GA L~CO.(Y)3 'PI "E>4 c3.;/zt () I Winter 2003 of are difficult economic times. Many hard working Georgians have lost jobs, careers and livelihoods. The skilled and unskilled, blue collar and white collar, high-tech workers and factory workers have been negatively impacted. Throughout its history, Georgia has endured dozens of economic downturns. Many Georgians have used presumably bad times to make incredibly good career choices. Despite long periods of unemployment, they never lost hope. That's what Georgia Works is all about. This initiative will assist those who see the proverbial silver lining in cloudy economic skies. It's for people who never run out of hope, who find opportunity in the mist of despair. Georgia Works allows employers to audition job-seekers even when economic times dictate no new hires. It gives unemployed Georgians a chance to develop their work skills even when employers are reluctant to offer new training opportunities or have few job openings. Georgia Works helps connect motivated jobseekers with prospective employers. It helps employers build a more productive workforce without incurring immediate payroll expenses. More importantly the initiative will allow jobseekers to gain work experience, stay in the job market, and develop new job leads. When given a choice, employers will almost always hire someone whose work they are familiar with . It's more cost effective, faster, and reduces the risk of hiring a complete stranger who answers a job ad. That's why employers seek personal references when direct knowledge is absent. Job-seekers who demonstrate their skills and talents to employers while engaging in workplace training will increase the possibility of being hired by that employer when a job opens up. Georgia Works is about hope. It is for people who never lose faith in their ability to overcome obstacles. It's for job-seekers who believe that hope always springs eternal. Does this describe the great majority of Georgians? I am convinced that it does. I tkBEACON A Promising Practice National Research firm conducts study on GoodWorks! Program... .......... . ... . ...... PAGE 2 DAS Wins Top Honors Award recognizes efficient and accurate claims processing .... . . ......... ........ . ... PAGE 5 Accomplishments GDOL Staff participates in Promina Corporate Challenge .. . . PAGE 8 ULIGHTING THE Vol. Three/ Issue 1 GDOL Works to Stimulate Job Growth Continuing job loss , skyrocketing gas prices and rumors of war have driven consumer confidence in the economy to its lowest level since 1993. And Georgians as well as the rest ofthe U .S. are feeling the effects of rising unemployment. "While we are helping workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own by providing them with unemployment benefits and access to training and job search Georgia Works Coupon Booklet. assistance, what they really need are job opportunities," said state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "Employers are reluctant to risk adding new employees." In response to weak job creation and lengthening terms of unemployment, Commissioner Thurmond has created Georgia Works. This innovative training initiative of the Georgia Department of Labor is designed to stimulate near-term job growth and hiring in Georgia. The initiative allows laid-off workers who qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to receive on-site workplace training, regular Ul benefits and a special training allowance of up to $30 a week. The stipend will help to defray some of the costs of attending training (e.g., child care, transportation, tools, work clothes, etc.). Employers will provide training for a limited period. Upon successful completion of training, trainees will receive certification of job skills acquired and consideration for employment. The opportunity to train through Georgia Works is limited to a maximum of 24 hours per week for up to eight weeks . Thurmond is confident that many employers, wary of creating new positions in this economic environment, will be encouraged to do so by participating in Georgia Works. "This initiative reduces risk associated with new hiring, including worker evaluation and training costs. It also allows employers to better match job-seeker s with avai lable jobs," said Thurmond . "This is a tremendous opportunity for Georgia Works participants ," said Thurmond. "Not only will this allow them to remain connected to the workplace, it also allows job-seekers to add new skills, training and work experience to their resumes," he added . Georgia Works also allows job-seekers to market their skills to employers, and it provides the possibility of turning training into full time employment. A person can become a Georgia Works trainee by going to a Georgia Department of Labor Career Center and enlisting the help of a reemployment Unit DOL Services Specialist. The claimant will receive information about Georgia Works, a schedule of Georgia Works workshop modules and a coupon to be used as a sales and marketing tool to the employers . Five Career Centers-- Atlanta's, North and South Metro, Cartersville, Athens and Macon will kick off the Georgia Works pilot, and up to 500 claimant trainees will participate. The pilot kicked off on March I 0. Eventually all 53 Career Centers will offer the Georgia Works strategy. Thurmond Sworn in for Second Term Michael Thurmond was sworn in Jan. 13 for his second term as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Gov. Sonny Perdue performed the swearing-in ceremony. The Department of Labor saw tremendous change during the commissioner's first term in office. Old-fashioned unemployment offices were transformed into state-of-the-art Career Centers. Many of the department's services became available over the Internet. The Department of Labor merged with the Division of Rehabilitation Services. And the commissioner helped put in place a historic reduction in unemployment insurance taxes. "Our focus in the last four years has been on helping Georgians reach their career goals," said Thurmond . "We will continue to partner with Georgia's colleges, universities and job-training services to ensure that every Georgian has the help they need to expand their horizons in learning new skills and landing new jobs and careers ." Governor Sonny Perdue swears in Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond on january 13, 2003. Vital Statistics Born: Athens, Georgia E.ducation: B.A. in philosophy and religion from Paine College; Jurist doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Political Career: 1987, first African American elected to the Georgia General Assembly from Clarke County since reconstruction. November 3, 1998, first African American elected Georgia Labor Commissioner. Family: Married to Zola, daughter, Mikaya. Georgia Department of Labor 148 Andrew Young International Blvd. , N .E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 RECEIVED JUN 2 7 2003 DOCUMENTS UGA LIBRARI.ES PRSRT STD POSTAGE & FEES PAID GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PERMIT NO. 7077 FROM THE EDITOR Janice Reaves Editor. The Beacon Pay It Forward I've been thinking about a movie I saw called "Pay It Forward." It is a touching drama adapted from a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The drama is about a 7thgrade social studies teacher, played by Kevin Spacey, who gives a mandatory assignment to his students to go out and change the world. One of his students actually take it seriously and comes up with the "Pay It Forward" idea where he does a huge favor for somebody. The fortunate person can't pay it back; he/she must pay it forward to three other people, which sends it down an everlasting web of people. There is actually a Pay It Forward Movement that resulted from Hyde's novel. Schools, churches, business and different organizations are involved . Imagine showing up for worship one weekend and instead of putting money in the collection plate, taking home a crisp $1 00 bill? That's what happened recently in a church in Nashville, Tennessee. An anonymous donor contributed $50,000 to the church, and asked the pastor to randomly give members of the congregation $1 00, only asking in return that the benefactors do something nice for others. One group of high school students decided to cut and rake the grass of their elderly neighbors without being asked. Another group of elementary students decided to provide security blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children across the country. After seeing this incredible movie, I've been waiting for my "Pay It Forward" moment, the chance to help someone when she or I least expected the help. By happenstance, one weekend , I gave a teenager a ride to his grandmother's house. Upon our arrival, he told me that his aunt's new baby was in the house with his grandmother. While I was visiting the baby, I also had the pleasure of seeing the grandmother, Ms. Ola. I've known Ms. Ola most of my life. In fact, she's the mother of my sister-in-law. The visit to the baby actually turned out to be a nearly two-hour visit with Ms. Ola, who's been very ill. Ms Ola and I had the best time sitting there talking about her new grandbaby, her trials with her illness and everything from A-Z. Later that evening my sister-in -law called and said I'd made her mother's day with my unexpected visit. My point here is that little things can uplift spirits. In these tough economic times, take time to "pay it forward" to someone. Why not prepare a meal and invite someone over who may be on a tight budget? Give a friend a pre-paid phone card or movie pass. I guarantee you, it will make you as well as the recipient feel better when you pay it forward. The Beacon, a bi-monthly publication, will consider for publication articles relating to ar dealing with the Georgia Department of Labor. Articles must be double-spaced and typewritten. Please include name, address and a daytime phone number with article. Submissions must arrive before the 15th of each month to be considered for the next issue. Articles may be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to janice Reaves, Editor. Editor reserves the right to edit all articles of submission. Suggestions and comments are welcomed. The Beacon is available in Braille and other alternate formats . janice.Reaves@ dol.state.ga.us (404) 656-2683 (Fax) Mail to: Suite 600, Sussex Place 148 Andrew Young International Blvd. N. E. Atlan ta, GA30303- 1751 Back on Track- Staying on Track Story by john Davidson "I can function in America," said June Jackson while attending the money management class conducted by New Leaf Services, a wheels-to-work initiative in DeKalb County. Jackson recently acquired a 1995 Mercury Mystique through New Leaf Services, and the former TAN F recipient now embraces her future with hope. "This program opened my eyes," she says. "Everything was so hard; now I'm back on track." Last year the Georgia Department of Labor contracted with New Leaf Services to teach selected GoodWorks! customers to set up bank accounts, establish a budget that includes savings, and purchase a vehicle through New Leaf. Seven customers have purchased vehicles. The program was designed by its director, Louise Turner. Since its beginning in 1997, New Leaf Services has helped hundreds of people acquire transportation so they can get to work. The agency provides affordable, dependable cars to people referred by job-training programs who need a car in order to work. Jackson got a job as an administrative technician after learning some basic computer skills at Dekalb Technical College. She participated in the GoodWorks! program, and through New Leaf Services and was able to get a car. Now she no longer has to walk the kids to school, then catch two buses and a train to work. With her car, her life is back on track. Being on track also means staying on track, according to the Case Manager Elizabeth Mclaurin at New Leaf Services. Every other Saturday the customers report to Elizabeth with a money order to pay for the car and another money order to deposit into savings . Customers attend self-sufficiency classes each quarter. The customers really appreciate their cars , says Mclaurin . "One customer cried when she got a van," said Mclaurin. "She's in class now, learning how to manage her money -- and she's staying New Leaf Services participant, June jackson, in her 1995 Mercury Mystic. on track." GoodWorks! Lauded as "Promising Practice" A yearlong study conducted by Mathematica Policy Research Company has provided an in-dept look at the design, implementation, and service delivery of the GoodWorks initiative. The report entitled, "Georgia GoodWorks: Transitional Work and Intensive Support for TANF Recipients Nearing the Time Limit," was published in a national publication. Mathematica Policy Research , Inc., known for its high quality, objective research on the nation's most pressing social policies operates offices out of Princeton, New Jersey, Washington, D .C., Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Columbia, Maryland. The firm has conducted some of the most important studies on health care, welfare, education , employment, nutrition and early childhood policies and program in the United States. Mathematica noted that Georgia is one of the first states in the nation to design a transitional jobs program targeted to TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) families facing welfare time limits and one of the few that Georgia GoodWorks!: Transitional Work and Intensive Support for TANF Recipients Nearing dte Time Limit D