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Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) will collaborate with Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) to better integrate Workforce Solutions Alamo's Youth Services program into Bexar County.   With WSA staff directly located on the campus of the GSCS, west-side youth will experience greater opportunity for workforce services, resulting in immediate access to career planning and pathways, job training and education, and job readiness and placement.

The co-location is designed to simplify access to the youth workforce services and programs that Workforce Solutions Alamo delivers in its Career Centers.

"We understand that young people may be intimidated by a workforce center or may have transportation barriers to getting to our centers," says Eva Esquivel, Workforce Solutions Alamo Communications Manager. "Being present in an environment where they are already comfortable can only be beneficial."

The Good Samaritan Community Services offers the convenience of location, familiarity, and extended hours of operation for west side youth seeking workforce services. GSCS staff will collaborate with WSA to promote these services to potentially eligible youth ages 14-21 and will offer access to the many beneficial programs already offered at the Center, including child care, GED classes, immediate assistance and counseling.

Workforce Solutions Alamo will provide case-management and counseling for secondary school completion, access to information about skills training and credentials, summer employment opportunities, and leadership development which includes community services and peer-centered activities. There will also be supportive services such as child care, transportation assistance, and other resources as needed.

"Other current customers who use WSA Youth Services can continue to access those programs and services at the Career Centers," continued Esquivel, "This collaboration only extends what we are already doing."

Workforce Solutions Alamo administers Youth Services funding to a 12 county region, including Bexar County and its 11 surrounding counties. Youth Services helps economically disadvantaged young people ages 14-21 prepare for the workforce with specialized programs and services that will allow them to become self-sufficient in the future. In August, there were 312 youth participating in the Youth Services program. Workforce Solutions Alamo allocates approximately $3M a year to Dynamic Workforce Solutions to deliver the Youth Services Program.

About Workforce Solutions Alamo

The mission of Workforce Solutions Alamo is to build a premier workforce in America by providing employers and residents with the opportunities, resources and services to develop and gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Workforce Solutions Alamo reaches over 40,000 businesses and more than 2 million residents in the City of San Antonio and the counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Gillespie, Karnes, Kerr, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties. For more information on available workforce programs and services, visit our website at www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org. 

About Good Samaritan Community Services

The mission of Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) is to serve as a catalyst for change, supporting individuals and families by providing excellent community services to overcome the impact of poverty. GSCS was established in 1951, as the first agency to provide services on San Antonio's near west side. With deep ties to the community, GSCS uniquely offers services for all ages and a host of needs at one location. More than 5,000 individuals were served by Good Samaritan Community Services in the last program year. For more information visit www.goodsamaritancommunityservices.org