EWDD Service Program Success Stories

Over the weekend of March 30th, the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, in collaboration with REDF, Goodwill, and Chrysalis, co-facilitated an engaging breakout session at the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Conference in Washington, D.C. This session attracted fifty representatives from Workforce Boards nationwide, all eager to explore innovative strategies for workforce development.

During the session, Danielle Martinez, a City of LA Workforce Development Board representative, spotlighted the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE) program. This initiative exemplifies how workforce boards can effectively collaborate with non-profit Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs) to address the unique challenges faced by homeless individuals and those with significant barriers to employment. By combining resources and expertise, LA:RISE bridges the gap between transitional employment and long-term career opportunities.

The LA:RISE program utilizes ESEs to provide participants with temporary jobs and crucial supportive services, such as mentorship and wraparound assistance, to stabilize their circumstances. Simultaneously, the city’s Workforce Development System taps into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to enhance participant outcomes by offering services like job readiness training, industry-specific career pathways, and connections to permanent employment opportunities.

In addition to highlighting LA:RISE, representatives from REDF, Goodwill, and Chrysalis shared insights into their ESE business models. Each organization outlined how their unique approaches create transitional employment opportunities while delivering tailored support to individuals facing high barriers to workforce entry. These models demonstrate the power of combining public and private partnerships to create sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.

This breakout session not only showcased the City of LA’s leadership in fostering workforce innovation but also emphasized the importance of collaboration between local governments, nonprofits, and private organizations in addressing employment challenges. By sharing their successes and lessons learned, the LA Workforce Development Board and its partners inspired other Workforce Boards nationwide to adopt similar transformative approaches.

The session was a meaningful step toward empowering underserved communities and creating inclusive workforce development systems nationwide, reinforcing the city’s commitment to economic growth and opportunity for all.