[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATIONS TRI-CITY SER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, we want to help every willing American to 
help find and keep a job. To that end, the Federal Government has 
provided a number of job training programs that depend upon skilled 
local operators to provide assistance to those seeking new or improved 
skills. I am proud to let our colleagues know that one such provider in 
my congressional district, Tri-City SER, which operates with offices in 
both Saginaw and Bay City, has been selected as the 1997 Community 
Based Organization of the Year by the Michigan Works! State 
Association.
  This distinction has been awarded for its success in implementing its 
case management system, its co-location with other service providers, 
and the results of its Work First Job Search Program. The Tri-City SER 
Case Management System serves those residents of Bay County who 
participate in the Work First Program and Job Training Partnership Act 
programs. The case manager serves as an advocate for the program 
participant. The manager helps by determining the training plan that 
the participant should follow, and provides support to the individual 
by monitoring his or her progress in training, on in maintaining 
employment.
  People who are in need of assistance often find that the array of 
programs available to them is confusing, or the effort necessary to 
take advantage of them is beyond their capability. For that reason, 
Tri-City SER co-located with the Michigan Employment Security Agency 
creating the ``No Wrong Door Center.'' This center provides a one-stop 
location for employers and job seekers who need to deal with employment 
services, unemployment insurance, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, 
JTPA and Work First case management, and on-the-job training funds. It 
also acts as a resource center to help people seeking jobs.
  The ultimate goal of job training is getting a job. But many 
candidates for employment have difficulty in knowing how to find a job. 
That is why Tri-City SER provides the Work First job search effort, 
geared toward pre-employment training and assistance with resume 
writing, interview skills, and completing applications. Help is also 
provided in making the correct first impression with suggestions for 
proper attire for both interviews and actual employment.
  This award is the culmination of efforts made by individuals too 
numerous to mention. It was the result of the creativity and 
determination of a program staff that truly believes in its goal of 
helping people find and retain jobs. It also is testimony to all of the 
participants in the program who took advantage of what was being 
offered and made it a success worthy of duplication in many areas 
around Michigan and the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and all of our 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Tri-City SER on being named in 
1997 Community Based Organization of the Year. It is an honor they have 
earned.

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