News

Rogue Workforce Partnership is seeking feedback on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Local Plan: Jackson & Josephine Counties. The public is invited to review the plan and provide input. This 30-day public comment period will last from March 13 until April 13, at which time all feedback will be compiled and used to modify the final draft of the Local Plan. Thank you for your interest and participation in this process.

Click here to review the draft local plan and submit feedback.

Rogue Workforce Partnership wants workers in the Rogue Valley who are facing layoffs or job loss to know that they are not alone – and that a network of local and state resources stands ready to help them get back on their feet.

As workforce disruptions continue to impact our region, Rogue Workforce Partnership is connecting affected workers and employers to a comprehensive set of services to navigate this difficult transition. Resources related to unemployment insurance, career counseling, job training, healthcare coverage, and financial assistance are available to members of our community affected by layoffs, and businesses facing difficult workforce decisions can access free support programs that may help reduce or prevent layoffs altogether. Even when a layoff is unavoidable, engaging with us early means your employees will be better prepared and supported from day one.

“Losing a job is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face,” said Mary Lockwood, Executive Director at Rogue Workforce Partnership. “We want every worker in this valley to know that there are real, meaningful resources available to them right now – and people who are ready to help.”

Rogue Workforce Partnership will host a Rapid Response event in the coming weeks where affected workers can connect face-to-face with resource providers and get personalized guidance. Details will be announced shortly.

In the meantime, workers are encouraged to explore the following resources:

• OREGON EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT – Unemployment Insurance (UI)
  Workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Apply online at unemployment.oregon.gov or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI.
• WORKSOURCE ROGUE VALLEY – Career & Training Support
  WorkSource Rogue Valley offers free job search assistance, resume help, interview coaching, and access to job training programs. Visit the center in person or online at worksourcerogue.org.
• OREGON HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE
  Job loss is a qualifying life event that allows workers and their families to enroll in health coverage outside of the standard open enrollment period. Learn more at OregonHealthCare.gov.
• ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  RCC offers affordable workforce training, certificate programs, and career pathway courses designed to help workers build new skills and qualify for in-demand jobs in the region. Visit roguecc.edu.
• OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (ODHS)
  ODHS provides a range of assistance programs including food benefits (SNAP), temporary cash assistance, childcare support, and more for qualifying individuals and families. Visit oregon.gov/odhs or call 211.

If your business is facing the possibility of workforce reductions, we encourage you to reach out to Rogue Workforce Partnership as early as possible. The sooner we connect, the more we can do – both to explore options that may help you avoid layoffs, and to ensure that your employees have access to the resources and support they need to land on their feet. Helping workers transition well is one of the most meaningful things an employer can do, and we are here to help.

To learn more about employer support services available, reach out to Sr Business Services Manager, Tyler Worthley at Tyler@RogueWorkforce.org.

Prosperity 10,000 is delivering real results for Southern Oregon!

Oregon Workforce Partnership recently shared an update on Prosperity 10,000 performance outcomes. These programs helped 9,285 Oregonians access training, employment, and critical supports to get to improve our workforce and drive economic prosperity.

Here are some of the impacts:

• $35 million invested > $219M in total economic benefits, including $23 million in new tax revenue and $195 million in reduced social services costs – a 6x return on investment
• 96% of participants represent women, people of color, veterans, rural residents, or individuals with disabilities — populations often underserved by traditional systems
• Participants are earning $22.68 per hour on average, exceeding Oregon’s self-sufficiency standard

Rogue Workforce Partnership was proud to participate in the local management and program development for Prosperity 10K. You can learn more at https://oregonworkforcepartnership.org/prosperity-10000/