Dutchess Youth One Stop Program

Workforce Development Center Adds Youth One Stop

The Workforce Development Center of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce it has been awarded a 23-month contract from the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to create and administer the Dutchess County Youth One Stop program. Youth One Stop is a comprehensive education and job-training program utilizing local resources to benefit at-risk youth in Dutchess County.  The contract officially begins on August 1, 2013.

“The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is exceptionally pleased to be able to add the Youth One Stop to our Workforce Development Center,” said Charles S. North, President & CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.  “We’d like to thank the Workforce Investment Board for their faith in our ability to handle this important initiative and we’re looking forward to serving the youth of our county by creating career and educational opportunities that would not have existed otherwise.”

Youth One Stop is open to income-eligible Dutchess County youth and foster children ages 14-21 who are facing obstacles inhibiting them from completing school, finishing their GED or gaining employment.  Participants will explore career options in the community and gain practical experience through jobs and internships as well as have access to tutoring, mentorship and degree/certification programs.  For complete information about the program, visit dcrcoc.org/youthonestop or call Susan Grecke, Director of the Youth One Stop, at 845-454-1700 ext. 1013. 

“Adding the Youth One Stop program is a great opportunity to expand the excellent work that is done by the staff of the Workforce Development Center," said Susan Grecke, Director of Youth One Stop.  "I am proud to be a part of this dedicated team and look forward to continuing to increase opportunities for the youth of Dutchess County.”

“The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce provides great support for the Workforce Development Center, especially when it comes to finding employment for program participants," said Louise McLoughlin, Vice President of Workforce Development for the Chamber.  " Everyone at the Chamber is excited by the prospect of being able to serve even more youth in Dutchess County.”

"The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board is pleased to be funding the Youth One Stop because it strives to be accessible to youth from around the entire county," said Laraine Kautz, Executive Director of the Dutchess County WIB.  "In addition to the mandated program components, Youth One Stop will offer unique hands-on experiences that will connect participants to the workforce and their community, creating tangible benefits not only for the participating youth, but also for employers seeking trained and dedicated workers and a community on the rise."

For more than 27 years, the Workforce Development Center has successfully linked businesses to the public workforce system.  The center’s staff members strive to increase business access to qualified workers and ensure that income eligible residents are prepared for the workplace environment, its responsibilities and job retention. Their programs are run in cooperation with the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services.

The mission of the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board is to foster a skilled and competitive workforce by promoting an understanding of workforce trends and issues in a dynamic economy and to facilitate lifelong learning for individuals and businesses.  They are uniquely positioned to engage the community and together define the look and versatility of the Dutchess County workforce via their many programs.  For more information, visit www.dutchessonestop.org   #dutchess #dutchesscounty