Canceled: Workforce Solutions East Texas to Host Ribbon Cutting for New Partnered Service Location with Kilgore College
Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 4, 2020
March 16th Update: Event Canceled
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce a new Access Point Partner Location established at the Kilgore College Student Support Center Lab opening on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Access Point locations are service locations where WSET has established partnerships with community organizations to set up a location for service access for job seekers to receive on-site assistance. These sites have a WSET resource area where job seekers can register for WorkInTexas.com, receive assistance professional development workshops and access to resources during their staffed service hours. The Kilgore College Access Point location is located at located in at 977 Ross Avenue in Kilgore and will be staffed every Wednesday from 9 AM to 2 PM. WSET invites the public to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new partnership on March 18th, at 10 AM at the Student Support Center Lab.
"Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to partner with President Dr. Brenda Kays and Kilgore College as we continue to tailor our services footprint in the region,” said WSET Executive Director, Doug Shryock. “The Kilgore College/Workforce Services center will reach students and members of the public where they are, in Gregg County, Rusk County, and beyond. This is one more example of the productive relationship between Workforce Services and higher education as we groom our talented neighbors to meet and exceed the needs of today's and tomorrow's employers. We're here to support participants earning the degrees, credentials, and certificates industry demands, setting them on lifelong career trajectories. Our graduates will, in turn, show future employers why the smart choice is to call Kilgore home."
“We are extremely proud to partner with Workforce Solutions East Texas to provide this needed access point for our students and community members. It is a win-win for both Kilgore College and the city of Kilgore,” Kays said. “This is such a positive addition to the Kilgore campus, allowing easy access for those who are seeking to use their education to enter living-wage careers.”
This will be the fourth Access Point location to open since December expanding service opportunities for job seekers. WSET has partnered locations with Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Rains County Library in Emory, and the Library at Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points. Details on Access Point location service hours can be viewed at www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations.
For more information, contact WSET Centers Director, Mary Ann Rojas at (903) 561.8131
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services . 2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
