More Money for More Local Jobs

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By Stacy Lilienthal

Story Published: May 6, 2009 at 11:16 PM PDT

Stimulus job money just started rolling into town this week. The South Central Workforce Council out of Yakima says it doubles the money they have this year to get people back to work.

"In the last month we're almost approaching 11% unemployment." South Central Workforce Council Director Patrick Baldoz says about the area. "And that's pretty high for our local area." Looking up and down Yakima, you've probably noticed the extra buildings for lease as places move or fail.

"It's difficult because you don't know who's going to hire you." Says Bobbie Campos. She has been out of work 3 months. We caught up with her at WorkSource in Yakima, which is overseen by the South Central Workforce Council. "They have all the programs and stuff but some of them are all full and limited." she recalls.

"Yes, we do have these programs," explains Baldoz. "the problem is we're running out of money quickly." The problem: The masses of unemployed. Now, 4 million extra dollars, courtesy of the government so they can help more people. Some of the stimulus money helps WorkSource workers pair you up with some of the walls of job openings they already have on hand. And if you are not trained, they can help you there, too. Baldoz says they're trying to come up with training in areas they think will boom. "Green jobs and alternative energy are areas everybody is thinking about. We want to actually work with some of our local training institutions to actually train people for those jobs." Campos likes that idea. "I think it's great because there's a lot of people who need the experience."

People looking for work like Campos simply need to go to an area WorkSource center. There are locations in Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and more.

Nearly $3 million will be used for summer youth programs so kids can get work experience and start thinking about careers. Call the OIC of Washington or the Northwest Community Action Center to find out more.

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