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The OCWDB, SAWDB, and AWDB design the workforce framework and facilitate the coordination of public <br />policy that affects workforce development issues through various local and regional initiatives. In direct relation to <br />this program, the region will establish a formal system with other agencies including, but not limited to, housing, <br />transportation, economic & community development and local education in order to ensure long-term sustainability <br />of the program. These partnerships will permit access of leveraged funds and resources in order to provide the <br />services necessary to train and upskill the population prior to entering the workforce. Furthermore, the region will <br />promote partnerships with employers, local agencies, educational providers and the community to coordinate <br />resources that address sustainable employment issues. In order to assist the supervised population, attain <br />employment, Business Services staff will work to build private -public partnerships to encourage local employers <br />to train and hire. The region will work in coordinating workforce development activities with both the local and <br />regional are. In addition, collaborative efforts will focus on advocating for current and future workforce needs of <br />employers and job seekers. <br />2. Describe innovative approaches the program will use to draw funds from existing realignment or other <br />sources <br />New methods of aligning goals and services with local and regional partners will be imperative to the success of <br />the program. The OCRPU has identified the need to co -locate with partners, which would permit Parole and <br />Probation Officers to easily refer participants to employment services provided within their offices. This will allow <br />for a streamline of services between workforce and correction partners, ensuring that funding potential is maximized <br />and efficiently expended. This approach will allow direct referrals from Parole or Probation to a workforce navigator <br />co -located within reporting centers. Furthermore, workforce staff from the local boards will be able to participate <br />in Parole and Probation unit meetings that will facilitate the sharing of information. The targeted population is often <br />unprepared for employment and lack financial resources to sustain participation in training for an extended period <br />of time. The One -Stop Systems (AJCC) in the OC Region will implement protocols that provide direct support and. <br />referrals for housing, transportation, clothing, uniforms, tools, and other necessities. In order to further leverage <br />resources, additional partners, such as OCCCP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), CalFresh, OC <br />Child Support, and Adult Education Block Grant (AEGB). Realigning service strategies and resources will permit <br />the OC Region to serve the targeted population in a greater capacity. In addition, utilizing their expertise and time, <br />partners can further collaborate with local AJCCs in delivering workshops and trainings to better education both <br />justice -involved job seekers and employers. <br />s. Describe how the program will build off of existing efforts to serve this population, create new or adapt <br />existing approaches, and/or accelerate the application of promising practices in workforce development and <br />skill attainment for the supervised population. <br />The ORPU will continue exploring methods to aid the supervised population. Efforts include reaching out to local <br />and regional partners to expand programs that assist and connect justice -involved individuals with pathways to <br />attain self-sufficiency. Specifically, the ORPU will focus on middle skill occupation, which historically pay higher <br />wages than the regional average. This will be particularly beneficial to individuals without a four-year college <br />degree. It will assist increasing their overall standard of living and quality of life. AJCC staff will work closely with <br />clients to connect them with employment opportunities in the Manufacturing, Construction, and Hospitality and <br />Tourism sectors that are traditionally accommodating to this population. The OC Region will work to develop a <br />coordinated outreach effort to expand the list of businesses that have a history of hiringjustice-involved individuals. <br />AJCC staff will be knowledgeable of opportunities and incentives available for businesses who are willing to hire <br />the target populated. As such, the OCRPU will make it a priority to work with businesses who offer jobs with good <br />wages and benefits. The three boards, the Employment Development Department (EDD), and additional partners <br />will collaborate and disseminate information to local businesses and partners about the various available resources, <br />such as AB 1008 Fair Chance Hiring, the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, California New Employment Tax <br />Credit, and Federal Fidelity Bonding through the EDD state bonding services. Staff will also work with Community <br />Page 19 <br />Prison to Employment Initiative Direct and Supportive Services Grant <br />Orange Regional Planning Unit <br />