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Drug-Free Workforce Promising Practice
"We’re proud of our strong working relationship with Paint Lick—it is a true partner in welfare reform. Occupational Enterprises, Inc. refers customers to Paint Lick to fill entry level positions, and Paint Lick provides training and support as individuals transition into the world of work."
-Stephanie Taylor
Project Director
Occupational Enterprises, Inc.
Occupational Enterprises, Inc. (OEI) is a southwest Virginia workforce development service provider offers intensive case management, education, training, retraining and counseling to individuals seeking employment. In preparing people who have a history of substance abuse for employment, OEI has developed a special relationship with local employer Paint Lick Investments, Inc., a 25-year-old manufacturer of wiping cloths for home and industrial use.
Doing business under the name Rag Pickers, Paint Lick Investments operates two facilities that together total 50,000 square feet and serves 400 customers across the nation. Paint Lick finds collaborating with OEI helps in finding dependable, loyal employees who may attach special meaning to their jobs. CEO Frank Pyott said his company strongly believes in the work it is doing with OEI, is empathetic to people referred by the organization and moves them forward and sets forth clear expectations for success.
In helping customers prepare for employment, OEI provides a cadre of coordination services, including the following:
- VIEW: This program is offered through the Department of Social Services and mandatory for all clients except those exempt due to medical conditions. It enrolls participants in the welfare reform program, assigns work activities, makes service referrals and tracks individuals’ progress toward self-sufficiency.
- Medical Management Initiative: This program provides management for individuals exempt from the VIEW program due to medical reasons. After initial assessment, medical clarification regarding disabilities/limitations is sought and case management services are provided. The program’s goal is to get participants into the workforce as quickly as possible.
- Bridges to Learning: This taskforce-driven initiative helps screen, diagnose and support individuals who may have learning disabilities. This is particularly relevant for individuals with a history of substance abuse because learning disabilities and substance abuse problems often co-occur.
- Mental Health Issues Counseling: This cluster of services includes screening, diagnosis and counseling of VIEW clients and their family members, who may have problems with substance abuse, domestic violence, depression or other mental health issues.
Li> Welfare-to-Work: This program provides case management and support services for clients who have multiple barriers preventing them from successfully obtaining and maintaining employment.
In providing these services, OEI engages a host of strategic partners from the surrounding community, including Adult Basic Education; Appalachian Regional Commission; Appalachian Sustainable Development; Career Support Systems; Clinch Valley Community Action; Cumberland Plateau Regional Housing Authority; Dickenson County Economic Development Authority; Heart of Appalachia Regional Tourism Authority; Lonesome Pine Office on Youth; Mountain Empire Community College; People, Inc.; Rural Area Development Association; Southwest Virginia Community College; Stone Mountain Health Services; Susan Helton, LCSW; Town of Coeburn; Virginia Cooperative Extension Service; Virginia State University; Virginia Tech; Workforce Investment Board; Wise County Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services; Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program; Virginia State Police.
Want to learn more?
Stephanie Taylor
Project Director
Occupational Enterprises, Inc.
The Cedar Center
PO Box 729
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-0290
E-mail: staylor@cablenet-va.com
Frank Pyott
CEO
Paint Lick Investments, Inc./Rag Pickers
P.O. Box 600
Pounding Mill, VA 24637
Phone: (276) 964-5460
E-mail: paintlickinv@stargate.net
Internet: www.ragpicker.com
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