STEP, Inc. 190 Boles Street Weed, CA 96094 (530) 938-3231 (800) 344-7837 toll free www.stepoffice.org Follow us on Facebook Community Coordinator Report Issue: January 2019 STEP Staff Extends Support in the Camp Fire Local Assistance Center In November, STEP representatives Joanie Zarzynski, Executive Director, and Janie Gaither, Career Development Advisor, traveled to Butte County to extend support to Alliance for Workforce Development (AFWD) in the FEMA Local Assistance Center (LAC). In a collaborative effort, the LAC serves as a One-Stop Shop for victims of the Camp Fire Disaster providing invaluable resources, easily accessible information and government representatives dedicated to supporting individuals in the road to recovery. STEP staff provided assistance with the unemployment insurance process, filing disaster unemployment claims, certifying for benefits, job search, recruitment for fire clean-up efforts and collaborating with onsite Employment Development Department representatives. It was STEP s honor to be part of this effort and to work along side the staff of Alliance for Workforce Development in serving survivors of the Camp Fire disaster. IN THIS ISSUE LEA ACADEMY COMES TO SISKIYOU CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS YOUTH CORNER Siskiyou County has experienced the devastation of wildfires, however it pales in comparison to our neighbors impacted by the Camp Fire. Our hearts remain with the citizens of Butte County. BUSINESS CORNER Page 1
Welcome Siskiyou County s Law Enforcement Academy Beginning March 4, 2019, College of the Siskiyous will be offering their first complete POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Law Enforcement Academy. Previously, College of the Siskiyous offered only Level II (ADJ 2516) & III (ADJ 2014) Reserve Officer modules, requiring students to transfer to another site to complete Level I Basic Police Academy. Three of the closest training sites for a cadet to attend are College of the Redwoods in Eureka, Butte College Safety Center in Oroville or Yuba College Public Safety Center in Marysville. Now, cadets can complete the full POST Academy locally without the need to transfer to another training site. The Academy will mentally and physically challenge the cadets while preparing them to enter careers in the law enforcement field. To accommodate busy schedules the courses will be offered at night and on weekends. Course Start Date End Date Hours ADJ 2014 Regular Basic Module III 3/4/19 3/29/19 177 ADJ 2516 Regular Basic Module II 4/1/19 5/3/19 208 ADJ 2517 Regular Basic Module I 5/6/19 8/9/19 548 Staff from Siskiyou Training & Employment Program, Inc. met with Academy Program Coordinator, Jerremiah LaRue, to discuss logistics of providing training services to eligible students planning to attend the Law Enforcement Academy. STEP staff will be attending the Academy Orientation scheduled for the month of February 2019 to present available services. For additional information, contact the College of the Siskiyous Career and Technical Education Department at 530-938-5512 or via email cteinfo@siskiyous.edu Page 2
CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS to STEP S NDWG STORM PROGRAM Jack had been working for a restaurant that caught fire, and the owners decided to relocate rather than rebuild. He had experience in the food industry and wanted to change careers. Jack met with STEP staff to discuss available options and was quickly enrolled into the NDWG Storm Program. Jack was placed at Caltrans in Yreka for a temporary job placement activity. During his work experience, he grew to really enjoy the work he was doing. His supervisors and co-workers encouraged him to take the necessary steps to be hired at Caltrans as a permanent employee. Jack obtained his Class A permit and took advantage of his work experience learning all that he could. Jack stated The supervisors at Caltrans were probably the nicest bosses I ve ever worked for. If you are willing to learn, they are willing to teach. He applied at Caltrans and was selected for an interview. Jack made it through his first interview and was informed he may be scheduled for a second interview. At his first interview, he was told preference is shown to individuals that possess a Class A license. In the meantime, Jack had utilized his maximum hours allowed on the NDWG Storm program. He needed to move fast. While he was waiting for the interview process, Jack took the 4-week Class A Certification course through American Truck School. During his training, he received a call that he was indeed selected for the Permanent Intermittent Highway Maintenance Worker position with Caltrans. Jack stated To look back a year ago, not given the opportunity through STEP, would I have ever thought I would be working for the State of California. Some Things Happen for a Reason Robert was laid off from Fruit Growers Supply last year due to a business closure. He was referred to the STEP Office by a friend that was affected by the closure as well. Robert came into our office and began working with one of our Vocational Advisors. He was actively job searching and even obtained his Class A license on his own, but he still couldn t find employment. Robert applied for a Road Maintenance position at the County of Siskiyou and attended an interview, however an applicant with more experience was selected instead. Robert was devastated by the rejection and felt like he was running out of options. That is when he was enrolled in the NDWG Storm program for a temporary job placement opportunity at Caltrans. During his work experience, Robert made a great impression on his Supervisors. They raved about how great of a worker he is. Participant is doing an excellent job. He is always the first person at work in the morning ready to begin his day. During his work experience, several positions opened up with Caltrans in the Siskiyou County area. One in particular at the Mt. Shasta yard. Robert was encouraged to apply by his Supervisor and co-workers. He applied and was selected for an interview. Robert did everything he could to prepare for the interview. He went to Men s Warehouse and bought an interview outfit and also met with STEP staff for a mock interview session. Robert had his interview, and several weeks passed with no contact from Caltrans. He informed STEP staff that he prepared so much for the interview that he forgot to tell the interview panel that he has a Class A license. After waiting for weeks, he finally received the news he was waiting for. He was selected for the position! Robert completed his drug screen, health physical, and background check. He is currently waiting for a start date from the state. He contributes his temporary job assignment through STEP for providing him with a foot in the door to obtain the skills necessary for the Caltrans position. Page 3
YOUTH CORNER On December 1, 2018, Grateful Deeds embarked on a mission that would open the eyes of the children to the power each of them holds that enables them to help those in need or those that have nothing. The mission was a trip to Chico, CA to allow youth a first hand experience in volunteering their time helping Camp Fire victims. Simple, yet overwhelming, the experience touched close to the homes of each child in the group being that they all remember the Boles Fire which ravaged their community in September 2014. The youth were very eager to lend a hand and wanted so badly just to help someone smile in the midst of devastation. The group worked hand in hand from sun up until sun down volunteering in various locations around Chico and Oroville. From helping fire victims pick out donations and supplies to simply feeding those that were hungry, but it wasn t these actions that mattered most. It was the understanding of what the citizens of Paradise and surrounding communities are going through, the care, the laughter, the joy, and the hope each child brought to those they encountered, and the pay it forward mindset that drove the group that day that truly changed lives. This group is incredibly special so we want to recognize their effort in helping the Camp Fire victims. Grateful Deeds, Inc. is a nonprofit Youth Mentorship Program in Weed. Their mission is to help local youth reach full potential in their own journey toward adulthood. Grateful Deeds, Inc. offers youth professionally-led programs that emphasize integrity, friendship, loyalty, courage, selfdiscipline and a steadfast commitment to recognizing and using their inner strengths and gifts to shape their futures. STEP s Older Youth Program participant, Christian Bangert serves in a leadership capacity at Grateful Deeds, Inc. and shared his recent experience volunteering in Butte County. For more information on the Camp Fire mission, check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grateful.deeds.inc/ -by Christian Bangert, STEP Youth Intern STEP Youth Program Acknowledges Local Employers STEP would like to thank the following businesses for their participation as official internship/work experience sites for our Older Youth Program Clients during Q2: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market Weed Weed Elementary School SAFE Program Adult Education Pathways Eagle s Nest Resale Shop (COS Foundation) If your company is interested in serving as an Internship or Work Experience training site for youth or perhaps you know a youth that could benefit from our services, contact Carrie Williams or Janie Gaither at (530) 938-3231. Page 4
EMPLOYER CORNER Mt. Shasta Ski Park Gears up for 18/19 Winter Season On December 8th, Mt. Shasta Ski Park held a Walk on Job Event at their main lodge. In an effort to promote expanded outreach for the employer s recruitment, STEP Inc. advertised the event through the weekly job list, in the STEP Community Employment Center and through social media. Guest Services Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Security Rental Technicians Parking Attendant Lift Operators Learning Center Cashiers Food and Beverage Staff Equipment Operators (Snow Plow) Learning Office Manager Cashier (General) Equipment Operators (Grooming) Ski and Snowboard Instructors Retail Shop Snowmaker I Ski Patrol Ticket Office/Cashiers Janitorial Services New and returning employees can submit applications via fax to 530-926-8607, email to hr@skipark.com or by mail or in person to 104 Siskiyou Avenue, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067. Well Loved Yreka Pharmacy Closes Doors Siskiyou County has witnessed its fair share of business closures, however the loss of one community fixture proved to be heartbreaking for countless residents in our county. On December 14th at 2:00pm, Luke s Yreka Drug Store closed its doors a decision that was equally difficult for the pharmacy s owner Luke Walsh. The business opened its doors in November of 2011 when Luke decided to open his own pharmacy after working in the corporate industry for many years. I felt I could take better care of people without corporate restrictions stated Walsh. Ultimately, it s increased regulations and decreased insurance reimbursements that play a part in this recent closure. Upon hearing of the impending closure, STEP staff member, Carrie Williams contacted Luke to discuss Rapid Response services for employees affected by the closure. A number of individuals have accessed services including Unemployment Benefits applications and labor market information to assist them in transitioning to their next job/career. Page 5