The City of Savannah has received a “Statement of Grant Award” for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act FY2018 Rapid Response Program Funds in the amount of $52,762.00 to be spent on adult activities. These funds awarded by Georgia Department of Economic Development, Workforce Division, will provide year-round adult worker services for the period of October 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019 to adults who are unemployed.

Specifically, Rapid Response funds are used to provide early intervention services to businesses and workers who are facing business closures or reduction in force of 25 or more employees. WorkSource Coastal will also provide Rapid Response services to employers that experience less than 25 dislocations.

Services provided on an as-needed or requested basis may include but are not limited to: facilitating workshops on job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume building; enrolling eligible job seekers in order to provide case management, support services, and funding for in-demand training; and providing referrals to core partners and community resources.

These funds have greatly expanded the capacity for the Local Workforce Development Board to assist businesses and workers experiencing layoffs. Should the 10-county region experience a layoff of 25 or more employees by one employer and the awarded grant is not sufficient, the Governor’s Department of Economic Development, Workforce Division has reserved grant funding. Those additional funds would be accessible through a grant application process.

Pursuant to the Coastal Workforce Services Consortium Agreement, the City of Savannah serves as the fiduciary agent for the 10-county region, and as such, City Council approval and authorization for the City Manager to receive grant funding and enter into grant administration agreements is necessary in accordance with the City of Savannah's procurement policies and procedures.

Approval