THE MET CENTERFAMILY AND WORKFORCE CENTERS OF AMERICA
Member of the Working Families Success Network (WFSN)
NATIONAL COALITION OF STATE LEGISLATORS
HUMAN SERVICES CHAIRS MEETING
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES AND SUPPORTS TO CHILDREN AND
PARENTS TO ENSURE FAMILY ECONOMIC SUCCESS
OCTOBER 2, 2015
CAROLYN SEWARD
PRESIDENT/CEO
MET CENTER - FAMILY AND WORKFORCE CENTERS OF AMERICA
BUILDING HISTORYIn 1891, Herbert Wagner and Ferdinand Schwedtman started Wagner
Electric, a small motors company (transformers, ventilating fans, hydraulic
brake equipment, etc.) Located in downtown St. Louis, the small company
quickly grew and became one of St. Louis’s most prominent
manufacturers.
By 1913, Wagner's Wellston plant in St. Louis' northwest industrial
corridor was the third largest and the most modern in the country.
Wagner Plant, 1917
BUILDING HISTORY
Before picture of the MET Center.
BUILDING HISTORY
MET CENTER MISSIONThe MET Center is a strategic partnership created to stimulate the
economic self-sufficiency of individuals living in low to moderate
income communities of the St. Louis Region.
The Center seeks to accomplish this mission by delivering focused,
comprehensive, and accessible job training, placement, assessment,
career development services and transportations services.
We serve the underemployed, unemployed, and displaced workers,
leading to sustainable work and a competitive regional economy.
• Centrally Located Near the MetroLink
• Comprehensive Skill-Based Training
• Focused Individual Employment Planning
• Accessible Career Development and Placement Services
• Financial Education/Transportation Services/Early Child Care Services
18 Programs & Services
24 Collaborative Partners
Employment Training
Placement & Retention
Entrepreneurship Training Program
Financial Education & Asset Development
Healthy Relationship Education/Responsible Fatherhood
Training To Work-Reintegration Second Chance
Transportation and Child Care Services (Based on Program Funding or
eligibility)
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS St. Louis County Government
St. Louis County WIB
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (SLEDP)
St. Louis City WIB (SLATE)
Fathers’ Support Center (FSC)
St. Louis Community College (STLCC)
Metropolitan Training Alliance (MTA)
Special School District (SSD)
St. Louis Community Credit Union
(SLCCU)
AARP
Boeing
Emerson
Community Development Block Grant (State
and St. Louis County)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF)
The Private Bank
WFF Facility Services (Company)
Washington University
St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS)
W. K. Kellogg Foundation
East-West Gateway Council of Governments
Greater St. Louis Works (RCGA)
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
MO Dept. of Social Services-Family Support
Division (FSD)
MO Department of Economic Development
MET CENTER/CWFINTEGRATED SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL
Customer Recruiting Orientation
Eligibility for financialAssistance, client services,
ITAs
Program Enrollment(Bundling of Services begins
here)
Adult Education Literacy
Transportation, Job Search,Mobility, Counseling Services
Bundling & Sequencing
Work Readiness TrainingFinancial Literacy and Asset Building
2 - 4 WeeksBundling & Sequencing of Service
Skill Based Training ProgramsBusiness Services B.O.A.T. (STLCC) ProjectXcel (STLCC)Transportation Diesel (STLCC)Career Pathways to Employers/ Pre-Employment Services (FWCA)Manufacturing HVAC (MTA) CNC (MTA) CRP (MTA)Healthcare LPN (SSD) CNA (STLCC) PCT (STLCC)BioScience Technology (FWCA)Distance Learning (FWCA)
Financial Services / Asset Building
Employment Services
Graduates from all programs can immediately obtain
employment
American Job Center – Placement Services
Supportive Services(Based on Funding)
Training To Work/Training To Work 2
Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood
Child Care ServicesMET Mobility Center
CounselingJob Search
Entrepreneurship Training Program - PrivateBank
Tax PrepFinancial Literacy - St. Louis
Community Credit UnionHousing Counseling
Legal ServicesFSD – Resource Center
CWFPATHWAYSTEPS-St.
Louis
Employer SpecificOrientation
for Job Seeker
Services Educational Programs Placement & Retention
Assessments (Individual Plans)
1. IEP: Case Manager
2. ITP: Case Manager
3. IFP: Financial Literacy Coach
Individuals Receiving Services (Enrollments) Each enrollment requires CWF Snapshot Form
Performance Measures (Placement/Retention/Advancements)
Employment Career and Education Service
Job Readiness Training
Skilled Training
ABE/GED/ESL
Career Counseling
Financial Services & Asset Building
Attending Financial Literacy
Classes
Participating in On-On-One
Financial counseling
Applying for a Credit Score
Work Support Service
Applying for DWD/FSD/SS benefits
Screening for Benefits
Participating in income / tax prep services
Missouri Career Center Services
Bundling of Services
90% of All Customers Received Bundled Services
Employment & Career Advancement
Became employed
Achieved 3, 6, 12 month retentions
Achieved Career/Life Advancements
Completed ABE/GED/ESL
Completed Job Readiness
Completed Skilled Training
Financial Stability and Asset Building
Obtain credit report
Correct errors on credit report
Improve credit score
Savings Account
Retirement Account
Drivers License
Car
Saving for down payment on home
Purchased home
Work Support
Receiving Public Benefits
Received Transportation Services
Received Tax Refund
Received EITC
Intake/Recruitment
Assessment/Orientation
Pre-Assessment Services
1. TABE
2. Work Keys
3. Qualify for STEPS-St.
Louis
CWF – MET Center St. Louis –STEPS-St. Louis
Funnel Process
11-01-2015 – 10-31-2017
FWCA/MET CENTER PROCESS FLOW
Assessments (Individual Plans)
1. IEP: Case Manager
2. ITP: Case Manager
3. IFP: Financial Literacy Coach
Individuals Receiving Services (Enrollments) Each enrollment requires CWF Snapshot Form
Performance Measures (Placement/Retention/Advancements)
Employment Career and Education Service
Job Readiness Training
Skilled Training
ABE/GED/ESL
Career Counseling
Financial Services & Asset Building
Attending Financial Literacy
Classes
Participating in On-On-One
Financial counseling
Applying for a Credit Score
Work Support Service
Applying for DWD/FSD/SS benefits
Screening for Benefits
Participating in income / tax prep services
Missouri Career Center Services
Bundling of Services
90% of All Customers Received Bundled Services
Employment & Career Advancement
Became employed
Achieved 3, 6, 12 month retentions
Achieved Career/Life Advancements
Completed ABE/GED/ESL
Completed Job Readiness
Completed Skilled Training
Financial Stability and Asset Building
Obtain credit report
Correct errors on credit report
Improve credit score
Savings Account
Retirement Account
Drivers License
Car
Saving for down payment on home
Purchased home
Work Support
Receiving Public Benefits
Received Transportation Services
Received Tax Refund
Received EITC
Intake/Recruitment
Assessment/Orientation
Pre-Assessment Services
1. TABE
2. Work Keys
3. Qualify for STEPS-St.
Louis
CWF – MET Center St. Louis –STEPS-St. Louis
Funnel Process
11-01-2015 – 10-31-2017
TWO GENERATIONAL APPROACH
St. Louis Community Credit Union
MET CENTER SERVICES
Early Explorers Child Development Academy
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS
STL Economic Development Partnership
Annie E. Casey Foundation
St. Louis City WIB
St. Louis County WIB
The PrivateBank
Washington University
Boeing
Placement & Retention
Skill-Based Training
Open Enrollment
HiSET/AEL
Pre-Employment Services
Entrepreneurship Training
Healthy Marriage/Relationship
Bioscience Technology
Early Childhood Education
Parent Engagement/Family Strengthening
Clinical Health & Wellness
Financial Literacy
Second Chance Banking
Financial Products & Services
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Residents
Local Businesses
Faith-Based Institutions
Community-Based Organizations
Sure Rides Auto Loan ProgramChild Care
EMPLOYMENT
FAMILY STABILITY
W. K. Kellogg Foundation
MAP OF ECE PARTNERS
STEPS-ST. LOUIS PROCESS FLOW
Partners
FWCA Board of DirectorsFWCA Staff
STEPS-St. Louis Advisory BoardMET Board of Directors
STL County WIB
ECE/Pre-K/K-3 PartnersEECDA
Pershing ElementaryFlynn Park Elementary
Jackson Park ElementaryBarbara C. Jordan Elementary
Pine Lawn Head StartPagedale Head Start
Employer PartnersOver 700 Employers
Training ProvidersMET Center
St. Louis Community CollegeDESE approved programs
Financial LiteracyFamily & Workforce Centers
of AmericaSt. Louis Community Credit
UnionReliance Bank
Midland States Bank
Recruitment & Enrollment
Recruit 300 single mothersScreening & Assessment
(Determine Barriers)
Work Readiness TrainingSoft Skills, Life Skills, AEL/HiSET, Bridge Programs
Short-Term, Sector Based Training
I.T.BioSTEM
HealthcareManufacturing
OpticianryCareer Pathways
Patient Care Technician
Case ManagementWeekly Follow-Up
Supportive/Wrap-a-Round Services
Postsecondary Education
Financial Literacy/Asset Development
Checking AccountSavings Account
Children’s Savings AccountCredit Reports
Improve Credit ScoreEntrepreneurship Training
Program
Placement/Retention Services
100 Single Mothers Placed in Employment
Short-Term, Sector Based Training
150 Single Mothers Complete Training (stackable, industry-
recognized credential)
Case Management/Employment & Retention
Initial Employment (112-75%)3-Month Retention6-Month Retention
12-Month Retention (75-80%)
Transitional Employment Strategies
Financial Literacy/Education
Supportive/Wrap-a-Round Services
WorkshopsMental Wellness
(Staff, Partners, Customers)
Job Coaching(Staff, Partners)
INPUT PROCESS OUTCOMES
STEPS-ST. LOUIS FLOW OF SERVICE
Target PopulationSingle Mothers who are/have: Unemployed Children ages 0 to 8
years Children enrolled in
quality child-care/education programs
Recruitment/OrientationRegistration, Intake,
Assessment(TABE, IEP, IFP, ITP)
MET Center/American Jobs Center
Identify Barriers
Transportation Legal Issues Mental Wellness Substance Abuse
AssessmentsRemediation
Skill-Based TrainingFinancial Literacy
Job SearchEmployer Partners
CaseManager
Supportive ServicesWork-Related Expenses
(WRE)Transportation Related
Expenses (TRE)Sure Rides Auto Loans
Medicaid Cash Assistance
Food StampsMental Wellness
Peer Support Family Strengthening
Job Coaching
Employment100 mothers
employed
Retention3,6,12 month
(75-80% after 1 year)
Financial Asset/Development
Increase IncomeIncrease Credit Score
Reduce Debt
Ancillary OutcomesChild Outcomes
Family/Parenting Engagement
Family Coach/Case Manager
Work Readiness Soft Skills AEL/Hi-SET Life Skills Cognitive Skills Behavior
Modification
Sector--Based Training Bioscience/STEM Business Office Administrative Manufacturing CNA Patient Care Tech
(PCT) Opticianry I.T. Career Pathways
ECE Partners Early Explorers Child
Development Academy
Pershing Elementary Flynn Park
Elementary Jackson Park
Elementary Barbara C. Jordan
Elementary Pine Lawn Head
Start Pagedale Head Start
ACCOMPLISHMENTS As of August 31, 2015, the following outcomes have been achieved through our CWF/WFSN
initiative:
– 21,753 Assessments completed
– 4,225 Skill Training
– 5,084 Job Search
– 7,191 Receiving financial literacy services
– 5,997 Placed in employment
– $9.00 per hour average wage
Co-location of St. Louis Community Credit Union (first in the region to be located in a
workforce development center. Since opening in June 2011, the following has been achieved:
Performed 82,693 transactions
Opened 1,543 New Accounts
Secured 558 loans, totaling $1,799,557
Strategic partnership reduced total cost (by minimizing or eliminating the duplication of
services, i.e. recruitment, assessment)
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 2014 Annual Meeting – Recipient of Talent
Development Award
PUBLICATIONS/CASE STUDY “Success Story: Wellston’s Next Chapter” (Economic Development Administration, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 2015)
This newsletter story highlights the impact the MET Center has had and continues to have on the
region, with support from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the Economic
Development Administration.
“The MET Center: A Regional Approach to Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency”
(Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings Institution, 2015)
This study shows how the Metropolitan Education and Training (MET) Center has crafted an
integrated workforce development model that works with residents and employers throughout the
region to promote the economic self-sufficiency of low-income workers and contribute to a
competitive metropolitan economy.
“Changing Systems is Like Moving a Mountain” (Hebert, 2010)
This publication offers reflections on system-change leadership in the workforce development
field from thirteen leaders involved in Casey's Jobs Initiative, including key leadership skills,
motivation, challenges, and strategies. Suggests ways to support new leaders.
“A Bottom-up Definition of Self-sufficiency” (Hong, Sheriff, 2009)
This study explores the extent to which the top-down definition of ‘economic’ self-sufficiency as
the social policy goal is consistent with how the clients of job training programs perceive the
term.
CHALLENGES
Dual Data Entry
Career Pathway Bridge Training
Funding Opportunities –
• Two generation work –parent engagement
• Integrated Service Delivery Approach
CONTACT INFORMATION
CAROLYN D. SEWARD
PRESIDENT/CEO – FAMILY AND WORKFORCE CENTERS OF AMERICA
MET CENTER OPERATIONS
6347 PLYMOUTH AVENUE
ST. LOUIS, MO 63133
(314) 746-0752 – OFFICE
(314) 746-0735 – FAX
EMAIL: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: WWW.FWCA-STL.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.METCENTERSTL.COM