NOVA Reception

On behalf of a collaborative effort between NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana and the Workforce Investment Board Area 81, we are proud to announce that fifteen (15) participants have successfully completed the Career Preparation Curriculum Program.

NOVA will host a Reception honoring the graduates on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Conference Room located at 212 Walnut Street, Suite 100, Monroe, LA.

Interfaith members are encouraged to attend and show your support for these graduates.

Public Hearing Nov 30

Just a reminder...

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
PUBLIC HEARING

November 30, 2009 – 6:00 p.m.
Monroe City Hall Council Chambers
400 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
Monroe, LA

Here is the official announcement on The City of Monroe's website (PDF).

Meeting Change

NEW DATE & TIME:

Collective Leaders Meeting

Saturday, November 14

9:45-10:00 Registration & Doughnuts

10:00 - 11:30 Meeting 

Lighthouse Church of God in Christ

601 Plum St.

We have two items on our agenda: 1) housing, specifically action to get rid of abandoned, boarded-up health hazards that abound in Monroe, and 2) NOVA, our workforce development initiative.

This will be a great opportunity for those interested but not yet members to hear about Interfaith. Bring them! 

November Meeting

Collective Leaders Meeting

Monday, Nov. 9, 7:00 pm

Lighthouse Church of God in Christ

611 Plum St.

We will have reports on recent developments regarding NOVA, our workforce development initiative, and research actions in the area of housing.

All members of Interfaith institutions are urged to attend and bring others interested in the work of Interfaith.

NOVA at City Council

NOVA @ City Council

Tuesday, October 13, 5:45 p.m.

Council Chambers, Monroe City Hall

NOVA will be on the Monroe City Council’s agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting. The pre-council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

Members of Interfaith are invited to join NOVA t0 convey our support. Be there at 5:45 p.m.

Upcoming Meetings

Collective Leaders Meetings

Monday, August 10, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church
2930 Jackson St.
Co-chairs: Mary Ann Cooper & Cindy Smith

Monday, September 14, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
2816 Deborah Dr.
Co-chairs: Rickie Stringfellow & Bette Jo Kauffman

These meetings are for all members of Interfaith member institutions, plus interested guests. Please get them on your calendar NOW!!

State Funds for NOVA

Representative Rosalind Jones was able to secure $37,500 in the state appropriations bill for NOVA, our labor market intermediary, in Monroe. NOVA works with employers to identify living wage jobs with a career track and benefits. Recruitment of participants is done through Interfaith congregations and neighborhoods. We are pleased to annouce the first two classes will graduate July 7, 7:00 PM at Bethel COGIC in Monroe.

Here are some NOVA statistics:

• Nineteen enrolled in a class in January for Certified Manufacturing Specialist and 15 successfully completed the course.
• Twenty enrolled in the April classs and 14 successfully completed. The number of successful completions for NOVA was higher than that of community college. Total enrolled in both classes was 39 with 29 successful completions.
• Seven participants in the second class will enter computer numeric control program which will garner higher wages. They are waiting for a date for class to begin.
• One student was enrolled at ULM and has graduated. She is in the interview process.
• One student was enrolled at Louisiana Technical and successfully completed the course work. This person has been placed and is currently waiting to take the State Board exam August 9.
• NOVA is working with eight employers to place all graduates.

Status of graduates

• One hire Gardner Denver Thomas $15/hour; 1 Bayou Internet and 2 CPSI; 1 hire Volunteers of America as a social worker.
• There are currently seven participants in the second phase of interview process at Gardner Denver Thomas, they are waiting to be called for drug tests.
• Six participants are in first phase of interviews for three other employers in the Monroe area.

Students at Delta Community College were so impressed by the work Ms. Juanita Woods has done with NOVA participants that they requested their class become part of NOVA. She will work with them and we are exploring contract possibilities for the work she will be doing with these students.

NOVA Commencement

NOVA Commencement
July 7, 7:00 pm
Bethel Church of God in Christ
1800 Parkview Drive

It's time to celebrate: the graduates for their achievement, NOVA for completion of the first class, Interfaith for realization of a dream we have been working toward for several years! Come one and all to this momentous occasion.

NOVA Commencement

NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana cordially invites you to its…
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
JULY 7, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Bethel Church of God in Christ
1800 Parkview Drive
Monroe, LA

Please join us as we celebrate the graduation of our first class. For more information, please contact Paul West at 318-362-3072 or 318-884-3599.

June Meeting

Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith
Collective Leaders Meeting
Monday, June 8
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church

Our agenda will include discussion of NOVA, the employer-driven workforce development organization Interfaith helped establish, and a strategy for building Interfaith. The Rev. Dale Farley and Ms. EvaDyann Wilson will co-chair the meeting. Come and bring interested friends.

CL Meeting Cancelled

April Collective Leaders Meeting Cancelled

The Strategic Team is developing a plan to re-invigorate Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith.

Stay tuned to this space for updates.

Upcoming Event

Collective Leaders Meeting
Monday, April 20
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Bethel Church of God in Christ

This meeting is for all members of member institutions, and invited guests who would like to find out more about Interfaith.

NOVA needs your help!!!!!

NOVA has been charged with supplying a new Certified Manufacturing Specialist Class with 25 participants. We are asking the Interfaith Family to go into your congregations and communities to assist us in identifying these participants. Please remember, participants must have at least a High School Diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.

The class is scheduled to begin April 13, 2009.

Please send all interested and qualified candidate to the address listed below or ask them to call us for more information.

1301 Hudson Lane
Monroe, LA
(318) 362-3395

Thank you in advance for your help with this urgent matter.

Save the date!

Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church

invites you to attend

JUSTFAITH WORKSHOP

presented by Jack Jezreel

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009

6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

The JustFaith program has inspired many people to become involved in working for social justice. Interfaith members will find this presentation by the JustFaith founder of particular interest.

Delta Cluster Meeting with Alexander

Delta Cluster
Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith
Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m.
Tallulah, LA

The Delta Cluster has scheduled this meeting with Congressman Rodney Alexander to discuss job training in the Delta. Monroe Cluster leaders are encouraged to attend. Stay tuned for additional information about place.

Urgent Need

NOVA needs Math Tutors

NOVA has 15 participants in the Certified Manufacturing Specialist Program. They will complete the first phase of the program next week. The second phase is scheduled to begin April 6.

The second phase (Computer Numerical Control) is a computer based class with heavy emphasis on math. Some of our participants struggled with the math in the first phase. Those students will need tutoring in math to continue in the program. This is where the Interfaith Family can play a vital role in their success.

Any one with a good grasp of math who is willing to help--NOVA needs you!

Time is of the essence. Without tutoring some of our participants are marginal for acceptance into the second phase of the training program. NOVA hopes to have math instruction ready to start by March 23. The maximum number of students requiring assistance is 9 (this number includes 5 NOVA participants and 4 non-NOVA participants).

Please contact Juanita Woods at NOVA or refer your math competent friends: 362-3395

3 Events This Week

Special Meeting for Clergy & Key Leaders
Tuesday, March 10
Noon - 1:15 pm
NOVA offices, Workforce Investment Board
1301 Hudson Lane

This meeting is to inform a wider group of people about NOVA. Interfaith clergy and leaders are encouraged to attend and bring others who need to know about this initiative.

Interfaith to City Council re NOVA
Tuesday, March 10
6:00 pm
Council Chambers, City Hall

Interfaith leaders and NOVA staff will speak to City Council during their public comment hour before the Council meeting begins. Council will be asked to again support NOVA financially as an economic development initiative.

Interfaith Training for House Meetings Campaign

Saturday, March 14, 9:00 - 12:30
Mount Nebo Baptist Church
2930 Jackson St.

This house meetings training is for all institutions interested in growing and strengthening as institutions. House meetings help institutions identify leaders and issues people are willing to work together to address.

CHANGE IN TRAINING SCHEDULE

NEW DATE:

Interfaith Training for House Meetings Campaign

Saturday, March 14, 9:00 - 12:30
Mount Nebo Baptist Church
2930 Jackson St.

This house meetings training is for all institutions interested in growing and strengthening as institutions. House meetings help institutions identify leaders and issues people are willing to work together to address.

Training Saturday

Interfaith Training for House Meetings Campaign
Saturday, March 7, 9:00 - 12:30
Mount Nebo Baptist Church
2930 Jackson St.

This house meetings training is for all institutions interested in growing and strengthening as institutions. House meetings help institutions identify leaders and issues people are willing to work together to address.

NOVA Weekly Report

NOVA

Update for Week of February 17th.

The week was busy as we prepared for two meetings, Congressman Rodney Alexander and traveling (today, 2/21/09) to Baton Rouge to meet with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

The meeting with the Congressman went well. We will continue to pursue any opportunities they may find. I will update next week concerning the Louisiana Workforce Commission meeting. Also we began preparing the Delta Regional Authority Grant through the help and effort of Rebecca Mixon of St. Francis Medical Center.

We are also working with a team of students from the Mass Communication program at ULM in developing marketing and promotional materials for NOVA.

The highlight of the week was the overview with nine (9) potential participants for the Program. We walked away from that meeting again reaffirming why we are here. Great job Ms. Woods and thank you to the Board Members, Ms. Eva Dyann Wilson and Dr. Novack who were able to attend.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to develop new opportunities for NOVA.

Have A Great Weekend!

Thanks and best regards,
Paul West

P.S. Anyone who would like to help with the Black History Parade on the 28th please let me or Ms. Woods know. We also need about $150.00 for candy if you or someone you know would like to donate.

Interfaith on Council Agenda

Interfaith @ Monroe City Council
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 pm

Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith is scheduled to address Monroe City Council Tuesday, March 10, during the pre-council meeting that begins at 6:00 pm. We will speak for a resolution to renew funding for NOVA. We need to be there in numbers to make sure City Council understands the diversity and breadth of support for workforce development in our community.

NOVA Events Next Week

NOVA New Participant Overview
Tuesday, February 17, 2 pm
Workforce Investment Center
1301 Hudson Lane

Please invite people who want to change their lives by training for a living wage job with benefits and career track. That's what NOVA does! Interfaith leaders interested in being mentors or just knowing more about NOVA so they can spread the word are also welcome.

Interfaith Meeting with Congressman Rodney Alexander
Thursday, February 19, 9 am
Congressman Alexander's Monroe Office
1900 Stubbs Ave., Suite B

Interfaith has asked Congressman Alexander to support NOVA with federal dollars and he agreed to do so. We presented him with a $300,000 proposal. This meeting is to follow-up on our request.

Our Opportunity to Write the History of Ouachita Parish

From Sue Edmunds Nicholson, Chamber CEO, for immediate action:

From time to time all of you have offered to help when we have a community issue. I need your help now.

As you know, Gardner Denver Thomas, a local company that employees 86 people, will consolidate with another plant. What we do not know at this time is if the company will choose to consolidate in Sheboygan, Wisc. or Monroe. If they choose to consolidate in Monroe, our community could gain more than 200 jobs that pay $15 or more per hour plus benefits. The company could potentially consolidate other facilities here, too.

Company officials are working with a team of community officials to put together the most aggressive package we can offer. One component is compiling a list of people who are interested in working at the plant if Gardner Denver Thomas consolidates here. To find potential employees, Gardner Denver Thomas is hosting a job fair Monday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at the Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall.

Those who are interested in these living-wage jobs with benefits need to complete a survey form. This can be done at the Civic Center Monday the 16th, or at the Chamber all of next week. Interfaith leaders will receive a copy of the form via e-mail, as well as a flier advertising the job fair. These items should be printed and distributed at all Interfaith institutions and to neighbors and friends--anyone who might be interested in this opportunity. We need to get the word out!

Also, we need letters from the community that encourage company officials to come to Monroe because of the great and productive workforce and caring and welcoming community we have. We need to include a note that we will welcome anyone relocating to the area and will help them adjust to the community. Several years ago, when we were trying to bring State Farm to Monroe , several of our churches offered to “adopt” families to help with their transition. It would be great if we could do that again.

Interfaith leaders will also receive a sample letter via e-mail, but feel free to rework in your own words. PLEASE SEND THESE LETTERS TO: Sue Nicholson, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, 212 Walnut Street, Suite 100 , Monroe , LA 71201, or drop them at the Chamber office (same address). All letters will be sent in one proposal to GDT officials.

Collective Leaders Meeting

The focus of the Feb. 9 Collective Leaders Meeting was public education and workforce development.

Dale Farley reported on last week's Coalition for Quality Public Education Meeting. The Coalition is discussing new approaches to addressing issues in public education. The Monroe City School Board has not responded constructively to the Coalition's attempt of the past couple of years to develop working relationships. Eva Dyan Wilson reviewed Interfaith's history of working with public education through involving parents in the schools. We need to renew that kind of organizing.

Cindy Smith reported on the FLAG meeting for NOVA participants she and Eva Dyan Wilson attended earlier Monday. The FLAG meeting is for NOVA participants to discuss progress and problems in their training programs, and to gain skills such as goal setting. NOVA is recruiting for future training. Interfaith people are urged to refer people they know who could benefit from NOVA. An overview for potential NOVA participants, and anyone else who wants to know more about the program, is scheduled February 17 at 2:00 pm at the Workforce Investment Board, 1301 Hudson.

The following institutions were represented: St. Alban's Episcopal, St. Thomas' Episcopal, Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic, Messiah Lutheran.

Additional Events

JGS "Just Faith" Journey for Justice
Saturday, Feb. 21, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mount Nebo Baptist Church
2930 Jackson St.

This event is part of the Jesus Good Shepherd "Just Faith" course. Interfaith leaders welcome.

Interfaith Training for House Meetings Campaign
Saturday, March 7, 9:00 - 12:30
Mount Nebo Baptist Church
2930 Jackson St.

This house meetings training is for all institutions interested in growing and strengthening as institutions. House meetings help institutions identify leaders and issues people are willing to work together to address.

Two Events Monday, Feb. 9

Strategic Team, Clergy, Collective Leaders
February 9, 12:30 pm
Workforce Investment Solution Center
1301 Hudson Lane

The Interfaith Strategic Team, Clergy & Collective Leaders who are available will meet with the first NOVA class at its weekly meeting. This is a great opportunity for Interfaith folks to meet NOVA participants and see NOVA in action. A light lunch will be served at 12:30 and the meeting commence at 1:00.

Collective Leaders Meeting
February 9, 2009
7:00 – 8:30 pm
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
2816 Deborah Drive

This will be our first meeting at St. Alban’s. To get there, go north on Highway 165, turn left onto the Forsythe extension, then turn right onto Deborah Drive at the first stoplight. Deborah Drive is a long, windy street. Keep going until you reach a stop sign. St. Alban’s is on your left just beyond the stop sign. There are two parking lots; the second one is closer to the parish hall doors, but it is small and might get full.

All members of Interfaith institutions and anyone who is interested in finding out about the work of Interfaith is welcome at the Collective Leaders Meeting.

The Collective Leaders Meeting is *always* the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. Please plan accordingly!

Services for Lady's Aunt

A wake for Lady Carlson's aunt is scheduled 5 p.m. untill 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6. The funeral is 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 7. Both events are at Rock Island Baptist Church, 549 West 11th St., Port Arthur, TX, 77640.

Prayers and Condolences

Lady Carlson' s Great Aunt, Elnora Foreman, died of cancer Thursday, January 29, in Port Arthur, TX. This is the Aunt that helped to raise her. Gabriel Funeral Home, 2500 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640, (409) 983-6661, is in charge. Funeral arrangements are pending. We will let you know of the arrangements as soon as we know them. Feel free to give Lady a call on her cell (318) 880-7373 or send her a note ladymae51@gmail.com.

Collective Leaders Meeting

The February Collective Leaders Meeting is Monday, Feb. 9, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 2816 Deborah Drive, in the parish hall. (See the map below.)

The best way for most Interfaith folks to get there is to go to the intersection of Forsythe Ave. and Deborah Drive, then turn north on Deborah, toward River Oaks and the Monroe Athletic Club. Deborah Drive is long and windy as it parallels Bayou Desiard. Just keep going, and you will eventually see the church on the left.

We will meet in the parish hall, which is the 3rd of three buildings. Two parking areas are available, one on the left just before you get to the circle drive in front of the church and another on the left just past the circle drive.

The Collective Leaders Meeting is open to all members of Interfaith institutions and to invited guests who are interested in learning more about Interfaith.

The location of St.Alban's

Here's a link to google maps showing the location of St.Alban's at 2816 Deborah Drive


View Larger Map

Click here to see the map by itself

NOVA Update

NOVA director Paul West thanks Interfaith for helping recruit the first class of NOVA trainees.

Twenty (20) participants will begin training Monday, January 12 with NOVA. Interfaith congregations helped with recruitment. Upon completion of training, participants will begin manufacturing jobs with starting pay of $14.50 hour. After one year, salaries increase to $30,000 a year with a career track and benefits.

Sixteen trainees and their sponsors attended an orientation session last Tuesday.

Paul West, Executive Director, encourages Interfaith to continue referring applicants to NOVA even though this class is full. Other services are available. For example, NOVA is buying books for a nursing student who will graduate this spring, and is working with Delta Community College and Louisiana Tech to find additional funds.

Mayor Jamie Mayo and the Monroe City Council committed $100,000 in 2008 and $50,000 for 2009 to NOVA. The Workforce Investment Board has committed $280,000. Interfaith leaders are asking Congressman Rodney Alexander to help with federal funds as well.

Interfaith meets this Monday night, January 12, 7-8:30 PM at St. Thomas' Episcopal, 3706 Bon Aire Drive. NOVA participants have been invited to attend.

Economic Conference

The following information was provided by Sr. Bernie Barrett of Interfaith's Delta Cluster:

Secretary Stephen Moret of Louisiana Economic Development (LED) cordially invites you to attend a special economic forum for the Northeast Region.

LED is committed to the future of your community. Learn how the department’s programs, services, incentives and staff members can help your community become more competitive locally, regionally and globally.

Please join us:
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
9:30 a.m. – Noon (Lunch included)
Bastrop Visitor Center
124 N. Washington St.
Bastrop, La. 71220

RSVP to Miriam Russell at 318.348.1986 or russell@la.gov.

January Collective Leaders Meeting

Monday, January 12
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
3706 Bon Aire Drive

Happy New Year!

The Collective Leaders Meeting is *always* the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. Please plan accordingly!

January 12, 2009
Collective Leaders
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
3706 Bon Aire Drive

February 9, 2009
Collective Leaders
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
2816 Deborah Drive

This will be our first meeting at St. Alban’s. To get there, go north on Highway 165, turn left onto the Forsythe extension, then turn right onto Deborah Drive at the first stoplight. Deborah Drive is a long, windy street. Keep going until you reach a stop sign. St. Alban’s is on your left just beyond the stop sign. There are two parking lots; the second one is closer to the parish hall doors, but it is small and might get full.

All members of Interfaith institutions and anyone who is interested in finding out about the work of Interfaith is welcome at the Collective Leaders Meeting.