RI WINS—Workforce Investment and New Solutions announced today that their first quarterly grant status report is available. Three Rhode Island-based organizations, The Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition, Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC), and Skills for RI’s Future, were awarded a Transformation Grant earlier this year by the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH).
Some of the highlights of the report include:
- The network has established a Speakers Bureau composed of 18 people with disabilities who have conducted presentations on various topics such as self-esteem, money management, and self-employment.
- Through coordinated efforts and information sharing, the initiative has improved the efficiency of connecting job seekers with suitable employers, benefiting both staff and job seekers.
- The initiative has conducted several employer engagement sessions and facilitated interviews with businesses, resulting in promising outcomes such as job placements and internships.
- The Employer Engagement Roadmap seeks to educate employers about the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workforce through a 3-part series developed in collaboration with the RI Secretary of State’s office.
- Grantees have identified challenges such as workforce recruitment, time commitment, transportation, documentation, and sustainability of initiatives.