FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: WDBSCW Communications, 608.249.9001

WDBSCW Rapid Response Workforce Services Available to Support Workers Affected by Wave of Major Retailer Closings

MADISON, March 29, 2018 – The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), the regional leader in workforce development, today announced the availability of Rapid Response services. Rapid Response is a workforce service designed to directly help workers affected by company downsizing and closures. The announcement comes in response to the wave of retailer closures, including Babies”R”Us, Sam’s Club, and most recently, Toys”R”Us.

“Hundreds of members of our communities are being impacted by these layoffs, and we can provide important services to help these workers in their time of transition,” said Pat Schramm, CEO for WDBSCW. “We’re collaborating with DWD and our American Job Center partners to provide comprehensive reemployment services for nearly 200 workers affected by the three announced closures.”

All affected workers from Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us and Sam’s Club layoff announcements – and those impacted by company closures like Kraft and Oscar Mayer – are eligible for help and reemployment services.

WDBSCW Rapid Response services have helped thousands of impacted workers since 2015, with 1,182 workers accessing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act-funded Dislocated Worker program for more intensive help. These individuals are connected to Career Planners for career planning services, training and education assistance or a combination of both as part of a customized reemployment plan. Additional options include options include interview preparation, resume development, transferable skills workshops, customized hiring events, Unemployment Insurance and healthcare information and community resource connections. The services are offered in collaboration with the WorkSmart Network, Wisconsin Job Service and the American Job Center Network.

Rapid Response is available now directly from the WDBSCW and its American Job Center partners, the WorkSmart Network and Wisconsin Job Service. An information session will be held on Friday, April 13 from 1-3pm at the Marion Fuller Archer Room of the Middleton Library to support those affected by the layoff announcements by Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us and Sam’s Club. Additional sessions will be offered in the community as needed. For those unable to attend the information session, contact the WDBSCW for information on regularly offered workshops and services available at your local American Job Center. For more information, contact Andy Clayton, WDBSCW Program Manager, at 608.249.9001 or aclayton@wdbscw.org or visit www.wdbscw.org/rapid-response and www.worksmartnetwork.org/ive-been-laid-off.

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About Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin
The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW) is a private 503(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collaborates with businesses and workforce in the Wisconsin counties of Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Marquette and Sauk with a mission to build public and private partnerships that support innovation and excellence in workforce development.