Norwalk Acts: Working Together, Everything is Achievable

Connecticut was the 19th state to legalize adult recreational cannabis in 2021.  As roots of this new industry take hold, a number of questions arise concerning the future workforce needed to support employers.  In this episode, Eric Davis, Chief Learning Officer of Grown In shares his thoughts regarding skills training and the cannabis industry. More information about Grown In can be found here. Information on Connecticut's Social Equity Council which was developed to make sure the adult-use cannabis program is grown equitably, and that funds generated from adult-use cannabis are brought back to the communities hit hardest by the war on drugs can be found here.

The Hampton Roads Workforce Council oversees the workforce system in southeast Virginia. They provide strategic workforce development solutions designed to assist businesses in accessing qualified workers and jobseekers in search of suitable job openings and training opportunities to bolster their earning potential.  Over the past 2 years the Hampton Roads Workforce Council has expanded services for veterans, entered the offshore wind industry and completed a merger to enhance operations. In this conversation, Shawn Avery, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council provides perspective on recent achievements and talks about what is ahead for his organization. theworkforcecouncil.org @HamptonRoadsWorkforceCouncil linkedin.com/company/hamptonroadsworkforcecouncil

Norwalk Acts is transforming their community by building partnership infrastructure and capacity, convening qualified and committed cross-sector community teams, and collecting data so that the membership can deliver on its mission.  It is a catalyst for systems change, aligning collective work to ensure success for all in the community. This episode catches up with Jesse Buccolo and Denique Weidema-Lewis of Norwalk Acts to hear about what the organization has been up to and plans for the coming year. For more information about this organization visit norwalkacts.org

As the nation recovers from the pandemic, the housing market has been a great opportunity for some, while others struggle to keep a roof over their heads. In this episode, we hear from David Lavery, Staff Attorney with the Connecticut Fair Housing Center.  David joined the Center in 2016 and litigates fair lending, fair housing, and foreclosure cases. His focus is on identifying and investigating discriminatory lending and housing patterns using quantitative and qualitative data.  David helps sort through changes taking place in the housing market and highlights programs that are available to help families stay in their homes while they work with their lenders.  For more information about the Connecticut Fair Housing Center visit www.ctfairhousing.org or to speak with a staff member call (860) 247-4400.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are a little-known asset available to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established small businesses. They’re designed specifically to help small businesses with all kinds of business-related activities, including guiding with marketing and financing. This resource can be a huge help to people who are just starting, or too small business owners looking to expand. Valeria Bisceglia of Connecticut's SBDC is an advocate for efficiency, streamlining, and building positive cultures that enrich the business environment. With over 16 years of experience, she is a strategist and trusted advisor and go-to resource in the community, helping businesses build their capacity for sustainable growth by encouraging the creation and support of viable organizational practices. In this episode, Valeria provides an overview of the diverse services made available to entrepreneurs and small businesses.  For more information about the SBDC and how to reach a business advisor, visit ctsbdc.com

Each year hundreds of thousands of individuals are released from prison across the country and according to the Department of Justice, 45% of former prisoners were arrested within one year of release and 68% within three years.  Frequently, men and women released from correctional facilities are inadequately prepared for the challenges before them.  Re-Entry is complex, as a criminal conviction limits employment prospects, public housing assistance, and social services.  They need to attach to supports and resources which will help assure their success in rejoining society.  This conversation covers topics that are essential to understanding the needs of people re-entering society. Listen to Earl Bloodworth, Director of the Mayor's Initiative for Re-Entry Affairs for the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Terri Williams, Vice President, Re-Entry Programs at The WorkPlace.  Their organizations are fostering support for returning citizens by providing access to valuable resources, and networks of holistic support. For more information visit: workplace.org/p2e/ and ctreentry.org/ 

CSS Workforce NY is a not-for-profit organization in upstate NY that is dedicated to assisting individuals with advancing their careers while providing businesses with the talent they need to succeed. All of their services are available to businesses and job seekers of all ages at no cost. Without much warning, COVID-19 dramatically altered the way CSS Workforce NY approached their work and supported their customers.  In many ways, the changes maybe for the better. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Porter, Executive Director, of CSS Workforce NY to hear about the transition and what lies ahead.  csswfny.com  @CSSWorkforceNY

Most everyone knows someone who became unemployed at some point during their career. However, not everyone easily finds their way back to a work. When you are out of work, you can face many different types of barriers to landing a new job.  Some need to develop new skills, while others have to overcome bias regarding their time out of work. Job loss created by COVID-19 has steadily increased the number of people experiencing long-term unemployment. In this episode, we meet three people who share their experience with unemployment and job search. We also uncover Platform to Employment, a program that is helping put the long-term unemployed back to work.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2024 — just few years from now — 13 million people age 65 and older will still be working. These older workers will constitute the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Older workers are a valuable part of any organization and as many companies struggle to find experienced, qualified workers, older individuals are available and willing to fill those gaps. In this episode we hear from Gloria Hailey of MaturityWorks, a program that helps people, increase their job skills through paid community service in local non-profit organizations.  During the MaturityWorks experience, participants, build self-confidence, earn a modest income. and frequently find permanent employment. For more information on MaturityWorks visit, www.workplace.org/maturityworks

Today we are speaking with Sarah Lewis and exploring why Dress for Success is about so much more than a suit. Sarah is the Director of Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County which helps disadvantaged women achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. To learn more about Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County visit https://midfairfieldcounty.dressforsuccess.org/ or on Facebook @DressForSuccessMidFairfieldCounty