PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Marshall Health recently expanded its Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment (CORE) and Career Opportunities for Appalachian Legacy (COAL) workforce development initiatives to include services in Jackson, Mason and Wood counties in West Virginia. This expansion aims to partner with local businesses and organizations to provide vital support and resources to individuals in recovery and those seeking to re-enter the workforce, fostering economic growth and community well-being.
Funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant with additional support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, Parkersburg Area Foundation, Sisters of Health and the McDonough Foundation, Marshall Health’s skilled employment specialists assist individuals overcome various barriers to employment, including substance use disorders, justice-involved, unhoused, displaced workers and COVID-19 impacted. The employment specialists conduct comprehensive intakes, identify skill development opportunities, assist with job searches and advocate for local employment placements. Additional services include career readiness assessments, job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, job training, and placement services.
Since its expansion to the Parkersburg area, the initiative has successfully placed more than 80 individuals into employment, demonstrating its effectiveness and commitment to the community.
“We are thrilled to bring these transformative programs to the Parkersburg area,” said Program Director Ashley M. Payne, M.B.A. “Our goal is to create a ready workforce and support the entrepreneurial spirit of our community, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Marshall Health recognizes the role employment plays in supporting the overall health and wellness of individuals. Employment strengthens financial stability, access to health and wellness benefits, and links people to purpose, passion, and structure that improves one’s self-confidence.”
The Marshall Health CORE and COAL initiatives currently serve a 16-county region in West Virginia. Since 2019, CORE has assisted 774 individuals in obtaining competitive employment. Each enrolling participant works alongside a CORE employment specialist to identify career interests, job skills, previous work experience, future employment and educational goals, and barriers to employment. CORE employment specialists help participants navigate the job search journey by providing resume assistance, online job application assistance, job interview and employability coaching and employment advocacy with partnering employers throughout the community.
Individuals and employers who wish to enroll or partner may contact CORE at 304.691.1995 or COREWV@marshll.edu. Learn more at marshallhealth.org/CORE.
Marshall Health is a member of Marshall Health Network.