Hoosiers will soon be able to take advantage of community and national volunteering initiatives while participating in free training, education and job-seeking programs and services currently offered at WorkOne locations throughout the state. This comes as Serve Indiana (Formerly known as The Indiana Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives) merges with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
Volunteering and AmeriCorps national service opportunities include mentoring and tutoring youth, building affordable housing, creating and repairing trails in state parks, and teaching literacy, job readiness, and nutrition. Some volunteers receive a living allowance, as well as educational scholarship assistance.
"I am excited for all the wonderful opportunities this merger will provide Hoosiers," said Governor Mike Pence. "Those who participate in community service and volunteerism increase their odds of finding a new job by nearly one-third. Giving people the opportunity to serve their own communities while taking advantage of the free career and educational resources availible through their local WorkOne will help them improve their lives and the lives of their neighbors."
"This merger enables Hoosiers to get involved in making their community a better place while participating in the free training, education and job-seeking services WorkOne already provides," said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "WorkOne's mission is to develop Indiana's workforce into the most competitive in the nation and I think the addition of these services will greatly benefit Hoosier job-seekers and businesses alike."
The Serve Indiana/DWD merger will also enable Hoosiers to access additional housing and mortgage assistance programs at WorkOne. These resources were previously offered through the OFBCI, but will now be a part of the WorkOne service umbrella.
WorkOne is at the heart of the workforce development system. It's where expert staff help Hoosiers find a new or better job, choose a career, access training, volunteer in their community, or get the information needed to succeed in today's job market. Hoosiers can visit www.in.gov/dwd/WorkOne/locations.html to find their local WorkOne. More information about WorkOne job-seeker services, including community volunteering opportunities can be found at www.in.gov/dwd/WorkOne/job_seekers.html.
The Executive Order for the merger is located here.