Located in:
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
Note: Below is information about the employment and training activities carried out under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) (42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.) that is included in the WIOA Combined State Plan. The complete CSBG State Plan is submitted directly to the Federal agency that administers that program and is collected under OMB Control Number: 0970-0382.
Where CSBG is included in the Combined State Plan, the State CSBG Lead Agency (as designated by the chief executive of the State under the requirements of section 676(a) of the CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. 9908(a)) will coordinate plans for employment and training activities under CSBG as part of a larger antipoverty and workforce development strategy.
As part of the Combined State Plan, the State CSBG Lead Agency must:
(a) Describe how the State and the eligible entities will coordinate the provision of employment and training activities through Statewide and local WIOA workforce development systems; and may
(b) Provide examples of innovative employment and training programs and activities conducted by eligible entities or other neighborhood-based organizations as part of a community antipoverty strategy.
Current Narrative:
Eligible entities coordinate the provision of employment and training activities through statewide and local WIOA workforce development systems as follows:
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) was a new addition to Maryland’s 2018 WIOA State Plan. However, the OJT and the State’s 17 local CAAs have been partners in the state workforce system for some time. Recognizing both agencies’ common customer, Maryland’s CAAs have been instrumental in referring clients to Local Areas for training. CAAs have entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Local Area WIOA partners and have built relationships with DORS to enhance access to VR services.
CAAs in Maryland have also led innovations in 2Gen service delivery. Specifically, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. and the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission are recognized as national leaders in 2Gen implementation. At the state level, representatives of DHCD, the lead CSBG State Agency, and the Maryland Community Action Partnership, Maryland’s CAA State Association, sit on Governor Hogan’s Two Generation Family Economic Security Commission. As a combined plan partner, DHCD is included on the state’s WIOA Alignment Group and this participation since 2018 has led to enhanced coordination between CAAs and local workforce systems.
The inclusion of the CSBG program in Maryland’s Workforce Plan opens new opportunities for CAAs to be integrated into local workforce services delivery. As a result of this integration, all Local Areas are required to address how they work with these entities in a more systematic way in local plan formulation and through the execution of WIOA compliant Memoranda of Understanding and Resource Sharing Agreements. Additionally, by July 2020, CAAs will be participating on all Local Boards.
DHCD has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) for seven counties in Maryland (Allegany, Calvert, Cecil, Charles, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington). In that role, DHCD will serve as the CoC Lead in the submission of the annual CoC application; coordinate the annual Point in Time Count; and has responsibility for all data collection requirements. This transition will allow DHCD to take on the administrative portion of CoC governance, allowing the seven largely rural counties to focus more time and energy on providing services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Since 2017, DHCD has promoted collaboration between Community Action Agencies and the workforce system in Maryland. Representatives of DHCD have met with MWA, provided opportunities for representatives of MD Labor to meet with the CAA network; encouraged the Maryland Community Action Partnership, the statewide association for CAA organizations, to include MD Labor representatives to present during their annual conference; and worked with the GWDB to develop regulations that require all Local Boards in Maryland include a representative from the local CAA.
The following are examples of innovative employment and training programs and activities conducted by eligible entities or other neighborhood-based organizations as part of a community antipoverty strategy:
- A new Adult Literacy Program is being developed for adults who cannot read or write utilizing the Laubach Reading System. Through this system volunteers will work one-on-one with participating adults.
- A CAA is providing training scholarships for skills training in occupations that are in high demand in respective jurisdictions.
- Adult literacy activities will take place with the parents of the agency’s Department of Children and Family Services throughout the year through Parent Meetings and Socializations.
- In rural areas where transportation challenges exist, CAAs refurbish used vehicles and provide them to customers upon the completion of agreed upon goals.
- One Maryland CAA has established a partnership with a large hotel. Employment staff and job developers work with hotel employees to collaboratively develop training experiences. Participants are offered job training by hotel employees in many departments and are supported by a job developer or Job Coach through the experience.
- Another Maryland CAA provides Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training as possession of the Class B license can lead to higher earnings and advanced career opportunities. The training is conveniently offered in the evening so it is more accessible to participants.
- The same CAA also established a Student Intern Program that provides students with opportunities for training and employment. Area undergraduate and graduate students are selected and provided with a rich employment experience. Stipends and scholarships are made available to assist with the high cost of higher education and reduce the financial need for student loans.