Workforce Solutions East Texas Precautions and Service Changes in Response to COVID-19
Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 18, 2020
Event Cancellations, Center Closures to the Public, and Service Availability to Individuals with Employment Impacts
As emergency declarations have been made at the National, State, and with multiple counties in our area due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) team has mobilized to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff, while ensuring that our business services, early childhood development programs and workforce services, will continue throughout our East Texas region.
Dr. Robert Haberle, Chairman of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board, said, “Our hearts are with our communities. Our critical businesses depend upon a skilled and healthy workforce to bring their products to market and an equally healthy customer base to buy those products. WSET will continue to serve our employers by helping workers and those wanting to work in every way possible. We will safeguard the Centers, limit exposure for participants and staff, and still find ways to keep our friends and neighbors in jobs that allow them to bring home a paycheck. We’re here to serve, in the most effective ways possible.”
The WSET team is committed to meeting the needs of job seekers and employers in our fourteen-county region, and we want to ensure that the health and safety of our customers and staff are taken into consideration in these difficult times. To combat the spread of COVID-19, effective at 8:00 AM, Thursday, March 19th, our workforce centers will close to the public. Although we are not allowing visitors, we will continue to serve WSET customers. At this time, we anticipate the centers will remain closed through May 1st. We invite all job seekers, to continue job search with www.WorkInTexas.com, and to contact our career advisers at 1-844-ETWORKS (844-389-6757)
for individual assistance. Staff will be making online service applications, required program orientations, and virtual events available on our website, in the near future.
If you are a worker whose employment has been disrupted by economic changes caused by COVID-19 concerns, we can assist you in finding new work or training for a higher-skilled role in related industries. WSET provides an array of services and programs that are designed with career development at every stage of your workforce journey, including up-skilling opportunities with local training providers. We can also provide information on unemployment benefits from the Texas Workforce Commission. Please contact TWC’s Unemployment Benefits hotline at 800-939-6631
if your employment has been impacted by COVID-19.
For our business community, WSET can assist with customized proactive outplacement services or layoff aversion strategies at no cost. Rapid Response services provide early business-focused intervention assistance designed to transition affected workers to their next employment. Our services are tailored to each company, based on the needs of the affected employees. Please call our Business Services team at 1-844-ETWORKS (844-389-6757), or email employerservices@easttexasworkforce.org, for more information on Rapid Response services for employers.
For families taking part in our child care and early childhood learning programs throughout the East Texas area, we are working with our child care services providers to ensure a continuum of care for currently enrolled children, as events arise that may lead to a temporary change in a parent’s work, education, or training status. If you have questions, please contact our WSET Child Care Services team for assistance at easttexas.ccs.customers@gmail.com
or 1-800-676-8283.
The U.S. Department of Labor has published the "Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19" to help reduce the impact of Coronavirus. The guide also provides information to help employers and workers regarding issues they may face, including effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Access that guide at: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200309
We have to prepare ourselves for the days ahead and we have taken precautions to maintain the safety and security of our employees and customers as best we can,” said WSET Centers Director, Mary Ann Rojas. “We are so fortunate to have the infrastructure in place to continue to serve our constituents which are located throughout a 14-county region. We will mobilize our call center to assist those needing direct personal assistance. We will have virtual workshops and our Career Edge platform to walk you through any process whether it is helping you with a resume, applying for training assistance or referring to the appropriate services. We are ramping up to have specialists assigned to assist those being laid off and we will continue to work with our employers to find better ways to connect with the job seeker. Meanwhile we will continue to assess the situation daily.”
WSET will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and share important updates and resources on our website at www.easttexasworkforce.org/COVID-19, and through our social media networks. For more information, contact WSET Centers Director, Mary Ann Rojas at (903) 561.8131.
When Antionia arrived for her first Job Connection class at the Workforce Solutions East Texas Longview office on August 5, 2025, she stepped inside with a mix of nerves and hope. As she entered the class, it was clear that she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching for a chance to begin again. At that time, Antionia was staying at the Hope Center in Longview. The shelter gave her safety, but she longed for something permanent, something steady. Despite the uncertainty in her life, she showed up with a fierce desire to rebuild. From the moment she sat down in class, it was clear she was ready to do the work. With guidance from staff, she created a polished resume, updated her Work in Texas profile, and explored job leads. Each task, whether big or small, became a stepping stone toward the future she envisioned. She held tightly to every piece of support, letting it become the steady light guiding her next steps. When she returned the following week, she carried herself differently—straighter posture, stronger voice, brighter eyes. Her determination had deepened. She reviewed applications, followed up on leads, and talked openly about her dream of finding stability and independence. She didn’t want a shortcut. She wanted a real path forward. During her visit, she also applied for a GAP warehouse position, a role that seemed perfectly aligned with her strengths and work ethic. Not long after, Antionia received the call she had been waiting for: she had landed a job interview. Excited but nervous, she sought help from her friends at Workforce Solutions East Texas. Her support team rallied around her, determined to help her make the most of the opportunity. By October, all her persistence paid off. Antionia shared the news with pride in her voice: she had been hired at GAP. But progress rarely comes without obstacles. A short time later, she discovered a mistake in her email address—one small typo that caused her to miss a crucial message from GAP. The realization hit her hard. After everything she had worked for, she feared she had lost her chance. Instead of shutting down, Antionia came back to the office immediately. Her resume was corrected, and LaShawn Crawford, a member of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Outreach team, contacted GAP’s HR team to explain the situation. After a brief conversation with LaShawn, the HR team was more than happy to resend the link for her new hire orientation. Relief washed over Antionia, and her determination to succeed grew even stronger. She walked out of the office with renewed confidence, ready for whatever came next. Within just three weeks, she earned a full-time position and began working overtime. Her supervisors saw what everyone who met her already knew, she was hardworking, dependable, and eager to grow. Her life began to shift. She moved out of the shelter and into a family member’s home while searching for her own apartment. With each passing day, she stepped closer to independence, to stability, to the life she had promised herself. Throughout her journey, Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford played a meaningful role. Reflecting on the experience, LaShawn shared, “To be a part of this life change is so fulfilling. This is what it’s all about—helping people find hope again.” Today, Antionia stands not as a reflection of the struggles she endured, but as a shining testament to resilience. She is thriving in her new job, rebuilding her life piece by piece, and proving each day that determination can transform even the hardest beginnings into stories of victory. She speaks with deep gratitude for the team at Workforce Solutions East Texas—their guidance, their encouragement, and the services offered freely and without hesitation. Above all, she credits the steadfast support of Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford. “LaShawn was very delightful and she helped me. I’ve come a long way and I just really appreciate LaShawn. She made sure I had what I need,” Antionia shared. She even credits LaShawn with helping her find the apartment she recently moved into, a milestone that symbolizes just how far she has come. "LaShawn referred me to the apartments and I love it. It's not perfect or fancy, but it's mine." Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope is real, change is possible, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to take that first step. And Antionia took that step; bravely, boldly, beautifully.
On February 11, 2026, something powerful happened in Henderson, Texas. The Jobs Y’all East Texas Career Exploration Fair wasn’t just an event; it was a community coming together to invest in its future. With 35 employers representing a wide range of industries and 591 students from across the region, the day buzzed with energy, discovery, and meaningful connections. Students didn’t simply walk from booth to booth, they leaned in, asked questions, and began to imagine the paths their futures could take. Employers went beyond sharing information; they offered live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and full immersion into their fields This created opportunities for students to see the work firsthand. The result? Employers rated the experience 4.8/5, praising the students’ engagement and expressing confidence that many would be future applicants. Many also highlighted the thoughtful planning, organization, and the chance to showcase career pathways, certifications, and growth opportunities in their industries. Students, for their part, were fully engaged. They explored new industries, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered career options they hadn’t considered before. Representatives from the attending schools reported that students described the event as fun, inspiring, and interesting. As one educator from Carlisle High School said, “This was a great career fair. So well organized. Please do this again in the future!” The Career Exploration Fair was a true collaboration. Workforce Solutions East Texas proudly partnered with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, Kilgore College, Kilgore Independent School District, RootEd Alliance, Longview Economic Development Corporation, Henderson Economic Development Corporation, and Henderson Chamber of Commerce. Together, the team combined resources, relationships, and expertise to recruit employers, coordinate logistics, and ensure the event created real impact. Their shared goal was simple yet powerful: connect students to opportunity and strengthen East Texas’ future workforce. Events like this remind us why our work matters. The day’s energy and impact even drew coverage from KETK, highlighting the vital role of proactive workforce development and career education in our region. This event brought our vision to life: a thriving local economy powered by a skilled, inspired workforce. When students can see themselves in a career, hear real stories, and connect directly with professionals, the possibilities become tangible. That's when the doors to their future swing wide open. Keep an eye out for our next Jobs Y'all East Texas Career Exploration Fair coming soon!
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is launching the Child Care Business Support initiative to strengthen the vital role that child care businesses play in our communities. Through this initiative, child care providers will gain access to expert guidance and training that will help them overcome challenges and more effectively support children and families across the state. “Texas child care businesses are a critical link in the workforce system, providing children with safe, nurturing environments while their families contribute to a strong Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Child Care Business Support initiative demonstrates TWC's commitment to helping child care providers manage their business needs, so they can continue offering the highest possible quality of care.” The initiative includes two types of support to promote the success of child care businesses: Business Coaching will help child care providers improve critical business operations, such as managing finances, marketing services, and supervising staff. Business Training will connect providers with experts in early childhood and adult learning for training sessions on important topics like financial planning, risk management, and effective communication with parents. “The Child Care Business Support initiative is a direct investment in our workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “By providing crucial business training, financial planning, and resources for employee retention to child care providers, we are strengthening the foundation for working families to thrive across Texas.” The Business Support initiative will be available to all licensed or registered child care programs in Texas. “Child care professionals are the critical, front-line leaders of early childhood education in Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “By providing the tools and support they need to successfully run a business, this initiative empowers them to focus on nurturing and educating our youngest Texans, preparing them to succeed in school and ultimately the Texas economy.” Child care providers can find more information on how to connect with TWC’s Child Care Business Support initiative by visiting https://texas-ccbs.learnworlds.com/ .
