Recovery To Work Program

The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) has taken the lead in a significant initiative to support individuals in recovery by facilitating their entry into sustainable employment. A collaborative group, with TCEDC at the forefront, successfully applied for and was awarded an ARC planning grant of $50,000 in 2023. This funding marks a critical first step in a comprehensive effort to address the employment challenges faced by those in recovery within the region.

The group hired three consultants to ensure the project's effectiveness and inclusivity. These consultants are tasked with collecting pertinent data and building robust partnerships across the community. Their expertise and efforts are vital in understanding the target population's unique needs and identifying the best strategies to support their journey towards sustainable employment.

The project encompasses Tuscarawas, Carroll, and Harrison counties, reflecting a regional approach. The goal is to develop a detailed and actionable plan that addresses the barriers to employment that individuals face in recovery. By creating supportive pathways to employment, the project aims to foster economic stability and personal growth among this vulnerable population.

The group plans to apply for an implementation grant in early 2025. This grant will be crucial in implementing the developed plan and turning strategic ideas into tangible outcomes. The implementation phase will build on the groundwork laid by the planning grant, ultimately striving to create a sustainable and supportive employment landscape for individuals in recovery across the three counties.

The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP)

TVISP gathers at the Buckeye Career Center to discuss the development of a local maintenance program.

In 2022, the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) conducted a comprehensive strategic planning process, identifying a critical need for the alignment of workforce development efforts between the local education system and regional industries. This recognition led to the elevation of a Workforce Talent Pipeline as one of the fundamental pillars of their strategic plan.

During this planning phase, stakeholders provided feedback indicating a concerning level of partnership and decision fatigue among employers, attributed to many workforce development initiatives vying for their attention. Additionally, the education sector expressed reservations regarding the extent of industry involvement in shaping workforce development initiatives and concerns about future enrollment rates in industry-related programs.

In response to these challenges, local industry leaders convened regularly in 2023 to address the identified gaps. They discovered the Ohio Manufacturing Association's Industry Sector Partnerships through exploration and collaboration, recognizing them as a viable model for fostering collaboration and centralizing industry voices in workforce development efforts.

In September 2023, the Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) was established with a clear mission:

“The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership will develop connected systems to promote local manufacturing and equip the upcoming workforce. We will effectively align education and workforce needs to recruit, train, and retain talent to drive growth. “

In 2024, The Ohio Manufacturing Association's endorsement of the partnership lent further credibility and support to its endeavors. The TVISP has played a pivotal role in supporting the Ohio Means Jobs "Invading Tuscarawas" marketing campaign, which aimed to showcase local opportunities to youth within Tuscarawas County, fostering interest and engagement in the region's workforce potential.

Through strategic collaboration and a commitment to addressing identified needs, the Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership is emerging as a professional conduit for driving the region's workforce development, economic growth, and community prosperity.

To contact the TVISP please fill out the form below.