Workforce Solutions East Texas to Re-Open Centers Fully to the Public

Workforce Solutions East Texas • June 8, 2021

No Appointment Needed Starting June 14

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce its workforce centers will fully open to the public and no longer require an appointment starting on June 14. WSET has primarily served clients virtually throughout COVID-19 and began offering in-person services by appointment in June 2020. The centers will be open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Longview Workforce Center has moved recently and is temporarily operating in our Mobile Workforce Center parked at the Kilgore College-Longview campus.


"Our appointment calendars have been full, and job seekers are getting back to work," said WSET Center Director Mary Ann Rojas. "We are grateful to our community for supporting us throughout the year and so thankful to be able to turn the locks, open the doors, and greet our customers at 8 a.m. on June 14th. "

 

"East Texas has been through a brutal 2020 of COVID. Right now, East Texas employees need training, skills, and child care. East Texas employers need people who are ready to work. We can provide the first. Our friends and neighbors are the second. Together we can rebuild our economy. Whether you want a new job or a stronger career, join us to launch a new and better 2021," said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock.


What services does Workforce Solutions provide for job seekers?

  • Job listings and referrals
  • Resume assistance
  • Veterans services
  • Community resource information
  • Child care information
  • Copier, fax machine, telephone, and computer access
  • Internet access
  • Labor market information
  • Career exploration and planning
  • GED information & referral
  • Job search workshops
  • Occupational training information
  • Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and other partners


We assist businesses at every stage of their workforce needs:

  • On-site recruiting
  • Interviewing and hiring
  • Job Fairs
  • Internet-based job postings
  • Assistance with customized skill training
  • Wage and labor market information
  • Employee layoff assistance


Assistance is available to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people who have been dislocated from a job. Details on workforce center locations and service hours can be viewed at www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations.

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
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) .
Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.

Welcome, New Board Officers! Chair Gene Keenon & Vice Chair Pam Pearson

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 24, 2025
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.
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