In
response to economic impacts of COVID-19 on businesses and residents, Cobb
County Government has issued $1,000,000 CARES Act funding to CobbWorks, Inc.,
the private not-for-profit organization operating as WorkSource Cobb, to
provide a robust Economic Recovery and Humanitarian Assistance Project to more
than 230 Cobb residents and employers.
As the official workforce development agency
for Cobb County, WorkSource Cobb is well-positioned to carry out the education,
employment, training and supportive services necessary to aid in the economic
recovery of the Cobb community.
The project focuses on high demand
career fields such as healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and
transportation and logistics. It also prioritizes services based on immediate
need to include short term and long term priorities. In the short term,
eligible individuals receive education, training, and employment services
focusing on high-wage, short-term training programs including apprenticeship
models. Participants also have access to supportive services such as child care
and transportation as needed. Long term support addresses employment retention
and homelessness mitigation through rent assistance.
To aid employers
in the wake of a slow economic recovery and encourage hiring, employers can
receive assistance with talent recruitment and talent sourcing and 50% wage
reimbursement for all eligible new hires, up to $5,000 per new hire.
The project aims to strengthen the Cobb County
economy by providing resources and services to residents and employers during
this tough economic downturn. "We could not be more excited about the approval
of this grant and the fact that our Cobb County Commissioners understand the
value in supporting residents and employers in this critical time. As a workforce agency, we have a responsibility to develop
innovative strategies that improve education and skill levels of Cobb residents,"
explained Sonya Grant, executive director of WorkSource Cobb. "It is definitely a win-win, as the end result is a skilled
talent pipeline for employers and economic mobility for residents which overall
improves the quality of Cobb County's workforce, reduces welfare dependency,
and enhances the productivity and competitiveness of the state and nation as a
whole."
WorkSource Cobb is currently
accepting applicants for the Economic Recovery and Humanitarian Assistance
Project. Residents or employers interested in participating in the program can
call 770-528-4300 or email information@cobbworks.org.
