AG 2004 10 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Conditions within the County Families on Worl( First in Cabarrus County are experiencing problems that had not surfaced duri1)g the previous planning period. Since the closing of Pillowtex in July 2003 withr3,984 layoffs, there has been increased competition for jobs that in many cases would have gone to Work First recipients. The impact of this closure is evident when the unemployment rate is compared. In June 2003, the unemployment rate was 6.4%, in July 2003, it went to 10.2%, and peaked in August at 10.9%. Presently, the rate is 5.5%, but this is still higher than the State unemployment rate of 5.0%. Although nearly half of the Pillowtex displaced workers did not have a GED, they are for the most part, older, with a strong work ethic, and are wilting to work. This work record is more attractive to potential employers, and hás increased the difficulty in securing employment for the Work First recipients. We anticipate that as Pillowtex workers lose unemployment benefits during late 2004 and the first part of2005, there will be greater competition for jòbs that Work First recipients would nonnally be able to secure. .j As of August I, 2D04, the Work First population in Cabarrus County was 306, with 236 oftheselbeing child-only cases. The adult caseload totaled 70, and 39 of these were able-bþdied adults. These numbers have been gradually increasing due to the inability to locate jobs for them, as well as the inability to divert families from Work First due to a day care waiting list exceeding 600. This waiting list has been in effect since December 2003. At the present time, we have been able to begin enrolling children for day care assistance from the waiting list. II. Planning Process A. Planning ConImittee In order to assure the best community input possible, we have put together a planning committee to make sure that experts in their field reviewed this Work First PI~n. As we felt strongly that many of the fonDer Pillowtex employees may begin to need these services during the coming year, we selected our planning committee from the Community Planning Committee that served SOL well and provided such valuable input during the critical initial Pillowtex layoff period. We not only want to make sure that the plan is the best that it can be for recipients who are seeking work, but also must be cognizant of the fact that some people may not be appropriate for work, and that our plan addresses what we must do to ensure that they are provided for as well. Our committee consisted of the following representatives: . Business Community: Bob VanGorden . Employment Security Commission: Carolyn Mays . Workforoe Development Board: David L. Hollars . Workforce Development Education Director for Schools: Emily Behm . Rowan-Cabarrus Community College: Nicholas Gennett 3 Gr-5