Program: Ben Thatcher, Functional Leader of Sikeston Job Center; Lori Caldwell, Supervisor of Sikeston Job Center; James Colyer, Veteran’s Representative of Sikeston Job Center
Mr. Thatcher discussed the upcoming satellite job center that will be located inside the Dexter Public Keller Library. This is a pilot program to serve Dexter and the surrounding areas. Mr. Thatcher believes this will be a monthly or bimonthly event.
Ms. Caldwell spoke about coming into the Job Center for multiple services such as: job seeking; employers writing their own job orders or with the assistance of the staff; connections to partnering staff; workshops being offered. Ms. Caldwell stated that Unilevel, located in Sikeston, has worked closely with Job Center staff and Probation and Parole Department to employ people that were otherwise not employable due to the previous job restrictions about certain felonies.
Mr. Colyer spoke about the opportunities afforded to veterans that utilize the Job Center. He stated that when he comes into contact with the veteran, he helps with their personal needs and connects them to resources that help their present situation.
Announcements/Upcoming Events:
One Step Leadership meeting on January 23rd at 11 is with the Department of Labor to discuss how to cut down on layoffs.
Fitness Challenge at Regional Healthcare Foundation is from January 10th- April 25th. You can contact them at 573-624-1607 for further instruction.
January 25th the Point-in-Time (PIT) homelessness count will be conducted in Stoddard County. This event occurs at night-time. Anyone that is aware of locations in Stoddard County that are frequented by homeless, please contact Becky McDonald at Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, 573-481-0659, before January 25th.
February 10th at the Stoddard County Nutrition Center there will a Death by Chocolate event and it’s $10/ticket.
Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri has an Emergency Assistance Program that has been given a grant to assist with utilities in Stoddard County for those that qualify for the program. Funds have a tentative release date of April 2018; will know more in the coming months.
Staff Openings:
SEMO Healthnetwork is looking for a Marketing Director that will be housed in the Benton, MO, location.
Other discussions:
Sikeston Job Center currently has funding for adults that need to take the HiSet test. Regional Healthcare Foundation also offers free Adult Education Literacy classes and funding for HiSet testing.
Three Rivers College is registering until January12th.
Next Meeting: February 7th, 2018 at 10AM at Dexter Chamber of Commerce
Next Presentation: Keller Public Library
