Breaking Down Workforce Barriers
“ Aptly named Pathways to Success because it is a true pathway . I stood looking at an abyss , and this program opened up a path for me to live with a steady income and a roof over my head ,” says Lacy Gorman , Mon Pathways to Success employee .
Mon Health Medical Center ( MHMC ) in Morgantown , WV , has partnered with local community organizations and health care providers to launch an exciting new program — Mon Pathways to Success : Breaking Down Workforce Barriers . Mon Pathways to Success ( P2S ) is helping break down workforce barriers and empower systemic change in Monongalia County . This comprehensive six-month program aims to eliminate challenges for individuals living unsheltered or with housing barriers , living in recovery or those with limitations to employment through entry-level positions at MHMC .
According to the West Virginia Economic Outlook 2022-2026 ’ s Executive Summary , West Virginia has the lowest labor force participation in all 50 states . The summary states only 55 % of the adult population is working or seeking job opportunities . The P2S team saw a need and used creative problem solving by finding ways to not only fill the needs of the health care staffing shortage but also serve a population that is underserved and overlooked . The goal of this program is a model that could be emulated by other industries and help get West Virginians back to work .
P2S will support the health care industry by providing individuals with sustainable jobs and workforce development . This will build positive economic change in distressed or at-risk communities and generate lasting change through empowerment and support .
The P2S team includes MHMC staff from the human resources department , the foundation , other department leaders and employee mentors . Applicants were referred to the program by local community organizations , Mon Health colleagues or friends and family . In
February 2022 , applications for the first cohort were accepted and interviews conducted at Hazel ’ s House of Hope in Morgantown .
Pilot Program
Generously funded through the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust , P2S welcomed its first cohort to MHMC in mid-March 2022 . The individuals selected fill roles in housekeeping and environmental services , guest and customer services , registration and nutrition and food service and have the ability to grow to other careers paths . The program provides education and training , reliable transportation , health care benefits , daily meals , mentorship , monthly workshops and career / educational growth for P2S employees . Upon graduation , the employee becomes eligible to apply for funding to further their education , help obtain housing or extra financial assistance through the MHMC Foundation . The first cohort will graduate at the beginning of October 2022 .
The team continues to work with the new P2S employees to create a sustainable path through a hand-up , not a hand-out approach . However , we have encountered some challenges in this pilot program :
• Access to transportation has been a major hurdle as work and bus schedules may not coincide , gas prices continue to increase and ridesharing can be unreliable .
• No access to a phone or computer can cause communication mix-ups or no-shows .
• Providing mental health support is vital for job stability .
• Little education or lack of computer skills can hinder the training process .
• Finding affordable child-care solutions after school and during the summer can be difficult .