Category: News

Thomas was referred to Arapahoe/Douglas Works! for the Colorado Works (TANF) Program due to being unemployed and needing support. As a single father, Thomas was eager to find a job and provide for his family. Although he was pursing work, he found it difficult to obtain employment due to being justice-involved. Thomas previously had a commercial driver’s license (CDL), but it was suspended. He hoped to reinstate his CDL and work as a driver again in the future.

During his participation in the Colorado Works Program, Thomas received job search assistance and supportive services such as transportation assistance and school clothing and school supplies for his children. He also received coaching support from a Workforce Specialist, which included completing career exploration assessments and workshops to enhance his job search skills.

With help from the Colorado Works Program, Thomas accomplished his goal of having his CDL reinstated. He was also supported in finding an employer that would be accepting of his justice-involved background. Ultimately, Thomas was able to secure a job earning $32.50 per hour as a full-time driver. With his new employment, Thomas is on a path to reach his goal of self-sufficiency.

Visit https://bit.ly/CWTANF to learn more about the Colorado Works (TANF) Program.

Thank you to CBS News Colorado for highlighting the services of A/D Works! and sharing Jose’s success story in finding employment. We are proud to serve job seekers and businesses in Arapahoe County and Douglas County to gain skills, understand the local labor market, connect with community resources, and meet their hiring or employment goals.

View the CBS News Colorado story.

The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) released the 2023 Talent Pipeline Report on Dec. 15, 2023. This tenth iteration of the Talent Pipeline Report analyzes and explains labor market information, highlights talent development strategies, and provides data-informed opportunities to enhance the talent pipeline in Colorado.

The Workforce Transformation Policy Council (WTPC) is a select group of
over 20 workforce development leaders convened by Jobs for the Future
(JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). Its aim
is to identify policy changes that are needed to transform the U.S.
workforce development system, so it is better able to meet the complex
needs of todays and tomorrow’s labor market.

The labor supply/demand report presents information that can help businesses and job seekers better understand current economic and labor force trends.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the Parents to Work program hosted its annual Accomplishment Ceremony. The event was an opportunity for customers and their families to come together and celebrate their successes. Seven (7) customers and their families were in attendance.

The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, a certificate ceremony, and speeches from Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully, program staff, and participants. Accomplishments celebrated during the event included graduation from the Parents to Work program, completion of training (such as the ACC Virtual Work Readiness Program), and attainment of a certificate or credential (e.g. forklift certificate, CDL-A licensure, and Insurance Licensure).

Parents to Work is a partnership between Arapahoe County Child Support Services and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! that is designed to help customers meet their obligations of child support while also being able to meet their day-to-day needs. Parents to Work offers employment, training, GED prep, and supportive services to both custodial and non-custodial parents with a child support case in Arapahoe County. The program focuses on family wellbeing, providing support to multiple generations within the family unit. In Program Year 2021-2022, over 30 customers graduated from the program by working and meeting their child support obligations for 12 consecutive months. In addition, over 15 individuals completed post-secondary training and/or attained different types of industry-recognized credentials.

Learn more about the Parents to Work program at https://bit.ly/3BQOlNC.

On Saturday, July 15, 2023, the 18th Judicial Court District hosted its annual warrant forgiveness event at CentrePoint Plaza in Aurora. The main objective of the event was to provide support and assistance to eligible individuals in resolving their cases, setting new court dates, and getting back on track with completing probation.

Exciting News!  Arapahoe/Douglas Works! hosted the annual Employment First Career Fair on July 12, 2023 at CentrePoint Plaza, and it was successful for the job seekers and employers who attended! 

As summer approaches, young adults often find themselves searching for job opportunities to gain experience, independence, and a sense of responsibility. The Young Adult Summer Job Hunt Boot Camp was introduced by A/D Works! to support young adults in their job search. This event was tailored for young adults aged 14-18 and aimed to equip them with the necessary skills to search for, secure, and retain employment while aligning their job choices with their long-term career goals.