Community Management Team Core Group Meeting
November 4, 2010
Michelle-Child Care Resources
Service centralization has continued in Child Care Resource offices statewide, and service contracts have been awarded statewide. Missoula obtained the statewide contract for Distance Learning, but Great Falls received both of the other contracts, one for the Referral Program and one for the Legally Unregistered Provider Program. Great Falls CCR will end up hiring about 6 more staff, Missoula may end up losing some staff. Child Care Resources is working with other statewide Child Care organizations to migrate services and figure out how the centralized services will be delivered when the service transition is complete in January. CCR will be closed on for three days from November 17-21, the day they are scheduled to move to their new location in the Whitman Building downtown on Pine and Higgins at 105 East Pine. They will reopen on November 22. They will be renting the basement space in that building. There has been a huge increase recently in the legally unregistered child care providers, as people who are out of work are increasingly taking care of family or friends children rather than those children being in a registered child care establishment. A Development Director has been hired to help CCR diversify funds. There will be a Child Care Resources Fundraiser, the Connoisseur Classic, at the Loyola Center on Friday, November 12th.
Maggie-Human Resource Council
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) has started for the year, and HRC has hired an additional 5 seasonal employees for that program. LIEAP already has 1/3 of the applications that they had for the full season last year, so the program is starting out very busy. The WIA Youth program budget came out, and only had a 5% decrease, which was a smaller decrease than expected. Although budgets have not been cut as severely, the reporting expectations are much higher, with different requirements for the county, state, and federal levels of funding. The ARRA Weatherization program is probably going to wrap up by the end of December due to the funding being used. The Rapid Re-Housing project is wrapping up also. The Sapphire Clinic is busy, they are seeing an average of 200 people each month. HRC is in the process of hiring a Manager for the Sapphire Clinic.
Monique-Lifelong Learning Center
The LLC has been struggling to fill two positions, both are part-time positions. One is for a Secretary and the other is for a Para-Educator. More information is available from the Lifelong Learning Center or the Job Service. LLC is hiring a new Language Arts Instructor, that process should be complete in the near future. Monique is on two committees looking at education and responsibilities. One is the PK20 committee, and Monique is on the Responsibilities Subcommittee. The other is the 21st Century Workforce Initiative. The new parking lot at the LLC has been completed, and the available parking has doubled, with lighting for safety.
Wolf-Missoula Job Service
Wolf has checked in with some possible presenters on Compassion Fatigue, and CMT training possibilities were discussed. Wolf hopes to have additional information about cost by our next meeting. Monique suggested using something like this training as a reward for staff, incorporating some other positive incentives with the training. We could try to have this training in the first part of February. At Job Service, the NEG OJT Grant is off to a slow start. It is difficult to find employers, employees, and jobs that all fit the criteria of the grant. Wolf reported on some of the community economic development efforts and the committees he participates in locally. The Job Service is in the process of trying to convert three temporary positions to permanent positions.
Next Meeting
The next CMT Core Group Meeting is scheduled for December 2 at 9:00 am at Job Service.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Full CMT Meeting Minutes - September 23
Community Management Team Full Group Meeting
September 23, 2010
Welcome and Introductions
Nina Cramer – Missoula Forum for Children and Youth
Nina spoke about the Family Connections event coming up on October 19, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm in the Home Arts Building at the fairgrounds. Forty-five agencies from around the state have been invited to participate. Donations are needed for door prizes. Please visit their website www.MissoulaForum.org for more information. Saundra will email the announcement out to all CMT members who may wish to participate. If you have staff that may be interested in learning more about other community organizations, this would be a great event to have them attend. Tables will be set up, providing the opportunity for staff to interact with, and learn about, many different organizations. Donations are needed for door prizes.
Fall Training
Fall CMT cross-training options were discussed. We try to have a cross-training about every six months, targeted at helping staff at our respective agencies learn more about other agencies in Missoula, and provide an opportunity to network at these events. A bus tour of agencies was discussed. The general feeling was that it would be difficult to plan, and difficult for staff to attend a full day or even half day event. An easier approach was suggested: each participating agency would set aside one day to host a “tour day.” Thursdays were put forth as a good day for these tours, with 15 or so people from each agency visiting the host organization. Jodie from the Lifelong Learning Center said she could handle the registration for this. Another popular option for a cross training event was centered on the subjects of self-care and compassion fatigue. Possible presenters were discussed. The discussion involved the stress being felt in the service arena by workers of whom much is expected in the way of services, but who are being given less and less in terms of resources. Everyone is doing more with less, and expectations are higher to do more, which results in staff feeling “squeezed from both ends.” A compassion fatigue and self-care training could be timely moving in to the winter months.
Agency Updates
Saundra – Missoula Job Service
Saundra talked about the JSEC/SHRM Disability workshop scheduled for October 13th. Anyone interested in attending can contact Deb Gass at the Job Service. The workshop is in partnership with the 2010 Montana Association for Rehabilitation Conference. Saundra brought up the question of the feasibility of a fall Job Fair. The new On-the-Job Training (OJT) program at Job Service was discussed, with the need of referrals mentioned. The Job Service is partnering with the Missoula Public Library for the Job Search Skills Workshops and Job Search Etiquette classes.
Jodie – Lifelong Learning Center
Jodie announced that fall classes at the LLC were full and there is a need for teachers for the winter quarter. Adult Basic Education classes got funding again this year at the same level as last year. Even Start was funded again this year. This is a program which provides child care while the parents are in class. The program will accept infants this year.
Melissa – YWCA
Melissa stated that their emergency and transitional housing are all full at this time.
Bonnie – WORD
Bonnie shared information about the Futures Program being cited by the National Organization for Women (NOW) for age discrimination. They had different age levels for participants in the program, based on their gender. The program needed to lower the age cap of participants to 21 years for both men and women. They have served 64 families and there has been a drop in funding.
Shannon – Vocational Rehabilitation
Shannon talked about the new intake procedures. Please call for information about the group intake sessions. New participants who are interested in Vocational Rehabilitation are required to attend an initial meeting of 20 to 30 people. It can take up to 4 weeks to get your initial appointment with a VR counselor. They are soon to be fully staffed. Shannon provided additional information about the 2010 Montana Association for Rehabilitation Conference which will be emailed out to the full CMT.
Jim, Maggie – Human Resource Council
Jim provided information about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications will be mailed out after October 1 to people who have previously been enrolled in LIAP. They also talked about the fall/winter Youth Employment and Work Readiness workshops. Their Sapphire Clinic in the Bitterroot is recruiting for a nurse.
Nina – Missoula Forum for Children and Youth
Nina provided additional information about upcoming trainings presented by the Forum. More information can be found online at http://www.missoulaforum.org/. Community events can be added to the calendar on the Forum website.
Meeting adjourned
September 23, 2010
Welcome and Introductions
Nina Cramer – Missoula Forum for Children and Youth
Nina spoke about the Family Connections event coming up on October 19, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm in the Home Arts Building at the fairgrounds. Forty-five agencies from around the state have been invited to participate. Donations are needed for door prizes. Please visit their website www.MissoulaForum.org for more information. Saundra will email the announcement out to all CMT members who may wish to participate. If you have staff that may be interested in learning more about other community organizations, this would be a great event to have them attend. Tables will be set up, providing the opportunity for staff to interact with, and learn about, many different organizations. Donations are needed for door prizes.
Fall Training
Fall CMT cross-training options were discussed. We try to have a cross-training about every six months, targeted at helping staff at our respective agencies learn more about other agencies in Missoula, and provide an opportunity to network at these events. A bus tour of agencies was discussed. The general feeling was that it would be difficult to plan, and difficult for staff to attend a full day or even half day event. An easier approach was suggested: each participating agency would set aside one day to host a “tour day.” Thursdays were put forth as a good day for these tours, with 15 or so people from each agency visiting the host organization. Jodie from the Lifelong Learning Center said she could handle the registration for this. Another popular option for a cross training event was centered on the subjects of self-care and compassion fatigue. Possible presenters were discussed. The discussion involved the stress being felt in the service arena by workers of whom much is expected in the way of services, but who are being given less and less in terms of resources. Everyone is doing more with less, and expectations are higher to do more, which results in staff feeling “squeezed from both ends.” A compassion fatigue and self-care training could be timely moving in to the winter months.
Agency Updates
Saundra – Missoula Job Service
Saundra talked about the JSEC/SHRM Disability workshop scheduled for October 13th. Anyone interested in attending can contact Deb Gass at the Job Service. The workshop is in partnership with the 2010 Montana Association for Rehabilitation Conference. Saundra brought up the question of the feasibility of a fall Job Fair. The new On-the-Job Training (OJT) program at Job Service was discussed, with the need of referrals mentioned. The Job Service is partnering with the Missoula Public Library for the Job Search Skills Workshops and Job Search Etiquette classes.
Jodie – Lifelong Learning Center
Jodie announced that fall classes at the LLC were full and there is a need for teachers for the winter quarter. Adult Basic Education classes got funding again this year at the same level as last year. Even Start was funded again this year. This is a program which provides child care while the parents are in class. The program will accept infants this year.
Melissa – YWCA
Melissa stated that their emergency and transitional housing are all full at this time.
Bonnie – WORD
Bonnie shared information about the Futures Program being cited by the National Organization for Women (NOW) for age discrimination. They had different age levels for participants in the program, based on their gender. The program needed to lower the age cap of participants to 21 years for both men and women. They have served 64 families and there has been a drop in funding.
Shannon – Vocational Rehabilitation
Shannon talked about the new intake procedures. Please call for information about the group intake sessions. New participants who are interested in Vocational Rehabilitation are required to attend an initial meeting of 20 to 30 people. It can take up to 4 weeks to get your initial appointment with a VR counselor. They are soon to be fully staffed. Shannon provided additional information about the 2010 Montana Association for Rehabilitation Conference which will be emailed out to the full CMT.
Jim, Maggie – Human Resource Council
Jim provided information about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications will be mailed out after October 1 to people who have previously been enrolled in LIAP. They also talked about the fall/winter Youth Employment and Work Readiness workshops. Their Sapphire Clinic in the Bitterroot is recruiting for a nurse.
Nina – Missoula Forum for Children and Youth
Nina provided additional information about upcoming trainings presented by the Forum. More information can be found online at http://www.missoulaforum.org/. Community events can be added to the calendar on the Forum website.
Meeting adjourned
Friday, September 10, 2010
Next Meetings
The next full CMT meeting will be on Thursday, September 23rd from 3-5 pm at Mountain West Bank next to Costco.
The next Core Group CMT meeting will be on Thursday, October 7th at 9:00 am at the Job Service.
The next Core Group CMT meeting will be on Thursday, October 7th at 9:00 am at the Job Service.
Core Group Meeting Minutes-September 2
CMT Core Group Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2010
Deverie-Job Corps Update
Marie Garrison has taken over admissions for Job Corps in Missoula. Deverie will focus more on placement, and will continue to manage placement and admissions for Job Corps in Ravalli County. Job Corps is starting to focus more on the soft skills of their participants, and now begin the admissions process with an interview session focusing on soft skills. The participants will fill out a job application and be evaluated on their interview skills. This will happen before they begin the program. Job Corps has an 80% placement rate after graduation. Job Corps will also begin piloting Industry Sector Centers, where centers focus more on specific industries and there is less duplication between centers. For example, Kicking Horse may focus more on Mechanics and Health Professions. They are going to cut their culinary and carpentry programs.
Wolf-Job Service
This was the first week of school for many past Smurfit employees. Thanks to the LLC and the COT for all the work they did to prepare participants for their schooling. Wolf will talk with Diana to better streamline the process for participants getting the books and tools they need for their programs and courses. There is a new OJT (On the Job Training) grant that will be distributed throughout the state by population. This grant starts in early October and ends on June 30th. If you know employers who are interested in training new employees, have them contact the Job Service. The OJT Grant targets dislocated workers, workers who have been laid off from their previous jobs. The Job Service is seeing a downturn in mass layoffs, but many job seekers are long-term unemployed. Job Service has started up some new workshops, one on Basic Job Search Skills and one on Online Applications and Email accounts. Call Job Service for more information. The UI (Unemployment) Phone call workshop on Wednesdays is still busy. It is still taking many people weeks to get their UI benefits. The Disability Navigator grant has been moved to DPHHS and extended through June 2011. The Department of Labor is applying for a grant that would continue to fund the Navigators and make the Job Service part of the Ticket to Work Program.
Monique and Jodie-Lifelong Learning Center
The LLC only got four applicants for their recent job opening. There seem to be some issues with the new online application for MCPS. Testing certificates are required for many MCPS openings, and when those are not attached the application can be flagged as incomplete. Monique is on several committees right now, examining education in Montana. ABE (Adult Basic Education) funding actually increased this year, which was surprising. They were expecting a decrease in funds. The LLC is changing their ABE schedule; they will not offer classes on Thursday afternoons. They are also moving to a managed enrollment system for ABE, regulating the number of people who will attend classes at certain times. The managed enrollment will likely increase demand on ABE. The Even Start program has also had some changes. The program starts in October, and the LLC has opened up evenings three nights each week from October to March. The new partnership between LLC and Home Resource is working out great. There is a tool library at Home Resource and people can rent time in the Home Resource wood shop. Scholarships are available for classes at Home Resource through LLC. In September the LLC starts putting together their winter schedule, and they are always on the lookout for good instructors. If you meet people with interesting work history and skills please tell them about the opportunity to teach at LLC. The LLC will double their parking lot in October, and install lights in the new parking lot.
Michelle-Child Care Resources
Child Care Resources is going through many transitions. Right now statewide they are streamlining and centralizing services. They are currently waiting on grants and budgets. They will be moving to 105 East Pine off Pine and Higgins, to a first floor space. They are interviewing candidates for a new Development Director position.
Jim and Maggie-Human Resource Council
Many of the youth that work with the HRC through their youth programs have difficulties with employment and enrolling in programs, because after two requests for a social security card, drivers license, or birth certificate the requests are held up for a long time. This is due to Homeland Security. A small summer youth program at HRC just finished up. The program did not allow for any supportive services, so many youth could not be served by the program. The summer lunch program in Mineral County was very successful. In October the LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) will be starting up. The Rapid ReHousing program will wrap up in October, and will not be renewed. HRC found that many landlords were carrying renters for up to three months when they fell behind on rent due to job loss.
Diana-College of Technology
The COT just wrapped up their largest orientation ever, over 500 students attended. Enrollment is up 40% at the COT this fall. They are adding classes, but having trouble recruiting and retaining instructors, as the main campus offers better pay and many instructors leave the COT for the main campus. Veterans Upward Bound has started, and there is a new Personal Finance program for Veterans. The COT will be starting a Veterans Upward Bound program in Hamilton this fall.
Future Planning
The group discussed the possibility of a resource fair in the late fall or early winter. We also discussed cross training, and the possibility of some stress reduction and compassion fatigue cross training. We will hold a full CMT meeting on the 22nd or 23rd of this month at Mountain West Bank. Saundra will check availability and send out an announcement.
Next Meeting
The next full CMT meeting will be on September 23rd from 3-5 pm at Mountain West Bank next to Costco. The next Core Group CMT meeting will be on October 7th at 9:00 am at the Job Service.
September 2, 2010
Deverie-Job Corps Update
Marie Garrison has taken over admissions for Job Corps in Missoula. Deverie will focus more on placement, and will continue to manage placement and admissions for Job Corps in Ravalli County. Job Corps is starting to focus more on the soft skills of their participants, and now begin the admissions process with an interview session focusing on soft skills. The participants will fill out a job application and be evaluated on their interview skills. This will happen before they begin the program. Job Corps has an 80% placement rate after graduation. Job Corps will also begin piloting Industry Sector Centers, where centers focus more on specific industries and there is less duplication between centers. For example, Kicking Horse may focus more on Mechanics and Health Professions. They are going to cut their culinary and carpentry programs.
Wolf-Job Service
This was the first week of school for many past Smurfit employees. Thanks to the LLC and the COT for all the work they did to prepare participants for their schooling. Wolf will talk with Diana to better streamline the process for participants getting the books and tools they need for their programs and courses. There is a new OJT (On the Job Training) grant that will be distributed throughout the state by population. This grant starts in early October and ends on June 30th. If you know employers who are interested in training new employees, have them contact the Job Service. The OJT Grant targets dislocated workers, workers who have been laid off from their previous jobs. The Job Service is seeing a downturn in mass layoffs, but many job seekers are long-term unemployed. Job Service has started up some new workshops, one on Basic Job Search Skills and one on Online Applications and Email accounts. Call Job Service for more information. The UI (Unemployment) Phone call workshop on Wednesdays is still busy. It is still taking many people weeks to get their UI benefits. The Disability Navigator grant has been moved to DPHHS and extended through June 2011. The Department of Labor is applying for a grant that would continue to fund the Navigators and make the Job Service part of the Ticket to Work Program.
Monique and Jodie-Lifelong Learning Center
The LLC only got four applicants for their recent job opening. There seem to be some issues with the new online application for MCPS. Testing certificates are required for many MCPS openings, and when those are not attached the application can be flagged as incomplete. Monique is on several committees right now, examining education in Montana. ABE (Adult Basic Education) funding actually increased this year, which was surprising. They were expecting a decrease in funds. The LLC is changing their ABE schedule; they will not offer classes on Thursday afternoons. They are also moving to a managed enrollment system for ABE, regulating the number of people who will attend classes at certain times. The managed enrollment will likely increase demand on ABE. The Even Start program has also had some changes. The program starts in October, and the LLC has opened up evenings three nights each week from October to March. The new partnership between LLC and Home Resource is working out great. There is a tool library at Home Resource and people can rent time in the Home Resource wood shop. Scholarships are available for classes at Home Resource through LLC. In September the LLC starts putting together their winter schedule, and they are always on the lookout for good instructors. If you meet people with interesting work history and skills please tell them about the opportunity to teach at LLC. The LLC will double their parking lot in October, and install lights in the new parking lot.
Michelle-Child Care Resources
Child Care Resources is going through many transitions. Right now statewide they are streamlining and centralizing services. They are currently waiting on grants and budgets. They will be moving to 105 East Pine off Pine and Higgins, to a first floor space. They are interviewing candidates for a new Development Director position.
Jim and Maggie-Human Resource Council
Many of the youth that work with the HRC through their youth programs have difficulties with employment and enrolling in programs, because after two requests for a social security card, drivers license, or birth certificate the requests are held up for a long time. This is due to Homeland Security. A small summer youth program at HRC just finished up. The program did not allow for any supportive services, so many youth could not be served by the program. The summer lunch program in Mineral County was very successful. In October the LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) will be starting up. The Rapid ReHousing program will wrap up in October, and will not be renewed. HRC found that many landlords were carrying renters for up to three months when they fell behind on rent due to job loss.
Diana-College of Technology
The COT just wrapped up their largest orientation ever, over 500 students attended. Enrollment is up 40% at the COT this fall. They are adding classes, but having trouble recruiting and retaining instructors, as the main campus offers better pay and many instructors leave the COT for the main campus. Veterans Upward Bound has started, and there is a new Personal Finance program for Veterans. The COT will be starting a Veterans Upward Bound program in Hamilton this fall.
Future Planning
The group discussed the possibility of a resource fair in the late fall or early winter. We also discussed cross training, and the possibility of some stress reduction and compassion fatigue cross training. We will hold a full CMT meeting on the 22nd or 23rd of this month at Mountain West Bank. Saundra will check availability and send out an announcement.
Next Meeting
The next full CMT meeting will be on September 23rd from 3-5 pm at Mountain West Bank next to Costco. The next Core Group CMT meeting will be on October 7th at 9:00 am at the Job Service.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
CMT Core Group Meeting-August 5
CMT Core Group Meeting
August 5, 2010
Upcoming Seminars
Wolf highlighted two upcoming seminars. The Governor’s Forum on Adult Credentialing in Kalispell on August 12th and the MAR Conference in Missoula in October. The Job Service Employer’s Council will plan a seminar in conjunction with the MAR Conference in October. The seminar will focus on managing employees with disabilities.
UM COT Update
The COT is expanding their carpentry and welding programs. They will add 20 students to each program, enrolling them for the fall semester. The program will enroll people on a first come, first served basis. There will be a separate orientation for the students in these programs, coming up next week.
Job Service Update
Smurfit-Stone workers are progressing though their training plans. Many are gearing up to start at the COT this fall.
Next Meeting
The next CMT Core group meeting will be on Thursday, September 2nd at 9:00 am at Job Service. We will discuss a fall cross training at that meeting.
August 5, 2010
Upcoming Seminars
Wolf highlighted two upcoming seminars. The Governor’s Forum on Adult Credentialing in Kalispell on August 12th and the MAR Conference in Missoula in October. The Job Service Employer’s Council will plan a seminar in conjunction with the MAR Conference in October. The seminar will focus on managing employees with disabilities.
UM COT Update
The COT is expanding their carpentry and welding programs. They will add 20 students to each program, enrolling them for the fall semester. The program will enroll people on a first come, first served basis. There will be a separate orientation for the students in these programs, coming up next week.
Job Service Update
Smurfit-Stone workers are progressing though their training plans. Many are gearing up to start at the COT this fall.
Next Meeting
The next CMT Core group meeting will be on Thursday, September 2nd at 9:00 am at Job Service. We will discuss a fall cross training at that meeting.
Monday, July 19, 2010
CMT Meeting Minutes, July 1
Missoula CMT Core Group Meeting
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Updates
Maggie, Human Resource Council
DPHHS has released some money for a Youth Summer Program, which is currently being operated. The money must be spent by September 1, 2010. The program is very restrictive, serving only 16-18 year olds. The School Lunch program is up and going, and the Housing and Weatherization programs will end on September 30th.
Janet, Vocational Rehabilitation
There are 4 new staff members in the Kalispell VR office. The Missoula staff is stable, they have one new counselor. The addition in staff prompted a remodel of the office work areas. They will have an opening in the future for a part time office support staff member. They are hoping to use some ARRA money to add services including many infrastructure improvements. They will be getting video conferencing capabilities and a service called ubiduo.
Wolf, Missoula Job Service
Smurfit workers are starting to move to prep for college classes at the UM. They have been working with their case managers on training plans. The UM system calls for mandatory computer training, and many students are building on previous classes at LLC and entry classes at UM to get the computer skills they need. The UI Bill has stalled in Congress, we are not sure when or if it will be approved. This has affected many of our customers. A timber grant has been approved for the region, they are still working out details of eligibility and distribution of funds to local areas. There is an OJT NEG (On the Job Training National Emergency Grant) in process. Staffing looks stable at this time.
Monique, Lifelong Learning Center
Fall Schedule will go to press mid-August. Online registration has been running for a year, it is working very well. The LLC has started a new accounting system, in addition to hiring a new employee. There are a few spots left in the summer Transition to College Program. If you know someone who wants to attend, make sure they sign up soon. Monique outlined some of the challenges facing the operation of Adult Basic Education. She discussed funding and services, and the current models for enrollment statewide. Monique is on a Funding Formula Task Force, looking at distribution formulas for funding statewide. The LLC has set up a computer area with some extra pods for ABE customers and students who need computers for homework. An intern currently monitors the computer area.
Discussion
The CMT Core Group discussed the Full Group meetings, every 6 months. It was decided that they seem to meet the needs of the organizations at this frequency, so we will keep it that way. If we are in need of meeting space, there is room at First Interstate Bank Downtown and the new Missoula Federal Credit Union building on Brooks.
Brainstorm
The group brainstormed the possibility of a bus/tour training in the late fall or early winter. We could do tours on site based on groups/location/size. This would allow staff the opportunity to get out and experience the areas and services to which we most commonly refer people. We will look at dates and see what would work, and see if Mountain Line could donate a bus for transportation.
Experience Works
Russ Johnson has replaced Gary Gilbert as the manager of Experience Works. Russ previously worked for REO in Missoula, and participated in the CMT.
Next Meeting
The next Core Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 9th, at 9:00 am at Job Service.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Updates
Maggie, Human Resource Council
DPHHS has released some money for a Youth Summer Program, which is currently being operated. The money must be spent by September 1, 2010. The program is very restrictive, serving only 16-18 year olds. The School Lunch program is up and going, and the Housing and Weatherization programs will end on September 30th.
Janet, Vocational Rehabilitation
There are 4 new staff members in the Kalispell VR office. The Missoula staff is stable, they have one new counselor. The addition in staff prompted a remodel of the office work areas. They will have an opening in the future for a part time office support staff member. They are hoping to use some ARRA money to add services including many infrastructure improvements. They will be getting video conferencing capabilities and a service called ubiduo.
Wolf, Missoula Job Service
Smurfit workers are starting to move to prep for college classes at the UM. They have been working with their case managers on training plans. The UM system calls for mandatory computer training, and many students are building on previous classes at LLC and entry classes at UM to get the computer skills they need. The UI Bill has stalled in Congress, we are not sure when or if it will be approved. This has affected many of our customers. A timber grant has been approved for the region, they are still working out details of eligibility and distribution of funds to local areas. There is an OJT NEG (On the Job Training National Emergency Grant) in process. Staffing looks stable at this time.
Monique, Lifelong Learning Center
Fall Schedule will go to press mid-August. Online registration has been running for a year, it is working very well. The LLC has started a new accounting system, in addition to hiring a new employee. There are a few spots left in the summer Transition to College Program. If you know someone who wants to attend, make sure they sign up soon. Monique outlined some of the challenges facing the operation of Adult Basic Education. She discussed funding and services, and the current models for enrollment statewide. Monique is on a Funding Formula Task Force, looking at distribution formulas for funding statewide. The LLC has set up a computer area with some extra pods for ABE customers and students who need computers for homework. An intern currently monitors the computer area.
Discussion
The CMT Core Group discussed the Full Group meetings, every 6 months. It was decided that they seem to meet the needs of the organizations at this frequency, so we will keep it that way. If we are in need of meeting space, there is room at First Interstate Bank Downtown and the new Missoula Federal Credit Union building on Brooks.
Brainstorm
The group brainstormed the possibility of a bus/tour training in the late fall or early winter. We could do tours on site based on groups/location/size. This would allow staff the opportunity to get out and experience the areas and services to which we most commonly refer people. We will look at dates and see what would work, and see if Mountain Line could donate a bus for transportation.
Experience Works
Russ Johnson has replaced Gary Gilbert as the manager of Experience Works. Russ previously worked for REO in Missoula, and participated in the CMT.
Next Meeting
The next Core Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 9th, at 9:00 am at Job Service.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
CMT Meeting Minutes, June 3
Missoula CMT Core Group Meeting
Thursday, June 3, 2010
CMT Recertification Review
Reviewed goals and continuous improvement plan for the CMT recertification, which is due at the end of June. Goals were agreed upon, and recertification materials will be submitted as soon as possible. We are due for a cross training event this fall. Monique suggested that for our next cross training we look at doing a bus tour of service providers in Missoula, with opportunities for networking while on the bus.
Updates
Maggie Driscoll, Human Resource Council
DPHHS is releasing some ARRA money for a small summer youth employment program. Through this program HRC will be able to serve about 40 youth in 3 counties, ages 16-18. For this program, school status does not matter. The Sapphire Clinic is up and running. The Rapid ReHousing program will continue through September 30th.
Michelle Parks, Child Care Resources
There are lots of vacancies right now for child care providers, in addition to provider numbers decreasing. There is a new rating system coming up that will cause only certain providers to be selected for review. This has caused some concern for many child care providers, as the providers who are reviewed have the opportunity for some coaching and mentoring that will not be available to the others. There is some damage control right now due to a local news story related to child care providers. The state is continuing to look at reduced staff and centralized services.
Diana Reetz-Stacy, College of Technology
Diana provided information about Elevate America. The COT is investigating becoming a Certiport for testing for the Elevate America vouchers. There is some extra space in computer labs over the summer.
Monique Fortman, Lifelong Learning Center
The LLC is planning for next fall and next fiscal year. During the summer classes will be four days per week with morning hours. The LLC will see another 10% decrease in Adult Basic Education funds for next year. If funds continue to decrease, they will have to look at a decrease in instructional hours. Many of the Smurfit employees who were laid off are moving on to the College of Technology. The LLC is currently advertising for a Secretary position, and have just hired a bookkeeper. They are still looking for good instructors with new topics for Fall and Spring classes.
Saundra Long, Missoula Job Service
A National Emergency Grant (NEG) was approved for Western Montana. In the near future we will have information about how this will impact our region. It is targeted for people who have been affected by the decline in the timber industry. A UI extension was not approved before Congress went on a break, so some people may see their benefits end before Congress can address another extension. Job orders have increased. Many Elevate America vouchers have been requested through jobs.mt.gov. We are slated to lose 3 temporary staff at the end of June.
Next Meeting
The next CMT Core Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 1 at 9:00 am at the Job Service.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
CMT Recertification Review
Reviewed goals and continuous improvement plan for the CMT recertification, which is due at the end of June. Goals were agreed upon, and recertification materials will be submitted as soon as possible. We are due for a cross training event this fall. Monique suggested that for our next cross training we look at doing a bus tour of service providers in Missoula, with opportunities for networking while on the bus.
Updates
Maggie Driscoll, Human Resource Council
DPHHS is releasing some ARRA money for a small summer youth employment program. Through this program HRC will be able to serve about 40 youth in 3 counties, ages 16-18. For this program, school status does not matter. The Sapphire Clinic is up and running. The Rapid ReHousing program will continue through September 30th.
Michelle Parks, Child Care Resources
There are lots of vacancies right now for child care providers, in addition to provider numbers decreasing. There is a new rating system coming up that will cause only certain providers to be selected for review. This has caused some concern for many child care providers, as the providers who are reviewed have the opportunity for some coaching and mentoring that will not be available to the others. There is some damage control right now due to a local news story related to child care providers. The state is continuing to look at reduced staff and centralized services.
Diana Reetz-Stacy, College of Technology
Diana provided information about Elevate America. The COT is investigating becoming a Certiport for testing for the Elevate America vouchers. There is some extra space in computer labs over the summer.
Monique Fortman, Lifelong Learning Center
The LLC is planning for next fall and next fiscal year. During the summer classes will be four days per week with morning hours. The LLC will see another 10% decrease in Adult Basic Education funds for next year. If funds continue to decrease, they will have to look at a decrease in instructional hours. Many of the Smurfit employees who were laid off are moving on to the College of Technology. The LLC is currently advertising for a Secretary position, and have just hired a bookkeeper. They are still looking for good instructors with new topics for Fall and Spring classes.
Saundra Long, Missoula Job Service
A National Emergency Grant (NEG) was approved for Western Montana. In the near future we will have information about how this will impact our region. It is targeted for people who have been affected by the decline in the timber industry. A UI extension was not approved before Congress went on a break, so some people may see their benefits end before Congress can address another extension. Job orders have increased. Many Elevate America vouchers have been requested through jobs.mt.gov. We are slated to lose 3 temporary staff at the end of June.
Next Meeting
The next CMT Core Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 1 at 9:00 am at the Job Service.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)