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Building financial inclusion: Workforce development for Westside communities

Westside residents, community members, and business leaders convened for the September 20 Transform Westside Summit, sponsored by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, to hear about workforce development and financial inclusion in Atlanta’s Westside communities. John AhmannWestside Future Fund President and CEO, welcomed attendees and Destiny Mobley, English Avenue resident and Home on the Westside participant, led the devotion.

The event featured a panel moderated by Ebony Ford, a proud resident of English Avenue and a graduate of the Westside Works program, who shared how her participation transformed her life. Panelists included:

  • Amy Woodson – Executive Director, First Step Staffing
  • Ralfiel Worthem – Director of Career Centers, Goodwill of North Georgia
  • Theresa Austin-Gibbons – Deputy Commissioner of Signature Programs, Atlanta Department of Labor & Employment Services
  • Quasandria Turner – Director, Westside Works

The conversation showcased how these leaders are working in unison to create more equitable workforce development systems in Atlanta, with a special focus on ensuring the Westside community can thrive through sustainable employment, partnerships and innovation.

Key Themes from the Conversation

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
The event highlighted the importance of partnerships between organizations working to address the unique challenges faced by individuals in underserved areas, particularly on Atlanta’s Westside. Each organization plays a vital role in building an ecosystem that not only creates jobs but also enables career development and long-term economic empowerment.

Theresa Austin-Gibbons emphasized the role of the new Atlanta Department of Labor & Employment Services. She detailed various government programs aimed at reducing unemployment and fostering financial inclusion in the Westside. She highlighted collaborative efforts between the government and community organizations to increase employment opportunities for underserved populations.

The support of funders, including the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, has allowed for critical partnerships that deliver resources, training and services to the community, helping alleviate the burdens that often prevent people from participating in workforce development programs.

Focus on Underserved Communities
Changing dynamics of underserved communities and how workforce development needs to adapt to those changes was another recurring theme. The speakers emphasized the need for tailored solutions that address the specific barriers residents face, such as access to transportation, childcare and skills training. Programs like Westside Works have evolved over the past decade to listen more effectively to the community’s needs, responding with flexible and innovative solutions that support both the individual and the employers who drive economic growth.

Workforce Development and Career Pathways
The panelists emphasized sustainable career opportunities, not just temporary jobs. Programs are now designed to help individuals not only secure employment but also build long-term careers that offer stability and growth. 

Ralfiel Worthem from Goodwill of North Georgia highlighted the importance of skill development in securing long-term employment. Through their career centers, Goodwill offers educational workshops, resume building and connections to employers, ensuring Westside residents have access to resources that support career advancement. The introduction of new training programs, such as electric vehicle (EV) technician training and heat pump installer programs, demonstrates a forward-looking approach aligned with emerging industries and the green economy.

This shift reflects a broader vision of helping individuals and families move from economic instability to financial independence, ultimately building generational wealth in the community. The conversation centered on how to provide training in industries that will continue to grow, giving participants a path to well-paying, stable careers.

Addressing Specific Barriers
Panelists spoke about the importance of addressing specific barriers residents face when trying to access workforce development programs. Childcare was a significant focus, as many individuals, especially single parents, find it difficult to attend training programs due to the high cost and limited availability of childcare services. The Nana Grants program is a solution that provides free childcare to participants while they are enrolled in training programs and for a period after they transition into the workforce, easing their financial burden.

Quasandria Turner spoke about transportation, another key barrier, and how one participant had to take four buses and start his commute at 5 a.m. to attend the Westside Works program, highlighting the challenges residents from outside the immediate area face. The solution, facilitated by partnerships with rideshare services like Lyft, helps participants with long commutes access training without such time-consuming and exhausting journeys.

Amy Woodson discussed how First Step Staffing is committed to providing job opportunities to individuals facing significant barriers, such as homelessness or prior incarceration. The organization focuses on immediate job placement and helping individuals achieve financial stability through sustained employment.

Community Impact
One of the most powerful aspects of the Summit was the focus on community-driven solutions. By listening to the community’s needs, workforce development providers have been able to tailor their services, ensuring that they are accessible, relevant and impactful. These programs are not just about finding jobs but about creating opportunities that will have a lasting effect on individuals and their families, helping to build economic mobility and generational wealth.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

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