”.

RExO Participant Harley Rae.

“The HRDF program gave me opportunities that I otherwise would not have had. These opportunities have better prepared me to be successful in my education and jobs that I now have”. -Harley Rae

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — At a two-day summit in Morgantown, 500 education administrators, teachers, students, military members and community representatives brainstorm methods to inspire an interest in learning beyond 12th grade.

“An education after high school, whether that be a 2-year or 4-year, is essential. It’s an opportunity. It’s available and it’s affordable,” said Dr. Adam Green, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. ” We know that more and more jobs require some type of credential after high school.”

The 5th annual Success

Success Summit: Education After 12th Grade Essential in Current Economy

Summit theme was “Reach Higher”.

The challenge among conference participants is to meet 21st century job demands.

Less than 30 percent of the state’s population has credentials beyond high school. According to Green, to maintain our current economy, 51 percent of West Virginians need additional training after graduation. That doesn’t always mean a 4-year degree.

“It’s what’s the best fit and match for student, be he or she a traditional 18 year old, someone leaving the military or an adult who chooses to return to the classroom,” Green said.

In a recent column by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, he wrote, “Current projections show 60 percent of new jobs in the energy, advanced manufacturing and information technology industry sectors will require at least a 2-year degree, while 74 percent of those jobs will require a form of post-secondary education.”

Grade school teachers are among those at the Success Summit. Some are presenting methods they use as early as third grade to get students interested in education beyond high school.

Four high schools, Berkeley Springs, Hedgesville, John Marshall, and Oak Glen, are

represented by students participating in the Youth Summit. They will train to be Higher Education Readiness Officers (HERO).

“Really, they are the change agents within their communities to help get this word out and help empower their communities to know education is the key to changing not just an individual’s life but an entire community’s life,” Green noted.

The Success Summit was held July 29 and 30 at the Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown.This article was featured in the News Section of MetroNews.

HRDF’s Taylor Runner and Amanda Filippelli presented at the West Virginia Student Success Summit in July, and shared best practices and lessons learned pertaining to serving transition-age students who are also Social Security beneficiaries. Below is an article highlighting the summit activities.

HRDE/HRDF Annual ConferenceEach year, HRDE and HRDF

staff congregate to participate in group training activities to better prepare to serve clients and residents enrolled in HRDF programs, and living in HRDE housing units. Staff engage in trainings provided by outside entities, which allows for collaborators to share best practices and policies. Internal training to ensure consistency and effectiveness across programs is also offered, and HRDE and HRDF staff learn a great deal from each other. The group participates in motivational activities and team building exercises. It is very important for staff to come together in this manner, as a unique aspect to both HRDE and HRDF is that staff are spread across the state, and the Annual Conference is a chance for all staff to come together, build relationships, and learn from one another.

Some of the activities for the Annual 2015 Conference include training centered on the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) regulations and policies, strategies for stress management, and training pertaining to mandated reporting requirements. Staff also participate in a cookout each year, and have had the opportunity to take part in things such as pontoon boat rides, golf outings, and 100 Miles in 100 Days efforts.

A long standing tradition associated with the Annual Conference is that of the Susie Haun Memorial Fund Raffle.

On September 20, 1989, Joyce Sue (Susie) Haun, Manager of Unity Terrace Apartments in Fairmont, WV, was fatally wounded by a tenant in the Laundromat of Unity Terrace Apartments, ending the life of a caring

person who spent thirteen years of her life helping others improve their lifestyles.

Friends and staff decided to create a permanent fund in Susie’s name that would provide an opportunity for children to attend summer camp. Therefore, in 1991 HRDE/HRDF staff established the “Susie Haun Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

This year HRDE/HRDF is holding a “Susie Haun Memorial Scholarship Fund Raffle”. Staff are currently

soliciting donations in their local communities to sponsor a basket for their area.

All sponsored baskets will be raffled to HRDE/HRDF Staff, during a fun filled cookout held during the conference.

Pictured above, a past conference event held at Tygart Lake.

If you have any questions regarding the Susie Haun Memorial Scholarship Fund, or would like to donate items please contact Phil Leinbach at (304) 296-8223, Ext.18; or, Tina Buchanan at (304) 296-8223, Ext. 31.

New YouthBuild grants expand second chances for at-risk youth in 31 states and the District of Columbia

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WASHINGTON — Last month, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez met a young Camden man named Donny during a visit to New Jersey to tour the facilities of YouthBuild Camden. Before YouthBuild, Donny felt he was on the wrong path and headed toward a life on the streets.

Like other young people, Donny came to YouthBuild at first to earn his GED. Instead, he told Secretary Perez, the program helped him find his courage, self-confidence, motivation, and personal strength. Donny now works at the Housing Authority of the City of Camden and doing maintenance work on the side, hoping to lead to a full time job there.

Today, the department announced the award of nearly $76 million in YouthBuild grants to support additional

academic and occupational skills training for at-risk youth like Donny. The grants range from approximately $700,000 to $1.1 million each and will fund 72 YouthBuild programs in 31 states, the District of Columbia and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nation. Of the recipients in this award, 22 eligible applicants that have not previously received a YouthBuild grant were selected this year.

YouthBuild is a non-residential, community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training in construction and other in-demand occupations. The program serves 16-to-24 year-olds who have dropped out of high school and who have been in the justice system, are aging out of foster care, have

dropped out of high school, or are otherwise at-risk of failing to reach key educational and career milestones. The grants will serve an estimated 4,800 participants in the next three years.

“Success should never be determined by where a person starts in life,” Secretary Perez said. “YouthBuild equips young people with the tools they need to realize their potential and the job skills they need to climb career ladders and punch their tickets to the middle class. Closing opportunity gaps for America’s young people is a matter of basic fairness and critical to our ability to compete in the global economy.”

Today’s announcement marks the first round of YouthBuild grants awarded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity

Act. The law, which became effective on July 1, 2015, led to several changes to YouthBuild. These changes include putting greater focus on improving the quality and energy efficiency of buildings serving low-income and homeless individuals and families; expanding the eligibility to include youth who have dropped out of high school but subsequently re-enrolled; and supporting further program alignment with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

YouthBuild’s mission aligns closely with the goals of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which seeks to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can realize their full potential.

Seventy-two grants awarded totaling nearly $76M

HRDF will receive $921,318 to implement a YouthBuild Program in Charleston, West Virignia. Habitat for Humanity Kanawha and Putnam will be an integral partner, as the program will provide participants with occupational skills training, combined with worksite construction training, to build two low-income housing units. More details to follow.

local regional WorkForce West Virginia offices. Each worksite crew member will be eligible for at least 12 months of employment. Crews will work to clear creeks and streams of debris, as well as other projects that are identified throughout the regions. HRDF staff are collaborating with local County Commissioners, as well as the Office of Emergency Management personnel to identify the areas in most need of revitalization. Crew members will receive training in Occupational

Flood Clean-Up Cont.Safety and Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification. They will also be provided with placement services and work readiness activities such as resume building and assistance with linking to local employment opportunities upon completing their hours in the program.

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Pictured above is an example of the damage and debris local streams have endured as a result of flooding during the Spring of 2015. Crews will work to revitalize areas identified.

Please call (304) 296-8223 Ext. 28 for more information about the program.

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The Lewis County Learning Center held an event in June, where graduates who participated in HRDF’s YouthReady Program were recognized for their accomplishments. Representatives from RESA 7, the West Virginia Department of Education, Ten Mile Primitive Baptist Church, Lewis County TASC examiners, students, and community volunteers all participated in this event. HRDF’s Service Placement Specialist, Sheila Sullivan, presented graduates with certificates, and was then honored with a certificate of her own. She was presented with the Community Partner Award for 2015. Sheila’s daughter, Laura, performed an acoustic musical program during the activity. Congratulations to Sheila!

HRDF’s Sheila Sullivan being presented with an award.

Lewis County Learning Center

Graduates being presented with their certificates.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families was awarded a Title IV-E Waiver to conduct a Demonstration Project in October 2014 by the United States Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau. The waiver will be used to implement a child welfare reform project called Safe at Home West Virginia.

The goals of Safe at Home West Virginia are to: • Ensure youth remain in their own communities whenever safely possible. • Reduce reliance on foster care/congregate care and prevent re-entries. • Reduce the number of children in higher cost placements out-of-state. • Step down youth in congregate care and/or reunify them with their families and home communities.

Safe at Home West Virginia will initially focus on youth 12-17 years old in congregate care both in and out of state. If targeted and comprehensive community services are provided to wrap around youth and their families, Safe at Home can either reunify them or keep them out of care in the first place, and most importantly, keep youth in their communities.

• With a goal of developing a model that can be replicated, Safe at Home West Virginia will start in the 8 counties in BCF Region II (Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Putnam and Wayne) and also in Berkeley, Jefferson,

and Morgan Counties in Region III. • This effort will require youth-serving public and private organizations to partner, innovate, and develop a shared

commitment to transform the way families are served. Key partners include child welfare, the courts, schools, probation, behavioral health, service providers, and others.

• Through Safe at Home West Virginia, providers will be able to serve families with more flexible, targeted, and individualized services and also more effectively engage public and private partners to better meet the needs of youth

and families. • Safe at Home West Virginia will also support improved well-being, with a particular focus on developing youth into successful, productive citizens.

Safe at Home West Virginia will include: • Trauma-informed assessments for youth and their families to identify their needs. • Trauma-informed wraparound services. • Evidence-based services and supports. • Opportunities to provide services early and often, aligned with the targeted needs of youth and their families.

Safe At Home West VirginiaThe West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and

Families was awarded a Title IV-E Waiver to conduct a Demonstration Project in October 2014 by the United States Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau. The waiver will be used to implement a child welfare reform project called Safe at Home West Virginia.

REMINDER: RE-ENROLL in the Kroger Community Rewards Program

It is important that you visit http://www.kroger.com/communityrewards and connect your card with Human Resource Development Foundation (#93905) under the Community Rewards tab on their website. You may do this over the phone by calling 1-800-409-4438. Thank you in advance for your continued support of HRDF programs and the youth served.

“Providing individuals the resources to achieve self-sufficiency through employment,

training, and advocacy supported by collaborative efforts and networks dedicated to this goal.

This is further achieved by maintaining HRDF’s recognized leadership in the field of human

services and development.”

1644 MilegroundMorgantown, WV 26505

Phone: (304) 296-8223TDD: 1-800-982-8771Fax: (304) 296-8839

Email: hrdf@hrdfwv.org

We’re on the web!www.hrdfwv.org

HRDF History

Human Resource Development Foundation, Inc. (HRDF) was incorporated in 1967, with the mission of providing economically disadvantaged West Virginians an opportunity for self-sufficiency through education, training, and employment. Disadvantaged youth have been an ongoing target population for program services since the organization’s inception with the Neighborhood Youth Corps and continues today with training and employment services.

HRDF’s youth programs serve 78 percent of the counties in the state and HRDF is currently the largest single provider of WIA-funded youth services in WV, with over 1,000 youth served in the aforementioned programs since July 1, 2009.HRDF, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary Aids and Services are Available upon Request

to Individuals with Disabilities.Veterans Priority for Participants: The Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288) requires priority of service for veterans and

spouses of certain veterans for employment, training, and placement. EOE M/F/V/D AFT 4009, AFL-CIO

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