Texas Workforce Commission 2011 Annual Report

Program Highlight:
Choices Program
To help displaced workers gain more
employable job skills, Workforce Solutions East
Texas (East Texas) funds the Non-Custodial
Parent Choices Program. The program includes
collaboration with four area colleges, and
provides education in areas such as customer
service training and Occupational Safety and
Health Administration skills. Participants
attended weekly job club classes, where they
received job leads based on their skill level.
During the initial year, 59 participants received
training and 47 obtained employment. East Texas plans to seek additional funding to expand the
program.
...by assisting foster youth
In partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services, TWC supports job-readiness and job-specific skills training
leading to employment and self-sufficiency for young adults
transitioning out of the foster care system. Currently four offices
provide services and activities necessary to assist transitioning foster
youth in achieving their goals, including a comprehensive array of
services and referrals for services that help address barriers they
face. In FY 2011, more than 1,400 foster youth were assisted through
workforce services, dropout prevention activities, self-esteem and
leadership activities, counseling, and other services designed to
support the healthy development of transitioning foster youth. TWC
will soon be supporting 10 additional Foster Youth Transition Centers
across the state offering these services as part of the program’s
expansion.
2011 Texas Workforce Commission Annual Report 17