| 09/06/2007 | Opening of New Essex County One-Stop Career Center |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Lauren Shears ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO AND NJ LABOR COMMISSIONER SOCOLOW OPEN NEW ESSEX COUNTY ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER County-State Partnership Creates Centralized Location for Employment and Workforce Development Program East Orange, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and David J. Socolow, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, officially opened the Essex County One-Stop Career Center at 50 South Clinton Street in East Orange On Thursday, September 6th. The One-Stop Career Center is an innovative partnership that combines State and County resources to create a centralized workforce development location where customers have access to a comprehensive list of services to assist them with all their employment needs. “Essex County already offers a myriad of services at 50 South Clinton Street to help customers prepare themselves for employment – from receiving welfare to enhancing workplace skills and conducting job searches. Adding the various functions of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development consolidates all workforce development functions by the State and County under one roof to make it easier for our residents to navigate,” DiVincenzo said. “Governor Jon Corzine and Commissioner David Socolow understand the unique challenges Essex County faces in preparing our workforce for employment. Our partnership in the One-Stop Career Center is an example of how the State and County are working together to make services easily accessible and improve service to our customers. “Governor Corzine and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development are committed to enriching the lives of adult learners and training workers to enable them to master the skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency. We are dedicated to helping working men and women become full partners in the educational development of their children and assisting them in pursuing lifelong learning,” said Labor Commissioner Socolow. “The many kinds of assistance available at this newly consolidated career center will prove valuable to the workers, businesses and the economy of Essex,” he added. The County building at 50 South Clinton Street already houses a variety of workforce development related services. Customers can apply for general assistance, receive child care, participate in job and life skills training programs, enroll in work experience programs, prepare for their high school equivalency degree and engage in job search activities. In addition, the Division of Senior Services, Division of Community Action and the Division of Community Health, as well as the State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, are located in the County-owned building. Being welcomed to 50 South Clinton Street are the Workforce Development Office including the Unemployment Insurance Unit from the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. These State offices, along with the County’s computer-based Career Resource Center, Learning Link Lab, Community Work Experience Program (CWEP) and counselors from the Workforce Investment Act will be located on the completely modernized second floor. The modernized second floor includes banks of computers where customers can work on resumes and cover letters, as well as access the Internet to answer e-mails and search for jobs. In addition, public telephones are available for customers to call potential employers and schedule interviews. Traditional classroom space and a variety of computer labs are available for training programs that are geared to help customers who are preparing to enter the workforce for the first time, to displaced or laid off workers who want to re-enter the workforce or begin a new career, to customers who want to enhance their job skills or participate in computer literacy programs. Specially designed privacy booths enable clients to discuss their cases without compromising their confidentiality and office space is available for customers to meet privately with workforce counselors. The modernized second floor was designed and renovated by Essex County Department of Public Works staff. “The best social program in the world is giving someone a job, and in doing that we are transforming lives and families. Every person who comes here is preparing to enter the workforce and become self sufficient,” Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver said. “It is a traumatic event to lose your job. To have employment services and networking opportunities under one roof is a tremendous advantage for our residents,” Assemblyman Thomas Giblin said. “The One-Stop Center is a bridge to people who have fallen through the cracks and shows them how to be successful. Having all these services under one umbrella makes the programs more accessible,” Assemblywoman Oadline Truitt said. “The Freeholders are very pleased to be partners in this endeavor. Today our County Executive’s vision for a One-Stop Center is taking flight, and I am sure great things will come out of this place,” Freeholder Carol Clark said. “As the job market becomes more competitive, we must think of new and innovative ways to prepare our customers for the workplace and help them find jobs. Our One-Stop Career Center, one of the most comprehensive in the State of New Jersey, creates a seamless union of State and County workforce initiatives in one location so our customers can focus their energy on preparing for and finding a job instead of traveling from one office to another,” said Anibal Ramos, Director of the Essex County Department of Economic Development, Training and Employment. “Our goal has always been to provide our customers with the services they need to get employed. It doesn’t matter to our clients whether the services they receive are from the County or State, so long as they get the help they need,” said Samuel Okparaeke, Essex County One-Stop Manager. “I am honored and proud to be partnering with the State on this One-Stop Center,” he added. The Essex County One-Stop Career Center is located at 50 South Clinton Street and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 973-395-3220. # # # |