In part two of my conversation with Deb Harris from Jobs and Hope West Virginia, we dove into what really makes this program work: the ongoing support systems and the exciting plans for the future. If you're an employer or someone looking for work, you need to understand what sets this program apart.
It's Not One-and-Done: The Power of Ongoing Support
Getting someone a job is one thing. Helping them keep that job? That's where the real work begins, and that's where Jobs and Hope truly shines.
First, let me give a huge shout out to the 24 transition agents serving participants statewide. These folks are the backbone of the program, and they're doing incredible work. Jobs and Hope has over 1,500 active participants in the program spread across 55 counties. These transition agents are experts in their regions, and their case management really helps support participants one-on-one so they can be successful.
Here's what makes this program different: they don't just place someone in a job and disappear. They meet with participants once a month to check in. How's it going? What do you need? Are there any new barriers that we need to address?
If new barriers come up—and they often do—Jobs and Hope can do referrals to partner agencies statewide to help eliminate those obstacles. Whether it's transportation, child care, dental needs, or something else entirely, they're there to help.
A Diverse Team with Real Expertise
What really impressed me is the diversity of the transition agent team. Deb told me they have such a diverse team that it spans an incredible range of backgrounds:
- John, a 20-year Navy veteran who serves veterans statewide and has done everything imaginable, including trades
- Folks who are in recovery from substance use themselves
- Higher education professionals
- One staff member who is an EMT
The list goes on. And Deb explained that this diversity is one of the things that makes the team so great. If someone has a question, they bring it to the team and collectively they'll help someone figure it out.
It Takes a Village
Deb was clear about this: "It's not just Jobs and Hope. It's so much bigger than that. It's all of the partners that we have been able to maintain for the past six years that support—we collectively support individuals and make them successful."
Child care is a huge barrier for individuals trying to enter the workplace. Dental needs can impact someone's health and confidence. Transportation challenges can make getting to work impossible. But with a network of partners, all of these barriers can be addressed.
Think about it this way: when you're trying to rebuild your life, one person checking in on you monthly can make all the difference. Knowing that there's someone in your corner who understands the challenges you're facing, who can connect you to resources, who believes in you—that's powerful.
For employers, this means less turnover, lower recruitment costs, and more stable teams. For participants, it means sustainable employment and a real chance at building a career.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Plans for Expansion
When we talked about the future, Deb shared some exciting plans. Jobs and Hope has applied for several grants that would allow them to expand their reentry efforts. They see a bigger need for reentry services prior to release. Her hope is to be able to expand those reentry services in facilities to allow people kind of a leg up when they reenter their communities.
This makes perfect sense. The more preparation someone has before leaving a correctional facility, the better their chances of successful reintegration. Right now, they have four reentry liaisons working in correctional facilities, but there's clearly room to grow this critical service.
Another area where they see expansion is in funding to support shorter-term training. We talked about on-the-job trainings and union trade positions that may have shorter-term employment opportunities. Getting funding for these types of programs would open up even more pathways to employment for participants.
The Big One: CDL Training
Here's where Deb really lit up, and I could tell this is something she's passionate about. CDL training is in such high demand, and there's not enough funding to pay for folks that want to go through CDL training.
Let me repeat that: there's huge demand for CDL drivers, people want to get trained, but there's not enough funding to make it happen at scale.
Jobs and Hope is partnering with the Military Authority again—only because they know that partnership works and is successful. They're also working with the Department of Highways to provide curriculum and instructors. They're going to do train-the-trainer programs.
But here's what they need: trucks. Specifically, they need a CDL truck. They may be able to lease a truck short-term, but Deb put out a call to action: if any employer sees a need for trained CDL drivers, she would love to have a conversation with them on what a potential partnership might look like.
Just like they do with the heavy equipment operator training at Camp Dawson, the plan is to provide hiring events at the end of the CDL training. This means employers would have direct access to trained, certified CDL drivers ready to fill vacancies.
Think about it: how many construction companies, trucking companies, and other businesses are struggling to find CDL drivers right now? This program could be a game-changer for filling those positions.
Surely there's somebody out there with a CDL truck that could fit this program and some funds that could be made to happen, especially if there's a need. You have to invest in the future of West Virginia and the workforce. These matters.
Stay Connected
Jobs and Hope is doing a statewide event in January during legislative session. Follow them on Facebook for information about that event and other updates. They post stories of hope and information about upcoming events regularly.
Whether you're an employer looking to partner, someone who could contribute resources like a CDL truck, or just someone who wants to support this mission, there are ways to get involved.
Don't Forget About the Hope
Remember what Deb said: "The program's called Jobs and Hope. And I think a lot of the emphasis is always put on the jobs. Of course, you have to have a job, but sometimes the job is the hope for individuals."
Expanding reentry services means giving people hope before they even leave incarceration. Providing CDL training means opening up career pathways in an in-demand field. Supporting shorter-term training means more people can access opportunities faster.
This isn't just about filling jobs. It's about building futures. It's about giving people that fair chance. And it's about investing in the future of West Virginia.
Everything that Jobs and Hope is doing is making West Virginia a better place and making our great state that much greater. The future is bright, but it requires investment, partnership, and commitment from all of us.
Let's build that future together.
Want to discuss a partnership or learn more about how you can help? Contact Deb Harris at drharris@k12.wv.us or visit jobsandhope.wv.gov. Follow them on Facebook for updates and stories of hope.
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