New Watts WorkSource Center: Empowering Angelenos with Job Training and Career Development
The new Watts WorkSource Center, located at 2212 E. Imperial Highway, covers 9,000 square feet. It features a computer lab, business center, and large training rooms. The center is next to a Salvation Army-operated bridge housing site, providing vital job resources for people transitioning to stable living. It operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, with flexible hours on Saturday.
Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the city’s dedication to helping Angelenos find new job opportunities. She stated that this initiative is an investment in Los Angeles’s economic future. The center aims to support over 1,600 clients each year by improving career development and training options.
Jenny Scanlin, HACLA’s Chief Development Officer, noted the center’s historical importance. It started after the 1992 Los Angeles Uprising to address economic disparities. Scanlin highlighted HACLA’s commitment to this mission over the past thirty-two years.
How do partnerships with local programs enhance youth employment opportunities at the Watts WorkSource Center?
Interview with Jenny Scanlin, Chief Development Officer of HACLA, on the New Watts WorkSource Center
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Jenny. Can you tell us about the significance of the new Watts WorkSource Center?
Jenny Scanlin: Thank you for having me. The new Watts WorkSource Center represents a crucial step forward in our ongoing commitment to addressing economic disparities in our communities. Established in the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles Uprising, this center is a direct response to the need for vital job resources for our residents. We’ve been working for over thirty-two years to ensure that everyone, especially those from underserved backgrounds, has access to the support they need to thrive economically.
News Directory 3: The center occupies 9,000 square feet and houses various facilities. How will these resources benefit the local community?
Jenny Scanlin: The center is equipped with a modern computer lab, a comprehensive business center, and large training rooms that will accommodate a range of programs and services. These resources are designed to enhance job training and career development opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to find stable employment. By providing these facilities, we aim to empower over 1,600 clients each year, helping them transition to sustainable careers.
News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on the partnerships that the center has formed to support youth employment?
Jenny Scanlin: Absolutely. We are proud to partner with programs such as the HIRE LA Youth Employment Program and County’s Youth@Work initiative. These collaborations are vital because they not only focus on job readiness for youth but also provide essential pathways to employment. By integrating these programs, we are bolstering our youth’s opportunities for success in the job market.
News Directory 3: Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the city’s investment in economic future. How does the WorkSource Center align with this vision?
Jenny Scanlin: Mayor Bass’s commitment to creating new job opportunities is at the heart of what we’re doing here. The WorkSource Center is a manifestation of that vision, designed to provide critical resources for Angelenos seeking employment. It allows us to not only address immediate job needs but also to foster long-term economic stability in Los Angeles.
News Directory 3: With the center’s operations running Monday to Friday and flexible hours on Saturday, how does this accessibility impact the community?
Jenny Scanlin: Accessibility is key. By operating during flexible hours, we are accommodating the diverse schedules of job seekers, including those who may be juggling multiple responsibilities. It ensures that more individuals can utilize the resources we offer, irrespective of their current employment status or personal obligations.
News Directory 3: In closing, what is your hope for the future of the Watts WorkSource Center?
Jenny Scanlin: My hope is that the Watts WorkSource Center becomes a beacon of hope and opportunity. I envision it as a place where community members not only find jobs but also gain confidence, learn new skills, and ultimately contribute to a more vibrant and economically resilient Los Angeles. Through continued support and engagement, we can make a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for highlighting this important initiative.
The center offers job training, career development, and youth employment programs in partnership with the HIRE LA Youth Employment Program and the County’s Youth@Work initiative. Carolyn Hull, General Manager of EWDD, praised HACLA’s efforts. She believes the WorkSource Center will help local residents facing job insecurity access necessary training and support services for steady employment and career growth.