GuilfordWorks Program Year Annual Report 2023-2024

FROM THE DIRECTOR

I am honored to have completed my first full year in a permanent capacity for Program Year 2023-2024. This annual report highlights progress in the following areas: Innovation, Renovation, Diversification, and Cultivation. Innovation: Our workforce system received the 2023 Governor’s recognition for innovative partnerships and had an even more concentrated focus on the justice-served population. Because of our abilities to partner with defined strategy, more than 300 charges were removed from judicially-impacted persons, through an expungement clinic. The Mobile Career Center has been continuously deployed in the

community, with approximately 100 outreach events and more than 1,000 individuals served last year. Our system diversified its funding by 56%. The aim is to not fully rely on one funding source, but to supplement with special grants to better serve our customers. Renovation: Our High Point Career Center has been renovated to create a warm, welcoming and creative space for jobseekers and employers. We added another internal partner to our Greensboro Comprehensive Center, Youth Haven. This allows us to refer individuals who may need mental and emotional health services. Identifying needs and removing barriers remains a top priority. Diversification: Our Board membership is more diverse and the new members reflect the population we serve, including the first female Latina board chair, Eva Ogden. Staff continuously built a positive and inclusive climate through internal and external professional development resources. Employees are recognized quarterly for their talents, job performance and public service. Because of our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, our organization received the Triad Business Journal’s 2024 Leader in Diversity Award. Cultivation: Our dedication to maintaining and cultivating relationships with our business partners has been phenomenal. Staff hosted a successful series of healthcare summits that received regional recognition. We’re part of the AdvanceNC Collaborative, which combines efforts with our stakeholders to develop talent pipelines to advanced manufacturing statewide. We hosted a regional economic and workforce summit in partnership with NC State and GTCC. The informative event was well attended and fostered discussion on emerging topics in workforce development. Additionally, we established a Clean Energy Council, to have a more concerted focus on advanced manufacturing, upskilling talent and meeting employment demands. It goes without saying, the System has been extremely focused and productive. We are fulfilling our motto: Excellence through People. I look forward to maintaining the spirit of excellence. Happy reading! Sincerely, Danielle A. Harrison, Ed.D. Executive Director GuilfordWorks

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