Report and Webinar Review: Connecting Individuals to Workforce Training Programs

For those who missed the live event, the report and a recording of the webinar is available on the Deaconess Foundation’s website here. We encourage everyone interested in workforce development to watch and learn from the valuable discussions and success stories shared.

In an increasingly dynamic and evolving job market, workforce training programs are more critical than ever. Recognizing this, the Deaconess Foundation and the Fund for our Economic Future recently produced a report and hosted a webinar focused on connecting individuals to workforce training programs. The webinar brought together industry experts and community leaders to reflect on innovative strategies, challenges faced and collaborative efforts that nonprofits can leverage to increase enrollment in workforce training programs.

The Deaconess Foundation has long been a champion of workforce development and infusing racial equity into all our efforts. Our mission is to help those impacted by poverty build careers which sustain themselves and their families. The Fund for our Economic Future, is a collaborative of funders working to strengthen the economic competitiveness of Northeast Ohio. Their focus is on job creation, job preparation, and job access, making them an ideal partner for a discussion on workforce development.

Learnings from the report and webinar were impactful for community-based organizations (CBOs) and workforce development nonprofits working on similar issues.  The collective programs undertaken by these CBOs yielded several valuable insights that can inform improvements to the Northeast Ohio workforce pipeline.

What did we learn? The learnings that emerged fell into four categories:

• • • trust and relationship-building
    • cross-organization collaboration being key,
    • how essential information sharing can be, and
    • community-specific solutions work most effectively.

Additionally, the report and webinar included recommendations for training programs, funders and CBOs:

• • • Training Programs. Realistic staff management is essential, with expectations and adequate support for staff members to foster effectiveness and sustainability. Offering fair compensation and support through competitive, salaried positions and cross-training enhances program cohesion.
    • Funders.  Extending funding periods beyond six months to a year allows for better implementation and iteration of programs. Regular dissemination of learnings keeps stakeholders informed and engaged, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Investing in CBOs, particularly those serving Black and Latinx communities, leverages trusted relationships for effective outreach and engagement.
    • CBOs. Utilizing shared data systems and providing training enables informed decision-making and enhances program effectiveness. Offering competitive compensation ensures the attraction and retention of talented staff, driving positive community change. Encouraging cross-training with other organizations broadens staff skill sets and perspectives. Actively pursuing collaborative grant opportunities leverages collective strengths and resources, increasing the chances of securing funding. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen CBOs’ capacity to serve their communities and contribute to the success of workforce development programs.

The Deaconess Foundation and the Fund for our Economic Future’s webinar on connecting individuals to workforce training programs provided valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing workforce development efforts. By addressing barriers, leveraging innovative approaches, and fostering strong partnerships, we can create a more inclusive and effective workforce training ecosystem. This, in turn, will empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth.