Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 1.32 Expand employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment
Shared Economic Prosperity
Description
Individuals facing barriers to employment, such as prior justice involvement, seen and unseen disabilities, skills and/or educational backgrounds that don't match current job opportunities, and lack of permanent housing, also face higher unemployment and discrimination in the workplace. This initiative aims to use the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program to connect individuals facing barriers to employment with resources, skill-building, training, and other wrap-around support.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Updates on multiple programs that provide workforce development support to
justice involved individuals are as follows:
- Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) Pathways to Home program: enrolled 52 new participants in February 2024, bringing the total number of participants to 106. Out of the total participants, 18 are scheduled to return to Durham area.
- Training2Work: 35 enrolled program participants
- 14 program participants have attained a credential (occupational skills training)
- 19 program participants have gained employment with a $15.14 average hourly salary
- Welcome Home: 64 enrolled program participants
- Has provided 900 peer support hours to returning residents
- 34 program participants have gained employment (while receiving WH services) with a $14.00 average hourly salary
- 6 program participants were connected to SSI assistance
NC Training 2 Work Program
Why is it important?
Assisting individuals facing barriers to employment is essential for fostering shared economic prosperity in a community. By promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workforce, communities can tap into untapped talents and skills, contributing to a more equitable economic environment. This can reduce income inequality, enhance social mobility, and strengthen community resilience by empowering a diverse workforce. Building a skilled workforce through inclusive employment practices attracts businesses, stimulates economic growth, and meets the diverse needs of the local labor market. Creating opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment is a holistic strategy that benefits individuals, the workforce, and the community as a whole.
What have we been doing?
- Host an Employer Round tables with Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD), NC Training2Work, and Pathways HomeHost a Jobseeker with Barriers Roundtable
- Develop and continue a Job Club
- Work with Center Partners to develop certificates of completion
- Find employers that are barrier friendly
- Create and deliver soft-skills workshops to prepare jobseekers with barriers IS NOW underway with The Durham Reentry Team and the Training2Work Team Design tailored session & promote 2025 Job Fair for individuals with disabilities
What's next?
- Having a presence of the Reentry Team at the Durham Bulls Baseball game on May 1, 2025, not only are there benefits for Jobseekers, but employers as well (WOTC, Bonding, ect.)
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division