Youth Committee
May 10, 2011
Attendees:
Melanie Comorato, Student Representative, Camden County Technical Schools
Diana Crone, CPAC
Michelle Faison, Parent Representative, CCWIB
Lori Godorov, Co-Chair, The Work Group
Shareef Hood, Student Representative, Camden County Technical Schools
Pastor Keith Davis, Camden Dream Center
Dr. Siobhon Kelly, Camden County Technical Schools
Jyi Peterson, Camden County Resource Center
Nida Sinclair, Camden County Resource Center
Harry Segner, Ewing Cole
Stewart Rosenberg, Chair, Artist Point Gift Wrap
Staff:
Sherriea Gorden, WIB
Jeffrey S. Swartz, WIB
Welcome and Introductions
Chairman Rosenberg welcomed attendees and round table introductions were made.
Summer Jobs Update
Jeff advised members that as of today, the WIB has not received notice of available funds for summer youth employment. While this is disheartening; other opportunities are available including a national WIB Partnership with UPS (United Parcel Service). UPS is offering summer and full-time employment opportunities nationwide and many of their jobs through a program called Earn and Learn. UPS is targeting youth for opportunities and job applications and job descriptions are available online at www.ups.com. UPS, 201 East Oak Ave, Lawnside is our county partner. The program is expected to kick off early to mid July. The WIB has presented preliminary data to the state and has expressed the need to identify and secure funding to provide subsidized employment opportunities; our One-Stop personnel has expressed confidence that they are prepared to respond quickly if funding is received.
Diana Crone, CPAC suggested reserving a page in the CPAC, Super Summer Directory for information on the possibility of funding for youth. She envisions the youth having the ability to pre-register for an employment opportunity; (historically summer employment funding is received after school is dismissed for the year and connecting with youth is more difficult), this will allow the One-Stop Career Center to capture youth looking for work and match them to employment opportunities should funding avail. Diana also suggested utilizing the county website to refer youth to the One-Stop to obtain information on available programs including those offered through non-profits and faith based agencies noting that cross referrals are beneficial for youth that do not fit the parameters of a particular program.
Pastor Keith Davis shared with members he and a few colleagues from Wharton School of Business and Harvard are developing an entrepreneurial youth program that is funded by Geraldine Dodge Foundation. Members spoke passionately about the need to develop the mind set of youth from becoming an employee to becoming employers Pastor Davis extended an invitation to attend a planning meeting to discuss youth entrepreneurship projects in support of the Camden Dream Center/Rutgers University School of Business- Camden to Chairman Rosenberg. The meeting will convene Thursday, May 19th at 12 noon, hosted by Dr. Briance Mascarehnas of Rutgers University, Camden - at the School of Business & Science Building. The meeting will include discussion of projects that could integrate social media into the new venture project. Campbell Soup has a new program that addresses childhood obesity and hunger in Camden that Pastor Davis would like to structure a new venture around.
The committee agreed the educational advantages are endless for the youth and support the meeting and utilization of Pastor Davis’s program as an option as a youth offering.
Post Youth Symposium
Items were tabled for next meeting. Members were asked to consider the advantages of the symposium and prepare to discuss a second symposium and a survey tool for follow-up purposes.
WIB Roles and Responsibilities
Attendees were given a copy of the SETC’s Youth Investment Roles and Responsibilities for review and discussion.
Next Meeting
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, 2011.
Submitted by
Sherriea Gorden
Executive Assistant
Youth Committee
January 11, 2011
Attendees:
Lori Godorov, Co-Chair, The Work Group
Pastor Keith Davis, Camden Dream Center
Dr. Siobhon Kelly, Camden County Technical Schools
Larry Kilson, KFL, Camden Dream Center
Father Jeff Putthoff, Hopeworks N’ Camden
Harry Segner, Ewing Cole
Stewart Rosenberg, Chair, Artist Point Gift Wrap
Rhonda Wardlow Hurley, Housing Authority City of Camden, (YouthBuild)
Staff:
Sherriea Gorden, WIB
Cindy Ellis, CCWIB
Jeffrey S. Swartz, WIB
Welcome and Introductions
Chairman Rosenberg welcomed attendees and round table introductions ensued. Stewart apprised members of the WIB’s role in the symposium is to identify and convene mentoring organizations with employers, community leaders and individuals that may have an interest in mentoring, creating an awareness of these opportunities and the positive impact such involvement has in changing the lives of youth.
Jeff added the WIB does not have the staff or resources to run programs however the WIB will provide administrative support for the event.
Youth Symposium Discussion
Chairman Rosenberg updated members on the Symposium status and reported the following:
- The Symposium will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.
- Camden County College has confirmed the use of the Forum and will keep our reservation of the Atrium and Town Hall providing us with options in the event we receive an overwhelming response for attendance.
- Freeholder Louis Cappelli., Jr. is confirmed to attend and will serve as Keynote speaker.
- Congressman Robert Andrews’s office has been contacted inviting him, schedule permitting to serve as keynote speaker.
Stewart requested volunteers for the following sub-committees to execute tasks.
Facility Set-up and Management
- Don Delaney, Camden County College was suggested as the site contact and Rhonda Wardlow Hurley volunteered to assist at the facility with registration and as needed.
- Specific tasks and confirmation of Don Delaney will be determined.
Employer Solicitation
- The draft letter of invitation was edited to reflect committee recommendations of requesting an RSVP and pre-registration to ascertain the necessary venue selection and food and beverage requirements.
- Members also determined electronic invitations will be sent to large, mid and small employers throughout the region including Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties as well as Philadelphia. Employer lists from Sandi Kelly, Terrance Leverett, and Camden County Regional Chamber will be used.
- Each member was requested to provide the names of personal contacts and outreach to such with an invitation to attend the symposium.
- The consensus of members is that word of mouth will produce the desired attendance and utilization of available resources, such as the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, CPAC, local Rotary Clubs, Libraries and the personal contacts of members.
- Members agreed a follow-up communication should be sent thanking participants for their involvement and/or provide an update on youth transitions/successes since the symposium. This document will be crafted with committee input.
Mentor Contact Information
- Stewart advised members that those companies or individuals interested in mentoring will need a comprehensive description of each organization’s mentoring program and the populations served to make an informed decision.
- Stewart asked Reverend Keith Davis, Camden Dream Center to develop a template based on the description of their services and mentoring program to use in capturing a comprehensive list for distribution at the symposium.
- Pastor Davis agreed to provide the template by Tuesday, January 18, 2011. The objective is to use the template to compile a list of mentoring organizations that serve county youth and for use at symposiums planned for the future. With limited resources it is imperative that we develop and maintain a pool of mentors ready to meet the needs of clients .
- The WIB will create the data base for this information and use in the future.
Review of Draft Symposium Agenda
- The consensus of members was to cut the event time down by eliminating the proposed powerpoint presentation and to focus on the keynote speaker and solicit testimony from a successful individual as a result of mentoring.
- The WIB will reach out to locate an appropriate individual to deliver such testimony.
Solicitation of Internships/Peer to Peer Mentoring Up-Date
- A draft letter was received from Jyi Peterson and Nidia Sinclair soliciting graduate students from Rowan University to mentor. Letter attached.
- If approved by members the letter will be sent out and details obtained for implementation.
- Sherriea Gorden, WIB staff will follow-up with Don Delaney regarding the participation of Rutgers to provide the same.
Mentor Training Up-Date
Based on Jeff Swartz’s description of the WIB’s roles and responsibilities regarding limited resources and staff availability to operate programs it was decided that mentoring agencies will not receive standardized training as previously discussed; instead mentoring agencies will be responsible for providing program specific training as necessary for participation in their respective programs. This will allow volunteer mentors with the option to choose based on information distributed at the symposium and their respective direct follow-up with the mentoring organization.
Youth Committee Participation Up-Date
Siobhan Kelly, Camden County Technical Schools advised Chairman Rosenberg and Jeff Swartz that she has identified two students to serve on the committee and is preparing a formal request for approval at her next board meeting. She expects board approval prior to the symposium and their attendance at the symposium.
Next Meeting
The symposium will serve as the next full committee meeting with sub-committee meetings between now and then. The next meeting of the sub-committee will be determined and a meeting notice sent.
Submitted by
Sherriea Gorden
Executive Assistant
Youth Committee
December 6, 2010
Attendees:
Diana Crone, CPAC
Donald Delaney, Camden County College
Angel M. Osorio, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
Jyi Peterson, Camden County Resource Center
Netesha Peterson, NJ Workforce
Stewart Rosenberg, Chair, Artist Point Gift Wrap
Nidia Sinclair, Camden County Resource Center
Rhonda Wardlow Hurley, Housing Authority City of Camden, (YouthBuild)
Staff:
Sherriea Gorden, WIB
Jeffrey S. Swartz, WIB
Welcome and Introductions
Stewart welcomed attendees and requested round table introductions.
Youth Symposium Discussion
A significant amount of time was spent outlining the intention of the symposium slated for March 8th, 2011. The location has been confirmed for the atrium and Civic Hall of the Madison Connector Building at Camden County College Campus, Blackwood, NJ from 9AM-12 noon.
The committee agreed the intention of the symposium is to advise employers throughout the county of mentoring opportunities and the advantages for youth between the ages of 16-24. Workplace mentors can play an important role in shaping the lives of young people by sharing real life work place experiences they may encounter as they transition into adulthood and the global workplace, as well as the employer has an opportunity of customizing a future employee. Jyi Peterson noted that occupational training funding is available for eligible youth.
The consensus was often times employers want to participate in such programs; however, do not know where to go to support the community in this capacity.
Stew Rosenberg advised members that Art Campbell, President of Camden County Chamber of Commerce offered to advertise the event to his members and volunteered to identify employers interested in participating. Chairman Rosenberg suggested Freeholder Cappelli participate as he is an advocate of mentoring and his endorsement will aid in validating the symposium. Action
Sherriea Gorden will contact Freeholder Cappelli’s office for participation at the symposium.
Members agreed in order to have a successful symposium it is first necessary to have a pool of employers attend. Netesha Peterson suggested we reach out to large corporations who have displayed a social commitment to work with the community such as CVS and Walgreens.
Netesha also advised members that NJ Workforce has submitted a proposal to the Camden City School District to hold captivating, youth inspiring presentations for middle and high school students to educate them on essential work place elements. The school district expressed support of the concept and if approved she will share the next steps with members.
Action
Netesha will also provide a copy of the proposal submitted to the School District for committee review and she volunteered to share the mentor survey used by Volunteers of America where she is a volunteer. The survey will be reviewed by the committee for use by the youth to determine their job sector interests. The WIB and committee agreed it is in the best interest to place youth in mentoring opportunities that match their career path interests.
Diana Crone expressed concern over the magnitude of the project based on discussion. Ms. Crone cautioned members to scale the project for success, remaining mindful of the need to protect the WIB’s YIC’s reputation by inviting reputable mentoring agencies.
Jeff Swartz suggested the committee consider a series of symposiums rather than one large event.
Following discussion, it was decided that only agencies receiving the Center for Family Services Institute screening and recommendation will be invited to participate. Members suggested contacting Kelly Jernergen with the Center for Family Services for a list of such agencies.
Action Sherriea Gorden will contact and obtain the list for review by members.
Angel Osorio and Diana Crone volunteered to draft a letter to employers that can be modified to solicit additional mentors including sororities and fraternities.
Action
Don Delaney will contact Rowen University to determine if they run an intern program and their level of interest in pairing their interns with our project youth Don stated he is regular contact with the guidance counselors throughout the county’s 31 schools and volunteered to share our project at their upcoming quarterly meeting scheduled Thursday, December 9th. Don will provide the list of school guidance counselors to the committee for use in the future.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 20, 2011 8:30 AM at the WIB office.
Submitted by
Sherriea Gorden
Executive Assistant
Youth Committee
November 16, 2010
Attendees:
Tanesha R. Brown, DYFS
Diana Crone, CPAC
Bonnie Donegan, Adventure Aquarium
Lori Godorov, The Work Group, Co-Chair
Tyrone Johnson, Juvenile Justice Commission
Siobhan Kelly, Camden County Technical Schools
Jim Maggio, TFG Management Services
Angel M. Osorio, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
Stewart Rosenberg, Chair, Artist Point Gift Wrap
Harry Segner III, Ewing Cole
Nidia Sinclair, Camden County Resource Center
Staff:
Sherriea Gorden, WIB
Jeffrey S. Swartz, WIB
Welcome and Introductions
Stewart welcomed attendees and introduced Lori Godorov as the new Committee Co-Chair. Lori gave a brief overview of her organizations mission. The Work Group located in Pennsauken, NJ, equips at-risk youth (16-24 years of age, out-of-school) in transition to adulthood with the skills, education and confidence to become self-directed and self sufficient by participating in the voluntary program. The Work Group serves approximately 100 youth annually. Ms. Godorov suggested members view the movie Waiting for Superman. Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim reminds us that education “statistics” have names: Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily, whose stories make up the engrossing foundation of WAITING FOR SUPERMAN. As he follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth, Guggenheim undertakes an exhaustive review of public education, surveying “drop-out factories” and “academic sinkholes,” methodically dissecting the System and its seemingly intractable problems. However, embracing the belief that good teachers make good schools, and ultimately questioning the role of unions in maintaining the status quo, Guggenheim offers hope by exploring innovative approaches taken by education reformers and charter schools that have—in reshaping the culture—refused to leave their students behind.
Corrective Action Plan
NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of One-Stop Coordination and Support conducted a Youth review for our local area’s Youth Programs for Program Year 2009 in June 2010 resulting in the following necessary corrective actions:
Corrective Action 1: The local area must ensure that the YIC membership requirements stipulated in WIA sec. 117 (h) (2) are met.
Response to Corrective Action 1:
The Camden County Workforce Investment Board, YIC Co-Chairperson, is in the process of identifying a parent of an eligible youth to sit on the council, as well as a former participant. Both the parent and the former youth participant will attend the next scheduled meeting on November 16, 2010. A bi-monthly YIC meeting schedule for the calendar year 2011 is planned, with additional meetings scheduled as needed.
Corrective Action 2: In order to be in compliance with WIA Sec. 117 (h) (4) (B) (i) and Sec. 123, the local area needs to ensure that the YIC is involved in the actual evaluation and selection process of youth training providers.
Response to Corrective Action 2:
- The Camden County Workforce Investment Board, YIC Chairperson participated in the PY’10, Youth contract development, and review process. Moving forward, additional YIC committee members will be included in this process.
Corrective Action 3: To participate in programs and activities financially assisted in whole or part under WIA; individuals must meet general program eligibility requirements which consist of Citizenship or Eligibility to Work, Age, and Selective Service Registration. The general program eligibility requirements apply to all programs under Title I. Although the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services I-9 Form is not required to be completed to determine an individual’s eligibility under WIA, the Form provides guidance, as far as , the documentation that is acceptable and required to verify a participants’ citizenship or eligibility to work status. In order to be in compliance, the local area must implement a plan to ensure all participants meet the requirements outlined in WIA Sec. 188 (a)(5).
Response to Corrective Action 3:
- After thorough review of the WIA Law, Federal Register, and sections cited in Corrective Action 3, the Camden County One-Stop disputes the finding that , “In order [for the Camden One-Stop] to be in compliance, the local area must implement a plan to ensure all participants meet the requirements outlined in WIA Sec. 188 (a) (5).”
The following facts support our dispute:
§ Neither the WIA Law nor the Federal Register requires the completion of Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, I-9 Form for WIA eligibility determination. Additionally, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development has not issued instructions requiring the completion of the I-9 Form with the exception of ARRA, when youth were considered employees of the local area during participation in the Summer Youth Program. The Camden One-Stop complied with the ARRA, I-9 Form requirement.
§ There was a Memorandum issued on March 31, 2009 regarding “Documents Acceptable for Employment Eligibility Verification” which once again states, “The following documents are acceptable for the purpose of determining a customer’s authorization to work.” The Memorandum does not state that the I-9 Form must be completed.
§ As stated in Corrective Action 3, “Although the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship I-9 Form is not required to be completed to determine an individual’s eligibility under WIA, the form provides guidance, as far as, the documentation that is acceptable and required to verify a participants’ citizenship or eligibility to work status.” We agree that the I-9 Form provides guidance, however, the I-9 Form states that documents from, “List A OR List B AND List C” can be used. The Camden One-Stop complies with these instructions.
§ In reviewing the I-9 Form, it is clear that the intent of the form is for employment purposes as it uses the terms “employee” and “employer” at least sixteen times; however, neither the participant nor this office can be considered an employee or employer relative to our WIA funded youth programs.
§ The WIA, Sec. 188 (a) (5) specifically deals with non-discrimination against “certain non-citizens.” The Camden One-Stop complies with WIA Sec. 188 (a) (5).
§ The Camden One-Stop will comply with all future instructions provided by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which requires the completion of the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship I-9 Form for all WIA participants; however, no such instructions exist to date.
§ Members expressed it would be in the best interest of the committee to have several youth and parents that have received the WIA services that will be able to share real life experiences.
§ Dr. Siobhan Kelly suggested the Camden County Technical Schools provide WIA serviced students currently enrolled at the Technical School participate on the committee. Since the youth must be WIA eligible the Technical School will work with the Camden County Resource Center to determine youth attending the Technical School who previously participated in WIA programs such as the summer programs. Siobhan explained that she envisioned their participation being incorporated into the business and/or social services curriculum; allowing the student participants to see firsthand how meetings are run, enhancing their social/life skills and allowing the WIB to maintain compliance. Parent participation could come from any parent who has received services for their youth.
§ Action
Members suggested reaching out to local WIA funded vendors to ask for referrals. An email will be sent to WELCOME NJ, Hope Works n’ Camden, Genesis School of Business, Hispanic Family Center, Respond Inc., and KRA Corp. The text would include:
The Camden County Workforce Investment Board is looking for a few parents of your program participants to join our Youth Investment Council. The individual should be civic minded and able to attend the bi-monthly meetings as follows:
January 11th
March 8th (Employer Symposium)
May 10th
July 12th
September 13th
November 8th
Jeff advised members that the SETC has proposed new rules including performance, technical assistance, corrective actions and penalties. The notice official notice was made in the New Jersey Register on November 15, 2010. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at the NJDLWD, John Fitch Plaza, 13th Fl. Auditorium, Trenton, NJ. The purpose of the changes would be to ensure accountability of local areas in meeting the needs of employers and job seekers, to ensure that local areas meet local performance measures and to ensure adequate return from local areas on Federal and State investments. WIB’s not meeting benchmarks may be subject to sanctions including loss of funding. The changes will apply to all local areas and local workforce investment boards throughout the State.
Update on Stew Rosenberg and Jeff Swartz Meeting with William Penn Foundation
Stewart informed members that the William Penn Foundation Youth report has not been released as of this date. At their meeting more than a month ago they were told the report would be released within the next thirty days. Once the report is received it will be added to the agenda and discussed at a future meeting.
STEP (Success Teaching Empowerment Possibilities) Mentoring Program
Jeff Swartz discussed the fact that mentoring is a passion of Chairman Rosenberg and shared the STEP (Success in Teaching Empowerment Possibilities) mentoring program, a program run through the Center for Family Services which engages adult workplace mentors with teens.
Members discussed the need to solicit employers to participate in the mentoring effort. Discussion ensued and the committee agreed an Employer Symposium would provide an opportunity to inform area employers of the community and civic advantages of mentoring youth in the workplace.
The recent Employer Empowerment Conference success and the employer list from this event could be used to solicit employer participation. It was suggested that the event is held at the Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ as this would allow lower county residents with convenient access.
He sees the symposium as a way to gain the support of local businesses in our effort to build a workforce with the necessary skill to meet their future needs. It was suggested that we reach out to WIB Board member Art Campbell, President, Camden County Chamber of Commerce for assistance with employers. The committee agreed the symposium will be held on March 8, 2011 at the Camden County College, Blackwood if available.
A subcommittee was formed including the following members:
The first meeting of the subcommittee is scheduled for December 6, 8:30 AM at the WIB office, 1111 Marlkress Rd., Suite 101, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
- Diana Crone, CPAC
- Angel Osorio, Camden County Prosecutors Office
- Frank Filipek., Jr., Nidia Sinclair, Camden County Resource Center
- Terrance Leverett, NJ Workforce
- Melanie Monturano, Camden County College
Angel Osorio indicated the Prosecutor’s Office along with Youth Services Commission is involved with the (JDAI) Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiatives and additional mentors would be beneficial to the youth being served, as did Diana Crone of CPAC.
A member questioned the level of interest of employers if we are asking them to work with criminals and Diana clarified the difference between the type of individual that has serious offenses and more complex needs compared to youth involved with the juvenile justice system for the first time who receives intervention at a point where positive influences can bring a meaningful difference to them, their families and communities in which they live. The STEP program provides program mentoring information to interested employers and will schedule meetings with interested employers to explain mentoring opportunities and program details.
Committee Chair expressed his concern for lack of funding for youth programs over that past few years and especially during the summer months when youth need most to be engaged with positive activities and also discussed the importance of identifying grants and best program practices that are currently providing services to youth and getting their participation in the symposium slated for March 8, 2011. Members were asked to provide information on the current grants/foundations providing youth services throughout the county and identify the possible funding sources.
Chairman Rosenberg stated we need as much publicity as possible to make residents aware of the many resources available to assist youth throughout the county.
Next Steps, Committee Meeting Schedule
The committee will meet the 2nd Tues bi-monthly; subcommittees will schedule meetings as needed. The meeting schedule for 2011:
v January 11th
v March 8th (Employer Symposium)
v May 10th
v July 12th
v September 13th
v November 8th
Announcements:
Diana Crone advised members that Camden County Covenant for Children, Youth and Families and Rutgers School of Social Work is looking for host sites and members. AmeriCorps general eligibility requirements:
- 17 years old or older, no maximum
- High School Diploma or complete GED
- Must pass national sex offender registry check (no murder convictions)
- Must pass state criminal records check for unsupervised contact with youth and vulnerable adults
- US citizenship or national or permanent resident status
- Living stipend provided, Members may attend school or hold other employment outside of AmeriCorps service hours; however those activities may not conflict with AmeriCorps team activities or the members work schedule at their site. Educational award will be available upon completion of year of service.
- Apply on line at www.americorps.org, search for “Rutgers AmeriCorps Initiative” and click apply. A mandatory orientation for site supervisors and members is scheduled for December 1-3, 2010 Rutgers Campus, Camden, NJ.
Submitted by
Sherriea Gorden
Executive Assistant
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