Literacy Committee Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2010
Attendees:
John Biondi, I.B.E.W.
Ken Brahl, Ravitz ShopRite
Cathy Brown, Camden County College
Sherriea Gorden, CCWIB
Mark Huber, Ravitz ShopRite
Beth Kitchen, Kitchen & Associates
Noelle McGuire, Ravitz ShopRite
Jackie Mintz, Mintz & Associates
Frank Shaw, Camden County Resource Center
Jeffrey Swartz, CCWIB
Welcome:
Jackie Mintz distributed and shared her delight at the article written by Jane M. Von Bergen published in the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the ShopRite pilot program. The article highlighted the effectiveness of the letter composed by the committee which states, “We at ShopRite care about you," the letter said. "Let us help you improve your skills! We encourage you to take free classes offered through the Camden County One-Stop Center.” Besides promising to continue the interview once the applicant acquired the requisite skills, the letter provides a name and contact number. Jackie was quoted as saying “That is important because many adults who need help do not know where to get it”. The article stated an applicant left the store with Brahl's letter on Oct. 14. He contacted Frank Shaw, who directs the Learning Link office in Camden. Shaw gave him an assessment and directed him to a review class. By Oct. 27, he was back at ShopRite. He aced the test and landed the job”. Additionally, Jane contacted Paul Harrington, a Northeastern University labor economist who studies employment literacy; he lauded the plan's simplicity. He said many workers could improve dramatically with 20 hours of training because all they need is a review. Also, "this is a great screening device about this person's willingness to get a job," he said. "It shows they have a little zip, a little drive."
Jackie stated the fact that a labor economist would applaud the program lends credence to its expansion and effectiveness.
Ken Brahl advised the committee he is scheduled to give a presentation to the Wakefern Food Corporation at the next meeting in February. He added the news article will boost the success of the program and should spur interest from other Supermarkets.
John Biondi indicated he has received permission to implement the referral program for the next round of applicants. John provided a copy of the IBEW’s test booklet for committee review.
Learn and Serve Grant
At the last committee meeting members discussed the possibility of obtaining a grant to help people with computer aid at the Learning Link. Cathy Brown explained the grant application process and reporting requirements. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that the committee would not apply for the $400,000 grant opportunity this year.
Jackie Mintz suggested that even if we don’t apply for the grant, perhaps a teacher from the college would agree to allow their students to participate. Cathy explained the process needed to have the syllabus changed before the winter semester. Jackie will contact the Dean at the Camden campus. Frank Shaw added that with the loss of the teacher that was supplied by the Camden City School District, it has been difficult to meet the demand and has a waiting list of more than 30 individuals. Discussion centered on the likelihood of getting a replacement teacher and if the Federal regulations indicated a provision due to the number of Camden City residents being served. Frank will check the Federal Regulations and report back at the next meeting.
In closing, the next meeting will be scheduled in early March. A meeting notice will be sent once a date is established. Jackie will follow up with Genesis Health Care to discuss implementing the program.
Submitted by,
Sherriea Gorden
Executive Assistant
Literacy Committee Minutes
December 3, 2009
Attendees:
Terri Ballard, CCWIB
John Biondi, I.B.E.W.
Ken Brahl, Ravitz Shop Rite (joined by phone)
Cathy Brown, Camden County College
Jackie Mintz, Mintz & Associates
Frank Shaw, Camden County One Stop Career Center
Jeffrey Swartz, CCWIB
Welcome:
Jackie Mintz welcomed members to the meeting and gave an update on assignments given at the last meeting. She made contact with Genesis (Elder Care Firm) and will meet with them on 12/16 to discuss our concept already used by ShopRite. A representative from Genesis in Maryland is coming to the meeting to see if the concept can be expanded throughout the system. Unfortunately, representatives from Walmart, Home Depot and Target have been too busy with the holiday shopping season to participate at this time.
John Biondi forwarded the letter Shop Rite has been using to applicants who do not pass the test for employment to his superiors and they are interested in using something similar. Their test is more advanced than the test used by ShopRite and includes trigonometry and algebra. Frank Shaw stated that the One Stop test goes up to 12.9 grade level, but will check to see if it includes higher math. John will forward a copy of the booklet given to potential test takers to Cathy and Frank for review. The One Stop could taylor a program for Local 351.
I.B.E.W. Local 351 has approximately 800 applicants taking the test for only 40 positions. If only 20% of those who do not pass the test are interested in assistance from the One Stop, it will be a significant number. John said that many of those who do not pass ask if there is something they could do to improve their chances of passing. Lately, they have seen a shift with more people failing the reading comprehension portion of the test than the math portion.
The committee decided to continue the same strategy that is in place for Shop Rite with other companies who decide to participate. Any person who does not pass the company test will receive the letter notifying them of the assistance they can receive from the One Stop Career Center in Camden, even if the individual is from another county.
Ken Brahl was not able to present the concept to other members of the Wakefern Food Corporation, but he has one group in North Jersey interested.
The Committee discussed the possibility of obtaining a grant to help people with computer aid at the Learning Link. Cathy Brown advised that there is a $400,000 grant opportunity available later in the winter (she will get the exact date) for “Learn & Serve”. This would engage students at the college to serve as teachers to those going through the classes at the One Stop. This is different from an internship because the student is learning as well as teaching, not just helping a company.
Jackie Mintz suggested that even if we don’t apply for the grant, perhaps a teacher from the college would agree to allow their students to participate. The Committee will continue to explore the possibility of obtaining a grant through the CCWIB.
In closing, the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2010, 9:00am at the WIB office in Bellmawr. Jackie will personally contact Jennifer from Target as well as Home Depot and Walmart representatives.
Respectfully submitted by,
Terri Ballard
Office Administrator, CCWIB