Each year since 1977 (43 years) OIC must find money from wherever we can do so to help people get their GED certifications, Job Training/Career Pathways, re-entry services and jobs so that they can stand on their own two feet. Despite significant financial support of public education and economic development, on April 2020 our unemployment rate in Anne Arundel County was 9.8% - third (3rd) highest among MD’s 100 counties source (https://www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi/laus/). Unfortunately, there is no concerted effort to combat this persistent unemployment challenge and no reliable funding in place to support OIC efforts to combat it.
We have successfully placed more than 40 Anne Arundel County Citizens back into the workforce before COVID-19. Another Successful accomplishment is that All of our instructors/Case Managers are RDC TABE Virtual Learning Certified and we have adapted to the New Normal of Online Learning.
Most important indicator of success is being able to find enough money to help hundreds of families each year break the grip of poverty without going deeper into the financial hole ourselves. Another major indicator of success is being able to help people that come to OIC for help rather than having to turn then away because we have run out of money to support the programs they need.
What does the OIC of Anne Arundel County do well today?
Community Engagement. Become the Voice of Anne Arundel County (VOAAC) and build broader support for helping poor people overcome challenges and succeed long-term by equipping them for the great jobs the Economic Development Council brings to Anne Arundel County. Somehow there is wholehearted financial support for bringing the jobs but no financial provision is made to connect local people with those jobs. Truly there is no deep understanding or acceptance of the need for an investment to do so at this time.