CANTON The Greater Stark County Urban League has been awarded $50,000 to start a workforce development program for underserved residents.
Diane Robinson, president and CEO of the urban league, said LaunchPoint will offer “low- or no-cost training” and job placement. A key part of the program is connecting clients to community services, such as transportation and childcare, to enable long-term employment.
“LaunchPoint will help the unemployed and underemployed obtain education and training that will move them into middle-skills jobs that pay living wages and also provide a path for career advancement,” Robinson said.
There are no eligibility requirements, but the program is intended to serve African American and Latino or Hispanic residents, she said. In addition to partnering with employers and community services, the urban league uses “emotional intelligence, cultural competence and trauma-informed practices” to overcome societal barriers.
The grant comes from the KeyBank Business Boost & Build initiative, which is funded by a KeyBank Foundation grant, through the nonprofit JumpStart. It’s designed to assist small businesses and residents in Ohio and upstate New York, according to a JumpStart news release.
Gloria Ware, director of the KeyBank Center for Technology, Innovation and Inclusive Growth at JumpStart, said in an email that the urban league was viewed favorably for the grant because of its connections within the community and ability to raise additional money.
“In addition to meeting the program criteria, we were interested in the fact that the Greater Start County Urban League is using trauma-informed practices in their work,” she wrote. “This is pretty innovative in the field of workforce development. It’s a people-first approach, and we are looking forward to seeing the outcomes.”
Robinson said she learned of the grant opportunity through her involvement with Strengthening Stark, a countywide economic development effort. It’s a one-year award, but the plan is to seek renewal each year.
LaunchPoint is expected to place about 75 people in a job by the end of the grant’s annual term in June 2021.
“We also know that residents of color within our community will face even greater challenges in this new workforce market that has evolved as a result of COIVD-19,” Robinson said.
The national unemployment rate decreased from 14.7% in April to 8.4% in August, but the unemployment rate for Black Americans has been even bleaker. Robinson, citing the Center for American Progress, noted a Black unemployment rate of 16.6% in May and 13.2% in August.
The urban league already hired a new staff member to recruit candidates and coordinate LaunchPoint, she said. Interested residents are asked to complete the survey at launchpoint.starkurbanleague.org.
The Greater Stark County Urban League, an affiliate of the National Urban League, was established in 1921 and is celebrating 100 years of advocacy for the economic, social and health parity of African Americans and other minorities.
“We are always working to support the needs of the underserved in the community,” Robinson said.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or [email protected]
On Twitter: @kbyerREP
