Presenters: Keri Kono, Darci Krouse & Sue Petersen Career Pathway Navigators Shared Successes Through Integrated Services

Objectives: Learn how collaboration with Core Partners met the many needs of the customers through success stories of four individuals. Examples of blending funds to create more financial support for customers. Things we’ve learned along the way Future Steps

Who’s in the room?

GAP Tuition Assistance Program Provides need-based tuition assistance for approved short- term continuing education training programs for in-demand occupations. Bridges the funding gap for individuals that meet program and income guidelines to complete short-term training programs. Funding can cover: tuition, direct training costs, required books and equipment, transportation and testing and licensing fees.

PACE – Pathways to Academic Careers & Employment Provides supportive services to students in credit programs at Hawkeye Community College. Connects individuals with college resources or outside support services when needed. Financial assistance for costs involved in going to college including: books, transportation, tutoring, tools/supplies and tuition if not eligible for financial aid.

How we work. Our Location: Cedar Valley IowaWORKS Programs within the same building: WIOA Adult Dislocated Worker Young Adult Promise Jobs DEI Vocational Rehabilitation Special Programs Some services offered at Hawkeye Community College’s Metro Center (Adult Basic Ed & ELL), Cedar Falls Center and Main Campus.

John McCreery - CDL John shares his story of the process he went through to obtain his Class A CDL.his story

Guy Kabunda – Industrial Maintenance Guy’s path started while he was developing basic English Language skills. Here is what he has to say about his journey.Here

Jon Ramon - CNC Jon has been unemployed for some time and sought out services because of his disabilities. Jon tells how Voc Rehab and GAP worked together to help him achieve his goals.tells

Partnering With Promise Jobs Program within the One Stop System. Co-located with this program at Cedar Valley IowaWORKS. Provides work and training services to Family Investment Program (FIP) participants.

Yolanda Draine - CNA Yolanda was working with her Promise Jobs worker when she decided that she was interested in going back to school to become a Nurse Aide to better her life. Sue will tell how Promise Jobs and the GAP program worked together to make this happen.

Things We’ve Learned Along the Way Communication is KEY! Finding the right referral process takes time. Timing is everything! Joint team meetings can help develop proper employment plans and allow the customer to reach their goals more quickly and efficiently. Providing services to customers in various settings allows for better accessibility.

Future Steps Continue to improve processes of referrals with partnering agencies and programs. Develop more knowledge of what various programs can pay for and what support they can give to better serve the customer. Increase joint team meetings throughout the process of enrollment and closure to make sure all customer needs are met.

Questions and Discussion

Presenters: Keri Kono, Darci Krouse & Sue Petersen Career Pathway Navigators THANK YOU!