MON VALLEY INITIATIVE

Community development: the community development and outreach efforts undertaken through this program support and engage volunteers, partner organizations, community residents and stakeholders to build connections and gather vital guidance and feedback, ensuring the mvi remains deeply engaged at the local level. The program staff provide guidance to partner organizations, coordinate special events, and provide support to the other mvi program areas. Mvi's work was supported by a volunteer base of approximately 135 individuals in 2024.

Workforce development and financial coaching: the purpose of mvi's workforce development and financial coaching program is to increase the income levels and financial self-sufficiency of local residents through effective career development services and financial coaching, assisting the unemployed and under-employed to advance. In addition to the assistance provided to participants, the team works with local employers to understand their human resource needs. Mvi provides direct services to participants through basic career counseling, financial coaching, classroom work, seminars, and pre- and post-employment case management. Mvi also works with mon valley employers to identify skill requirements and employment opportunities, and to make connections on behalf of mvi's participants. In addition to direct recruitment and job fairs, employers volunteer presenting in career exploration workshops and doing practice interviews with participants. In 2024, mvi served 328 participants. "served" is defined as meeting a program milestone: enrolled, completed the program, obtained employment, or maintained employment for at least six months. During the year, 224 participants enrolled in mvi's career development planning process, 44% of which gained employment. During the year, 55 unique employers hired mvi participants. Of those served, 95% continued with mvi's one-on-one financial coaching program.