Reaching People With the Most Needs

Last year, CAWD set a goal of serving 250 individuals from vulnerable and historically marginalized communities through a US Department of Labor CAREER grant. Based on data, high-need areas included residents in parts of Wake Forest and Raleigh.

One strategy we implemented was hosting resource fairs in these areas to provide residents access to career services, education, scholarships to cover tuition and fees, apprenticeship programs, health checks, behavioral health services, and available jobs.  This way, not only could they investigate employment opportunities, but access resources that can help with job retention.

“Wake Forest JobFest” was hosted in partnership with the Wake County Northern Regional Center in May.  Around 50 Wake Forest residents came to visit the 20 vendors in attendance! NCWorks staff were able to follow-up and enroll several in workforce services.

On August 13th, CAWD is co-hosting a “Career & Community Resource Fair” at the Chavis Community Center in Raleigh in partnership with Wake County and the City of Raleigh. Over 50 resource organizations and employers have already signed up and we expect a large crowd of residents. Information about this event can be found HERE.

To date, 111 individuals have been assisted through the CAREER grant! Helping our most vulnerable residents improve their economic status remains a top priority for CAWD.