Literacy Committee Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2011
Attendees:
John Biondi, I.B.E.W.
Ken Brahl, ShopRite, Chairman
Jackie Mintz, Mintz & Associates
Frank Shaw, Camden County Resource Center
Jeffrey S. Swartz, CCWIB
Jonathan Young, New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters
Welcome:
Chairman Brahl welcomed attendees and thanked them for volunteering their time to address the literacy needs of the county. He said he believes that more people would become involved if they clearly understood the positive impact involvement with the Workforce Investment Board means to our community.
ABE Consortium Scope of Work Update:
The committee discussed the cost proposal received from Walter Rand Institute and agreed that the level of need throughout the county is great regardless of a formal assessment. They feel the cost to complete the scope of work as outlined by WRI is excessive and instead would like to meet with Carol Dann to determine exactly what is needed to meet the SETC and ABE Consortium requirements. Jeff will request a meeting with Carol Dann as soon as possible.
Committee Goals in Support of Executive Goals
Ken explained he would like the committee to use the majority of the meeting to brainstorm on ways to tie the work of the committee to the goals of the Executive Director. He stated many members of the board are only present at our annual meeting and he would like to find ways especially for the private sector members to become more engaged. Ken proposed working on two of the four priorities including Youth and Re-Entry. Discussion ensued and Frank Shaw advised members he has frequent contact with the ex-offender population and is in a position to refer those with a literacy skill and workplace skill set to prospective employers. Frank stated he would be interested in becoming the point person at the One-Stop for ex-offenders on an individual basis to determine the details of the crime that caused the incarceration. Frank and members agreed that this is pertinent information in matching with the right employers and appropriate work environment. Ken and members agreed that incremental steps are needed to build relationships with employers and a good strategy would be to ask an employer to work with one person at a time. Ken shared his personal experiences with ex-offenders and cautioned members of the pitfalls when inundating an employer with specific populations that require more than normal supervision. Members agreed and began discussing ways to inform county residents and businesses about the free literacy services available at the local One-Stop Career Center. Ken requested a list of the top 100 businesses to be used to outreach and develop partnerships that will benefit both employees and employers.
Also discussed was sponsoring a Business Breakfast as a forum to inform business of the benefits and process of piloting a literacy program at their respective places of business. Ken, Jonathan and John Biondi could give testimonials as to the ease of implementation and tracking. Ken suggested working with regional ShopRite’s to bring their Human Resource members to a separate meeting and sharing the outcomes of the Ravitz ShopRite program.
Members then discussed the development of multi-language Posters that could be direct mailed to employers to address literacy skills. Suggested tag lines included:
DO YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYEE THAT NEEDS HELP WITH LITERACY?
DO YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES OR FAMILY THAT NEED LITERACY SKILLS?
HOW MANY OF YOUR EMPLOYEES NEED A GED?
DO YOU NEED TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN WITH HOMEWORK? DO YOU NEED A GED?
Jackie Mintz cautioned members against using the words literacy or the phrase “do you need help reading or writing;” she also suggested keeping the picture on the poster small and the words large and easy to read. She also suggested that the poster should state that the services are free. Employer cover letters should read “Please post for your employees.”
John Biondi Update on IBEW Pilot
John advised members that 350 applications were completed in a two week period. He stated that 100-150 applicants only fill out the application and will not provide the additional items requested such as transcripts and 60% failed the aptitude test. John advised members that all rejected applicants were sent the letter to contact Frank Shaw at the One-Stop for math and literacy remedial assistance. Frank Shaw advised members that he received one call for algebra assistance. Members are excited that the first IBEW customer has contacted the One-Stop.
Jonathan Young added that the unions offer high value positions and expect professionals with this skill set. He shared with members that many programs are consumed with filling the program with bodies and many are not suited to obtain their GED. Jackie said that Camden County College will graduate approximately 90 students with a GED and Frank said the One-Stop will hit 40 GED completions before June 30.
Next Steps:
The committee will begin poster design, and discuss the Business Outreach Breakfast.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 8:30 AM at the WIB headquarters.
Submitted by,
Sherriea Gorden
Literacy Committee Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2011
Attendees:
John Biondi, I.B.E.W.
Ken Brahl, ShopRite, Chairman
Carol Dann, Camden County College
Sherriea Gorden, CCWIB
Beth Kitchen, Kitchen & Associates Architectural Services
Jackie Mintz, Mintz & Associates
Jeffrey S. Swartz, CCWIB
Jonathan Young, New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters
Welcome:
Chairman Brahl welcomed attendees.
Ken Brahl, Shop-Rite Update
Ken stated his staff continues to refer individuals to the One-Stop Resource Center for service and track individuals upon return.
John Biondi, I.B.E.W. Update
John advised members that they are still accepting applications for and anticipate approximately 450 applicants for 35 positions. John said on the first day they began accepting apps there were more than 150 people who applied. John shared some interesting facts including that of the 450 applicants approximately 20% are college graduates. Although the math portion of test includes algebra which many find difficult; it is actually the literacy portion of the test that most seem to have a difficult time passing. John expects to start aptitude testing near the end of March. He has placed the One-Stop brochures in the lobby and for those who do not pass the test; he will provide them with a copy of the letter drafted for use by the Trades by the WIB.
Sherriea Gorden advised members that she confirmed with Frank Shaw that the Resource Center will have the capacity to serve referrals from I.B.E.W. Discussion ensued around the need to create a tracking system for I.B.E.W. and the Resource Center to maintain accurate stats on the pilot.
Jonathan Young indicated he will use the letter to make referrals to the One-Stop and provided a copy of the test administered to applicants for use by the Resource Center in determining the required skill set. Sherriea Gorden will forward the test to Frank Shaw for review.
ABE (Adult Basic Education) Consortium Grant
Carol Dann provided a comprehensive list of considerations and a scope of work to be used to provide a revised quote for the “Needs Assessment” from the Walter Rand Institute. This lead to a discussion on fund raising and requested the WIB research Dollar General and Verizon funding opportunities. Jeff stated the WIB may be able to fund as we will need the information to complete the update to our five year strategic plan. Jeff was asked to contact Robin Widing to discuss the scope of the last assessment that provided the update to the last 5 year strategic plan update. Jeff should also ask Robin for the names of other capable consultants/firms that can provide competitive quotes. Carol stated she will contact Gwendolyn Harris and obtain a new quote for committee review and discussion.
Next Steps:
Due to time constraints members did not discuss Committee goals in support of the Executive Director. Ken asked members to consider ways to tie into Executive Director goals particularly youth literacy services through the One-Stop and the development of the designated area for youth at the One-Stop and be prepared to discuss at the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for April 5, 2011, 8:30 AM at the WIB headquarters.
2011 Meeting Schedule as follows:
Literacy Committee Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2011
Attendees:
Barbara Abrams, Jewish Family & Children’s Service
John Biondi, I.B.E.W.
Ken Brahl, ShopRite, Chairman
Carol Dann, Camden County College
Sherriea Gorden, CCWIB
Jackie Mintz, Mintz & Associates
Jeffrey S. Swartz, CCWIB
Jonathan Young, New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters
Welcome:
Chairman Brahl welcomed attendees and round table introductions were made. Members welcomed new member Jonathan Young, New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters.
Shop-Rite Program Update
Ken proved an overview of the Shop-Rite program and reported since its inception May 2009 twenty six (26) individuals were referred to the One-Stop for remedial skills with 21 obtaining employment upon return.
ABE (Adult Basic Education) Consortium Grant
Carol Dann advised members that after a complete review of the proposal submitted by Walter Rand Institute she concluded the scope of work needs to be revised. She advised members that the current proposal may be useful as part of the strategic plan update. Carol will contact Gwendolyn Harris for a revised scope and estimate. The WIB has identified funds to support this requirement.
Pilot Updates
John Biondi advised members that I.B.E.W. has agreed to provide applicants with communication referring them to the One-Stop for additional services to improve their test scores. Jonathan Young, NJ Carpenters Council Representative stated he would be able to provide a similar letter to applicants that don’t pass their test. Sherriea Gorden reported that Frank Shaw of the One-Stop indicated the One-Stop will be able to handle the influx of customers resulting from the I.B.E.W and NJ Carpenters referrals. Sherriea will draft a letter on WIB letter head for use by the trades.
Genesis Health Care Follow-Up
Jackie Mintz advised members that she recently discovered that Genesis, depending on the location, may or may not require a high school diploma for their CNA’s or HHA’s. This comes as a surprise and Jackie requested additional time to investigate how we might pilot a program in the Health Care sector. Jackie will report to the committee at the next meeting.
Next Steps:
Ken requested members consider ways to tie into Executive Director goals particularly youth literacy services through the One-Stop and the development of the designated area for youth at the One-Stop.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2011, 8:30 AM at the WIB headquarters.
2011 Meeting Schedule as follows: