The National Dislocated Worker Grant provided funding for temporary employment to individuals who lost their jobs during COVID-19. The Watts WorkSource Center connected Imperial Courts resident Lakenya Spikes with a subsidized job opportunity at the Watts Empowerment Center while developing her talents with the help of business professionals.
The Watts Empowerment Center is a non-profit that offers youth, young adults, and families in Watts Housing Projects an avenue to discover their purpose. Through the grant, Lakenya was able to engage and provide support to her neighborhood, the children, youth, and residents of the Imperial Courts Public Housing Site.
The Watts Empowerment Center staff said that she excelled in her role. "She has the respect from the kids in the community (which is a BIG DEAL) and the skills that make her an incredible asset to the whole team."
Now that her temporary subsidized employment opportunity has ended, Lakenya is currently weighing two job options at the Jordan Downs Redevelopment Project.
National Dislocated Worker Grant Providing Temporary employment for Angelenos
The Watts Empowerment Center is a non-profit that offers youth, young adults, and families in Watts Housing Projects an avenue to discover their purpose. Through the grant, Lakenya was able to engage and provide support to her neighborhood, the children, youth, and residents of the Imperial Courts Public Housing Site.
The Watts Empowerment Center staff said that she excelled in her role. "She has the respect from the kids in the community (which is a BIG DEAL) and the skills that make her an incredible asset to the whole team."
Now that her temporary subsidized employment opportunity has ended, Lakenya is currently weighing two job options at the Jordan Downs Redevelopment Project.
National Dislocated Worker Grant Providing Temporary employment for Angelenos
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) National Dislocated Workers Grant (NDWG) provided paid work experience for workers to assist with recovery efforts to residents and businesses that were severely impacted by the pandemic. EWDD's WorkSource Centers and workforce partners helped administer the NDWG, which has provided temporary employment to hundreds of Angelenos. This project is 100% federally-funded in the amount of $1.8 million.
Explore the various services that EWDD offers by checking out the Business Services, Employment Services and Youth Services pages. Discover what EWDD can do for you!
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of November 15, 2021. Read this issue and more.
