2 0 1 9Annual Report

Jobs Start Here

Mission The mission of Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas is to provide solutions for quality workforce development. To accomplish this mission, Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas is guided by the following principles:

The system will:

• be efficient and cost effective by integrating programs to eliminate duplication; • offer services to meet the diverse needs of job seekers and employers; • treat people with concern, dignity, respect, and courtesy; and • require people to share responsibility for their outcomes.

Goals

Goal 1: Establish awareness of the value of Workforce Solutions throughout the Deep East Texas area. Objective: To increase the use of available workforce services by both job seekers and employers.

Goal 2: Become a regional partner for economic development. Objective: To support the needs of new and expanding businesses in the area.

Goal 3: Promote quality and excellence that fosters continual improvement. Objective: To ensure that services continue to meet the needs of our customers.

Goal 4: Provide barrier-free access to workforce information, programs and services. Objective: To ensure that all customers who wish to use our services may do so.

Goal 5: Leverage resources and increase effectiveness through partnerships and coalitions. Objective: To be able to continue effective services with fewer funds and ensure efficient and effective use of public funds.

QUALITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN DEEP EAST TEXAS.

I am proud to write this letter for the 2019

Annual Report that gives you the real data

on how Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas

provided for quality workforce development

throughout the 12 counties of Angelina,

Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk,

Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby,

Trinity, and Tyler. Many people only think we

deliver employment services since ‘workforce’

is in our title. We also provide child care

services so parents can work, go to school or

attend training. We match job seekers with

area employers and we help both youth and

adults develop the necessary skills for local

industries and high demand jobs.

Our Board consists of 29 members, all

volunteers and a majority representing

private industry in our region. We are a

non-profit board that’s part of a statewide

system of local boards which set policy and

oversee expenditures of funds from the U.S.

Department of Labor through the Texas

Workforce Commission.

Besides the accomplishments listed in the

report, we continued to improve our services

by offering our customers:

• Access to Vocational Rehabilitation

Services when they visit the Angelina,

Nacogdoches, and Polk County centers.

The services are now co-located in the

one-stop centers.

• Newly renovated centers in Angelina

County (2018) and Nacogdoches County

(2019) as part of the integration of

Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

• Access to Angelina College’s Adult

Education and Literacy (AEL) program

at the Jasper County center. AEL classes

and other services are available at the

center.

We are committed to helping our youth through

grants with our educational and economic

development partners, career exploration events,

and initiatives like the Student HireAbility Navigator

(SHN), which has supported the growth of workforce

transition services offered to students with disabilities

and their families while linking employers with a vital

workforce.

I am very excited about the opportunities ahead in

2020, including:

• Continued partnerships with educational and

community groups that will benefit the current

and future workforce in Deep East Texas, including

Manufacturing Day for 11th graders in Angelina and

Nacogdoches counties.

• New funding that will train not only adults

and youth but our teachers as well through an

externship program.

I am thankful for the Board members, Board staff,

our workforce and child care subrecipients, and

our community partners for their continued efforts

to meet the growing demand for a highly skilled

workforce and generate economic growth in Deep

East Texas.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lisa Balty,

Board Chair

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Career Centers - Counties Served

This document contains vital information about the requirements, rights, determinations and/or responsibilities of access to the services of the workforce system. Language services, including interpretation and translation documents, are available free of charge upon request. Este documento contiene información importante sobre los requisitos, los derechos, Ias determinaciones y las responsabilidades del acceso a los servicios del sistema de la fuerza laboral. Hay disponibles servicios de idioma, incluida la interpretación y la traducción de documentos, sin ningún costo y a solicitud. Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas is an Equal Opportunity Em-ployer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Texas Relay for the hearing impaired – English (Voice): 1-800-735-2989 / Spanish (Voice):1-800-662-4954 or 7-1-1.

Workforce Solutions Angelina County Serving Angelina County210 N. John ReddittLufkin, TX 75904Phone 936-639-1351Toll-free 1-877-639-1351FAX: 936-639-1272

Workforce Solutions Jasper County Serving Jasper, Newton, and Sabine Counties799 West GibsonJasper, TX 75951Phone 409-384-9031Toll-free 1-877-384-9031FAX: 409-384-9677

Workforce Solutions Nacogdoches County Serving Nacogdoches County235 North University StreetNacogdoches, TX 75964Phone 936-560-1441Toll-free 877-560-1441FAX: 936-560-0540

Workforce Solutions Polk County Serving Polk, San Jacinto, and Tyler Counties1241 West Church Suite 300Livingston, TX 77351 Phone 936-327-5421Toll-free 800-256-8183FAX: 936-327-3916

Workforce Solutions Houston County Serving Houston and Trinity Counties1505 S. 4th StreetCrockett, TX 75835Phone 936-544-7859FAX: 936-544-7872

Workforce Solutions Shelby County Serving Shelby and San Augustine Counties145 Catco DriveCenter, TX 75935Phone 936-598-2468Toll-free 800-256-9095FAX: 936-598-4357

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Chief Elected Officials Honorable Bob Brown, Lead CEO for Workforce, Mayor, City of Lufkin

Honorable Don Lymbery, Angelina County Judge

Honorable Jim L. Lovell, Houston County Judge

Honorable Mark Allen, Jasper County Judge

Honorable Greg Sowell, Nacogdoches County Judge

Honorable Kenneth Weeks, Newton County Judge

Honorable Sidney Murphy, Polk County Judge

Board of Directors Lisa Balty, Chair - Nacogdoches County

Wayne Haglund, Vice Chair - Angelina County

Kelli Marshall, Secretary - Newton County

Joe Clyde Adams - Jasper County

Laura Bush – Adult Education Representative

Rebekah Burkhalter - Shelby County

TJ Colwell - Angelina County

Tyane Dietz - Trinity County

Tim Ditoro – Post Secondary Education (Angelina College)

Gregg Durham - Nacogdoches County

Robert Fitzpatrick - San Augustine County

James Gentry - Houston County

Phyllis Grandgeorge - Angelina County

Karen Hatton - Tyler County

Ethan Herr - TWC Representative

Honorable Daryl Melton, Sabine County Judge

Honorable Jeff Boyd, San Augustine County Judge

Honorable Fritz Faulkner, San Jacinto County Judge

Honorable Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge

Honorable Steve D. Page, Trinity County Judge

Honorable Jacques L. Blanchette, Tyler County Judge

Eddie Hopkins - Jasper County

Malcolm Ifoezeh – Vocational Rehabilitation Representative

Garvey Jackson - Polk County

Kotosha Jeffery - Nacogdoches County

Laurie King - Shelby County

Gene Lee - Angelina County

Quincy Martindale - Jasper County

Ellen Mills - Sabine County

Robin Moore - Nacogdoches County

Marisa Phillips - Angelina County

John Allen Slocomb - Polk County

Dr. Joseph Shannon – Post Secondary Education (Stephen F Austin State University)

Elaine Wade – Health and Human Services Representative

John White – Labor Representative

Board Staff Mark Durand, Executive Director

Gini Blackwell, Finance Director

Deborah Butler, Staff Accountant

Irma Castellanos, IT Intern

Rachel Garner, Child Care Development Specialist

Debb Homman, Child Care Coordinator

Aubrey Jones, Student HireAbility Navigator

Joshua Laskoskie, Information Systems Specialist

Sarah Milligan, Workforce Services Coordinator

Kim Moulder, Staff Services Specialist/Accounts Payable

Rachel Smith, Child Care Development Specialist

Karen Stubblefield, Operations Manager

Our Region by the Numbers

2018 population estimates, US Census

Total Employment

Average Annual Wage

Percent Unemployed

385,015147,420

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

$39,0374.5%R

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2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

6.2%

5.8% 6.1%

5.6%

4.9%

4.5%

Target Occupations in Deep East Texas

Largest Industry Sectors in Deep East Texas

High demand jobs that pay above average wages and are used to guide the investment of workforce program funds for training.

Industry Employment % of Total

Education and Health Services 33,732 31.2%

Trade, Transportation and Utilities 21,380 19.8% Manufacturing 11,810 10.9% Leisure and Hospitality 11,189 10.3% Professional and Business Services 7,389 6.8%Public Administration 6,275 5.8%Construction 5,341 4.9%

Manufacturing & Engineering

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Assemblers

Electrical & Electronics Engineering TechniciansEngineering Technicians, Ex. DraftersIndustrial Machinery MechanicsMachinistsMaintenance Workers, MachineryMaintenance & Repair Workers, GeneralWelders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers

Construction

Carpenters

Electrical Power-Line Installers & RepairsElectriciansHeating, AC & Refrigeration Mechanics & InstallersOperating Engineers/Other Construction Equipment OperatorsPlumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Correctional Officers & Jailers

Fire Fighting & Prevention WorkersParalegals & Legal AssistantsPolice and Sheriff ’s Patrol Officers

Business Management & Administration

Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks

General & Operational ManagersSecretaries & Admin Assists, Except Legal/Medical/Executive

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics

Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine SpecialistsHeavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Education & Information Technology

Computer User Support Specialists

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Health Science

Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics

Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational NursesNursing AssistantsMedical AssistantsMedical Record & Health Information TechniciansPharmacy TechniciansPhysical Therapist AssistantsMedical SecretariesRegistered NursesSurgical Technologists

Agricultural & Natural Resources

Logging Equipment Operators

Program ExpendituresWorkforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Child Care Services $9,858,386WIOA Adult $1,142,055 WIOA Dislocated Worker $819,522 WIOA Rapid Response $631 WIOA Youth $1,197,915 SNAP Employment & Training $353,115Employment Services $56,802 TANF/Choices $925,397 Non-custodial Parent $102,943 Trade $95,156 Texas Veterans Commission $14,819 Workforce Commission Initiative Grant $108,524 National Dislocated Worker Disaster Grant $1,885,765 Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment $71,649 Vocational Rehabilitation $296,464Summer Earn & Learn $203,931 HireAbility Navigator $108,395VR Paid Work Experience $23,621 TOTAL $17,265,090

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Grants Distributed in the Region

Job and Education for Texans (JET) High Demand Job Training Program

Dual Credit Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant

Texas Industry Partnership

Child Care Services $9,858,386WIOA Adult $1,142,055 WIOA Dislocated Worker $819,522 WIOA Rapid Response $631 WIOA Youth $1,197,915 SNAP Employment & Training $353,115Employment Services $56,802 TANF/Choices $925,397 Non-custodial Parent $102,943 Trade $95,156 Texas Veterans Commission $14,819 Workforce Commission Initiative Grant $108,524 National Dislocated Worker Disaster Grant $1,885,765 Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment $71,649 Vocational Rehabilitation $296,464Summer Earn & Learn $203,931 HireAbility Navigator $108,395VR Paid Work Experience $23,621 TOTAL $17,265,090

Provides grants to public community, technical or state colleges and independent school districts to purchase or install equipment necessary for the op-eration of career and technical education courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate or postsec-ondary degree in a high-demand occupation.

2019 | Angelina College to help purchase and install equipment to provide 130 students with training in the occupation of registered nurse ($299,232)

Local Workforce Board applies for the grant and col-laborates with Private Industry(ies) to leverage fund-ing to provide high-demand occupational job training.

2019 | Angelina County Habitat for Humanity and An-gelina College and the Workforce Board for HVAC and electrician courses

Local Workforce Board applies and partners with an eligible Economic Development Corporation to leverage sales tax dollars and provide high-demand occupational job training.

2018 | Jasper ISD, Jasper EDC and Workforce Board purchased equipment for the Jasper ISD CTE pro-grams (Automotive, Building Trades, Graphic Design, and Welding) ($87,398)

2019 | Jasper ISD, Woodville ISD, Jasper EDC and the Workforce Board to train in the area of welding and automotive repair ($100,000)

2018 | Angelina College, Lufkin EDC and the Work-force Board purchased simulators to train in the area of heavy equipment operators ($196,000)

2019 | Jasper ISD to offer students opportu-nities that will lead to recognized industry certificates in Computer Programming and Digital Forensics

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Number of Employers

Customers Trained

Pay for temporary jobs for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey through the National Dislocated Worker Disaster Grant

Training Expenditures

Number of Job Postings Number Hired

Number of Job Seekers

2,006

1,633

$1,885,765$330,207

3,730 1,8895,797

Serving Our Region

Nacogdoches – April 1828 Employers and Community Partners 51 Students

Livingston – September 1825 Employers and Community Partners 82 Students

Jasper – September 2416 Employers and Community Partners 355 Students

Lufkin – August 1552 Employers and Community Partners242 Job Seekers

San Augustine – April 4 18 Employers and Community Partners78 Job Seekers

Jasper – August 828 Employers and Community Partners 109 Job Seekers

Coldspring – September 1123 Employers and Community Partners96 Job Seekers Hiring Red, White, Blue and You – November 737 employers22 Veteran Job Seekers54 Non Veteran Job Seekers3 On-Site Hires

Career Exploration Events Hiring Events

Connecting Employers with Job Seekers

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Child Care Services

Children Served Per Day

Children Served Through Texas Rising Star

Texas Rising Star Centers

Child Care Providers with Agreements

2,076995 29

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Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas Child Care Services, 415 South First Street, Suite 110A, Lufkin, Texas 75901, 800-256-1030, www.detwork.org/child-care-services

Expanding Access to Affordable Quality Child CareThe Child Care Services (CCS) system in Deep East Texas is a dual-purpose program that provides finan-cial assistance to families so they can work, attend school, or enroll in training to improve the well-being of their families. Over 2,000 children and their families benefited in 2019.

At the same time, it also promotes the healthy devel-opment and school success for children by providing them with higher-quality early learning and after-school experiences.

Opportunities to choose higher quality child care programs in the Deep East Texas region nearly dou-bled this year with the growth in the number of Texas Rising Star (TRS) rated centers. The TRS program helps parents/guardians identify higher quality learn-ing environments in their area. Texas Rising Star is a voluntary, quality-based rating system of child care providers participating in the Texas Workforce Com-mission’s subsidized child care program. At the end of 2019, 29 centers had earned TRS designation, benefit-ting all the children and families at those centers.

Selecting the right early childhood program for an infant or young child is an important decision because 80% of brain development occurs before age 4. Numerous research studies have shown that children who attend higher quality child care programs are more prepared for school than other children.

Through the Deep East Texas Workforce Board’s quality child care initiative, the Board purchased complete curriculum kits and individual classroom materials for the TRS facilities. Additionally, health and safety at the TRS centers were enriched with free CPR training and the installation of automated external defibrillators. Con-tinued professional development and training were also provided to hundreds of child care owners, directors and staff.

Our goal is to eliminate or reduce the barrier of child care for families, promoting self-sufficiency by enabling parents to work or attend workforce training or educa-tion activities.

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Management & Training Corporation/Diboll Correctional Center. The efforts by Management & Training Corporation/Diboll Correctional Center to recruit and hire veterans have had a significant impact on veterans in the local workforce development area and across the state. MTC Diboll works closely with the local Veteran representatives at the Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas Center and actively recruits veterans who are ready to re-enter the workforce. Nineteen percent of the employee population at MTC Diboll are veterans.

Tyson Foods works in partnership with Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas Centers in Shelby and Nacogdoches Counties, filling a large number of positions for its plant operation in Center and its satellite facility in Nacogdoches. The frequency of outreach and recruitment efforts have made an impact in attracting workers to join the Tyson team. Tyson Foods was the 2002 Deep East Texas Local Employer of Excellence. Tyson recently partnered with Panola College to submit a Request for Application to the Texas Workforce Commission to fund equipment for the maintenance technician certificate program for dual credit students in the five (5) school districts of Shelby County. Tyson Foods also collaborates with Panola College to offer ESL classes for their employees and employee family members.

The team at DETEC collaborates with the Shelby County Workforce Center staff to identify and hire top talent. DETEC employs individuals across a wide variety of fields including general office personnel, accountants, customer service representatives, technology, mechanics, heavy machinery operators, lineman, engineering, general laborers and more. DETEC has a strong reputation as an excellent employer offering competitive wages and benefit packages.

2019 Deep East Texas Veteran Friendly Employer of the YearManagement & Training Corporation/Diboll Correctional Center

2019 Deep East Texas Large Employer of the Year AwardTyson Foods

2019 Deep East Texas Small Employer of the Year AwardDeep East Texas Electric Cooperative

2019 Deep East Texas Employer of Excellence Award Texas Home Health Personal Care Services

Texas Home Health Personal Care Services was recognized for understanding that employees make a difference in the lives of clients by lending a helping hand so they can remain as active and independent as possible while living in the comfort of home. Texas Home Health posted 113 job openings, 66 of those were filled through the Workforce Centers in Angelina, Polk and Shelby Counties. The partnership has helped Texas Home Health reach and identify quality job candidates who possess a caring and compassionate spirit and a love for helping others.

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Angelina College student Fatima Davis is well on her way to achieving her career goals in child development, and she credits her high school summer work experience for getting her started.

“I’ve gotten a lot of work experience for my resume. It has made me feel like more of an adult and to grow into the person I want to be. I drive to work every single day. I get paid. I make my own money,” said Fatima. “I feel like I am a better version of me. If I had not done this program, I honestly don’t think any of this would have happened.”

Her parents adopted her at age 5 and realized she had learning disabilities. After Fatima spent two summers participating in the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, her mother, Charlotte Davis, saw a difference, saying, “It was like she had gained some confidence in herself, she found her voice. She tried out for mascot her senior year and I really believe it was because of the confidence she had gained the summer before.”

Fatima regularly works with her Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor, Tina Webber, to set her goals for her future and prepare for the work environment.

Ms. Webber said, “For Fatima, my goal was that she would gain confidence in her own abilities to become successful not only in employment, but also in life. The best part of work experience for me is the satisfaction, that sense of pride, ownership, that I see in my students, including Fatima.” The two will work together through Fatima’s college years and as she gains employment.

Fatima continues to work at Pine Tree Preschool, where Director Charlie Peebler says, “We are all different but we all have something to contribute. Each person’s strengths, weaknesses and learning style must be identified so that each person can be trained accordingly. And with that in mind, the special needs employee is no different than the other employees because it makes us focus on each as an individual.”

Through a partnership between Texas Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, SEAL provides students with disabilities, age 16-22, with work readiness training and paid work experience.

Teen Finds Key to Future in Summer Work Experience

71Summer Earn and Learn Customers

Customer Spotlight

www.detwork .org | 936-639-8898415 South First Street , Suite 110B , Lufkin , Texas 75901