C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation has announced the promotion of Laurie Jennings to the position of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program Director. As WIOA Director, Jennings (seen right) will serve as a key member of the agency management staff and will be responsible for the day-today management, leadership and operation of the C.E.F.S. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program. With the role she will ensure effective accountability, oversight and outcomes of the workforce development operations with clients, partners, funding agencies and local communities.
Jennings obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Greenville College and brings 23 years of employment and training experience at C.E.F.S. to the WIOA Program Director position, previously holding the positions of Workforce Programs Planner, Eligibility Specialist and Family and Community Development Specialist. Jennings resides in rural Beecher City with her husband Barry and the couple have two grown children.
C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Paul White stated, “Laurie Jennings was an excellent choice and C.E.F.S. is truly excited for her to move up into this management position within our community action agency.” CEO White continued, “With her education, skills, leadership and workforce career experience, Jennings will be a great asset to lead the program and will be a success in achieving Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program goals and outcomes.”
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program provides activities that increase employment, retention, earnings and skills in the American Workforce. The C.E.F.S. WIOA Program serves fourteen counties in Illinois Workforce Area #23 with grant funds from Lake Land College through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Programs include Youth, Adult, Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act. Clients in the program are able to easily receive a preliminary assessment of their skill levels, aptitudes, abilities and support service needs and can obtain information on a full array of employment related services. The workforce centers also offer job search and placement assistance, career counseling and up-to-date labor market information which identifies job vacancies, skills necessary for in-demand jobs and provides information about local, regional and national employment trends. People who need more intensive help to become employed can receive more comprehensive assessments, development of employment plans, group and individual counseling, case management and short-term pre-vocational services. In some cases, qualified clients may receive training services such as on the job training, tuition assistance, work experience and supportive services which are directly linked to job opportunities in their local area. A youth program is also available which offers youth training services, paid work experience, on the job training, job readiness training, supportive services, leadership skills, resume development, job search assistance and classroom training.