The Welfare Reform Liaison Project Community Action Agency provides Product Distribution and Self-Sufficiency Job Training to help low-income individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency.
Description
Mission of WRLP
The mission of the Welfare Reform Liaison Project Community Action Agency (WRLP) is to provide those services that will enable economically disadvantaged individuals and families to move toward self-sufficiency through collaboration with the federal and state agencies, the faith community, corporations, other agencies from both the public and private sectors, as well as the local citizenry - History of WRLP. A Strategic Plan was established as a guide for development of further initiatives that will help fulfill the mission of WRLP.
Training is offered through a combined classroom and experience-based program model. Support services are also provided on an individualized basis through WRLP’s case managers. Training is available through the an Entrepreneurial Model incorporating the following components:
Academic and technical skill courses include academic upgrade such as GED, Introduction to Computer, Microsoft Word/Excel, Computer Repair, PhotoShop, video and cable tv production, and management-related courses.
Retail Training
A simulated training environment is used by WRLP through operation of a Product Distribution Center. The agency leases a 16,000 square foot building that serves as the central location for the warehouse. Items are received at no cost through Gifts In Kind International. The goods are made available to authorized individuals affiliated with faith-based and non-profit organizations who have applied to be members of the Distribution Center. There is no cost for items selected other than a small handling fee charged for each item in accordance with WRLP Distribution Procedures.
The Distribution Center is open all-day Monday – Friday and half-day Saturday. This setting provides hands-on training for WRLP students in skills such as receiving, bar coding, inventory, assessment of product quality, stocking shelves, loss prevention, storage, customer service, register operations, shipping, and of course, the development of good work habits.
Co-op Training is an approach that WRLP promotes to create real-life training experiences for WRLP students. A Retail Assistant Management Training track has also been developed through a partnership with Family Dollar Stores, Inc.. Applicants must pass a drug test and criminal background check (no felonies), as well as the Unicrew Learning and Leadership Assessment prior to enrollment. A minimum of ten (10) students is required per class that lasts for 8 weeks and involves on-line training through Family Dollar. The Distribution Center is used for additional training followed by direct observation activities at Family Dollar stores. Qualifications are developed for jobs that pay up to $38,000 per year with benefits.
Entrepreneurial Initiative
A variety of American Management Association/AMA-certified courses are offered in conjunction with Guilford Technical Community College. Areas featured include Information Technology (Microsoft network certification, computer repair, etc.) and Digital Media Production.
WRLP has developed CopyCents to serve as an in-house entrepreneurial venture for students to gain direct experience with the skills they have developed. Graphic design and video production services are publicized through a CopyCents ad and have included:
An 18-minute video (Promises Made, Promises Kept) that documents the history of the Community Action movement with a focus on North Carolina
Display boards for conferences
Outcomes
Recognition of WRLP
A Way That Works (January 2010) , published by the Greensboro News & Record, highlights the benefits of WRLP.
$1,467,687 … Documented earnings for 130 employed graduates of WRLP's 2008 training program
$7,027,408 … Documented earnings for 179 graduates from inception through October 31, 2009
148 … Number of students who received training from July 2008 through June 2009
45 … Number of individuals who have already received income through FPC Job Services
23 … Students completed training by Copycents Digital Media
23 … Graduates from the American Management Association Certificate Program
14 …Students currently enrolled in the American Management Association Certificate Program
13 … Graduates who earned an income that exceeded poverty guidelines
Key Highlights (FY09)
Video Production Program, Digital Imaging Training Program, and basic needs packages for homeless and displaced workers, all made possible from funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Launched training program in new High Point facility and re-opened Product Distribution Facility in High Point.
Continuing to provide leadership for the GTCC Quick Jobs Advisory Committee.
Continuing to manage AmeriCorps VISTA Project for over 23 agencies.
"Clean," unqualified opinion resulting from the annual audit of financial statements.
Successful "Faith Summit" held with 350 participants in May 2009.
Family Connection – Partnership with Guilford County Department of Social Services.
Celebrating Our [Foster] Children – Partnership with Guilford County Department of Social Services.
Teacher Supply Warehouse – Partnership with Guilford Education Alliance and GC School System.
Gifts In Kind International – Partnership to process and store toys with Ronald McDonald Houses.
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