For Immediate Release
Sept. 9, 2003

Richmond - Five regional community conferences on "Collaborating to Strengthen the Workforce System" have been scheduled through October.

These community conferences are being held to provide information to community- and faith-based groups to enhance their collaboration with established workforce centers. The sessions are being sponsored by the Virginia Department of Social Services, in coordination with the Virginia Employment Commission and the Virginia Council Against Poverty.

Registration for the first conference, scheduled Sept. 17 in Richmond, is due Sept. 10. The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call (800) 777-8293 or (804) 225-3872 or e-mail jnp900@dss.state.va.us. The sessions are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with lunch and refreshments. Locations and directions will be provided upon registration.

Additional conferences are scheduled as follows:

• Sept. 26 in Culpeper with registration due Sept. 19
• Oct. 2 in Chesapeake with registration due Sept. 25
• Oct. 16 in Abingdon with registration due Oct. 9
• Oct. 20 in Lynchburg with registration due Oct. 23

The training will be helpful to community- and faith-based organizations, groups interested in ways to partner with public agencies, staff of organizations working with individuals seeking employment, and those interested in learning about how to support the Workforce Investment System and maximizing community resources to help those in need.

Presentations will provide an overview of Virginia's Workforce Investment System, fundraising and grant writing workshop, ways community- and faith-based organizations can combine their efforts with the one-stop delivery system, a showcase of partnerships that work, collaboration workshop and networking opportunities.

Marcella Williamson
Public Affairs
(804) 692-1031
mkw900@dss.state.va.us