Works Initiative News | Worker Wellness & Career Opportunities

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 4

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of November 4, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how workplace violence is impacting employees at library and health care settings—to the need to contain a drug war in the Middle East from spreading to Europe and the USA—to the importance of supporting blue- and white-collar women in the workplace. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at the interesting dance that OSHA has underway with the state of Colorado’s cannabis industry.

While marijuana may be legal in many states—for medical and/or recreational purposes—it remains illegal in the eyes of the federal government. Nevertheless, Fed OSHA takes the stand that workplaces in the US fall under their purview. Fittingly, it appears that Colorado’s cannabis industry has had 3 workplace fatalities in the past 7 years. And, upon a number of OSHA’s worksite inspections, among other dangers cited, a lack of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment were cited. The former is important due to the airborne irritants like dusts and molds present in some of these facilities. To this end, one OSHA director described a related 2022 employee’s death as “the first fatality from occupational asthma in the US cannabis industry.”

Although these incidents were found in Colorado’s (legal) commercial cannabis production sites, OSHA intends to implement their “emphasis program” nationwide. As mentioned,

“The aim is to encourage employers to take steps to address hazards, ensure facilities are evaluated to determine if they are in [compliance] with all relevant OSHA requirements, and to help them correct hazards, thereby reducing potential injuries, illnesses, and death for their workers.”

NOTE: OSHA actually offers free evaluation services to employers with under 251 employees.

In an industry where nearly 1 in 4 workers do NOT receive health & safety training, OSHA stepping in to provide outreach services (training and e-newsletters) may seem proactive. However, in the eyes of at least 3 families these steps are reactive. As with so many industrial settings in our nation’s history, workers MUST die BEFORE meaningful changes take place. In an attempt to end on a positive note for the greater good: Better late than never!

Source: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-officials-discuss-new-osha-program-on-marijuana-industry-workplace-hazards/

Prepping for Daylight Savings Time

Opioids & Workplace Injuries

Libraries & Workplace Violence

Workplace Violence & Health Care

Trauma / Emotional Labor / Health Care Workers

Harm Reduction & Vending Machines

Xylazine Addiction & Pregnancy

Captagon & Middle East’s Drug War

Sinaloa Cartel & 42k Seized Pills

Who is running Mexico?

What’s Next?: Pink Cocaine

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 28

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of October 28, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how AI chatbots are now linked to teen suicides—to how recent natural disasters on the east coast’s wiped-out beehives will negatively impact agriculture on the west coast—to why a college football player retires at 23 while a NFL player ignores similar warning signs. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at change: here and abroad.

First, in the US, the construction industry is seeing an exodus of baby-boomers (mostly white males) heading for retirement. As such, many trades have embraced looking towards “non-traditional” workers to help fill those vacancies in their ranks…more specifically, women. While this industrial sector acknowledges this need it still contends with age-old stereotypes and attitudes.[1]

Second, as we travel across the Atlantic, we find a rape trial underway in France, a country that has and, oddly, still does view sexual misconduct, etc. as a “part of their culture.” Wherein, the victim seemingly is guilty until proven innocent. Supporters in and outside the court room seek a new path forward while naysayers push back against a US-type legal response.[2]

Third, south of our border, Mexico recently installed its first woman as President. Weeks into President Sheinbaum’s office we are told that military force was utilized to weaken the Sinaloa Cartel. Let’s face it, hardly a week goes by in the USA where we do not hear about the negative impact of Mexican Drug Cartels on their and our societies. However, this only addresses one-half of the supply/demand equation. What is our country doing to address the latter half?[3]

In all 3 examples above, we find women are key to making system-wide changes that will eventually have positive impacts beyond their local communities. Sadly, in all 3 scenarios harassment and aggression are the evils within. To this end, a number of sayings come to mind: Slow and steady wins the race; Do not sacrifice the good for the perfect; and so on. In my opinion, a new tomorrow depends on ALL of us supporting change: here and abroad!

Source: [1] https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-10-10/gender-equity-among-trades-workers-increasing-but-theres-a-long-way-to-go

[2] https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/the-rape-trial-that-could-change-france-e2e711ac?st=YH7qmA&reflink=article_gmail_share

[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/world/americas/mexico-sinaloa-cartel-19-killed.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&tgrp=cpy&pvid=03C4B71F-3CA3-462B-BE35-9A42699DFC69

AI & Teen Suicide

NIOSH / Brain Health / Workforce

New Exec Council for MH in Construction

LA / Homeless / Mobile Psychiatry

Notre Dame & MH

Africa’s MH Crisis

Early Retirement’s Impact on Resiliency

GLP-1s & Food Industry’s Pivot

Texting & Emotional Affairs

Hurricanes / Landslides / Bees

UN & Global Climate Goals

Depression & Sex Drive

Laughter / Stress / Mood

Stock Market & Anti-depressants

Mold & Health

Is Tuna Healthy?

Fatty Liver Disease

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 21

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of October 21, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how the role of today’s grandparent has shifted due to the opioids crisis—to the importance of undocumented (and often illegal) workers who make up a sizable portion of the current workforce in both the US dairy and construction industries—to how women in Brazil and India are standing up to abusive (sometimes deadly) workforce cultures. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at the 2024 MHA report on Workplace Wellness.

With nearly 4000 workers across 5 generations and various industries in the USA, the feedback received provides a glimpse of what makes employees tick…with a focus on tomorrow’s workers.

That said, consider the following findings:

Workplace Stress-

* 75% of employees said that work-related stress impacts their sleep;

For several years now, I have been teaching pre-apprentices across the state of Missouri the importance of sleep on one’s well-being. As this study reveals, lack of proper sleep can lead to burn out, depression, etc. All of which will eventually negatively impact that employee’s work performance and firm’s success.

Trust and Autonomy-

* Only 40% of employees indicated that their employer makes changes based on feedback;

It is no secret that when managers provide employees a say in how and when “things” get done, those employees tend to feel more connected to the firm’s mission…and report better mental health.

Value and Appreciation-

* While 78% of employees recognize how their contributions impact the company’s success, only 59% felt appreciated by their employer;

With the high cost of turnover one must consider the following: “Research confirms that employers who provide positive recognition improve employee engagement and performance and increase organizational stability.”

Psychological Safety & Belonging-

* >60% of Gen Z employees do not feel confident in expressing their opinions at work;

When it comes to tomorrow’s workforce, this is one area begging for attention. Why? Because when employees feel safe at work, they are better positioned to advocate for themselves and others.

Equity and Support-

* <50% of employees indicated that their employer encourages clear and transparent communication.

With only 44% of employees agreeing that employers pay them what they deserve and only 54% of employees indicating that the firm’s benefits meet their needs, it is no wonder there are issues with trust, appreciation, and psychological safety.

I encourage you to download the report and consider how its findings can help improve your organization. Thank you!

Source: https://mhanational.org/2024-workplace-wellness-research?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=5a89ff59-2207-4932-a69c-c4d49ff28d1e

Grandparents / Raising Grandchildren / Opioids

Methadone’s New Role in OUD

Kids / COVID / Diabetes

Kids / Depression / Social Media?

2024 Workplace Wellness Report

Teens / Pressure / MH

Mental Health & Workplace Errors

MH of Employees / Stress / AI

Gaps: Firefighters seeking MH

MH & Vitamin D

MH & Colleges

A story of Addiction & Recovery

Do Weight Loss Drugs Work for Addictions?

Mold & Marijuana

Parts Therapy & Healing

Placenta & Burn Wounds

A Smart Ring?

Middle-aged Healing?

Dash Diet

Overcoming Workplace Gaslighting

Adult ADHD

2025: Changes to Medicare

Is Green Tea Nature’s Ozempic?

Why people lie

Are ERs setup for Kids?

How 12 oz of foam changed the NFL

NFL rolls out New, Safer Helmets?

Why KC Transit Drivers Seek a Contract

Boeing strike ends?

Are Union Members Defying their Leaders?

Japanese Union seeks Higher Wages

Construction Politics

Construction: 2024 Candidates’ Views

20% of US Construction Workers w/o Legal Status

US Milk & Undocumented Workers

More Construction & Harassment

India / Women / Harassment Strategies

Honoring Lilly Ledbetter

Public Libraries & Tomorrow’s Skills

New Career Tech School in IL

Trades & Tomorrow’s Millionaires

Outdated Money Laundering Rules

Teen Guru: How to get into Harvard

CEO Pay…320:1

CEO: Why Flip Burgers?

Natural Disasters & Misinformation

Dangers of Aerial Firefighting

Why Nations Fail

Worldwide Baby Shortage

Rapper & Literacy

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

988 in the Workplace (10/24)

Tips for Talking to Teens

Managers Guide to Suicide Postvention

Leveraging Research: World Mental Health Day 2024

The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose (10/8/24)

NOTE: The links provided above are for informational purposes only. None of these serve as a substitute for medical advice one should obtain from his/her own primary care physician and/or mental health professional. Please contact johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.

October 21, 2024/by Dr. John Gaal

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 14

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of October 14, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how today’s marijuana is posing serious health risks for people of all ages—to the findings of a recent poll that suggests people today place Mental Health on an equal footing with Physical Health but the “healthcare system” treats these issues differently—to how China’s growing control of conflict minerals impacts the safety and security of other nations. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at my recent trip to Washington, DC.

On October 8, 2024, I had the honor and pleasure to represent the Missouri Works initiative as I attended The White House to celebrate the 250 organizations across the USA that—over the past few years—took a leadership stance on addressing the worse drug epidemic this nation has ever seen: The Opioid Crisis. The first link below shares the Biden Administration’s vision launched on March 13, 2024:

“The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose is a nationwide call-to-action to stakeholders across all sectors to commit to save lives by increasing training on and access to life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications.”¹

Nearly 75 of 250 major businesses, labor unions, and governmental bodies made a voluntary commitment—since last March—that were invited joined Dr Rahul Gupta to celebrate the group’s eclectic approaches to saving lives with Naloxone.² The array of organizations include but are not limited to the US Post Office, K-16 schools, places of worship, libraries, pro sports, airlines, construction job sites. All shared the spotlight this past Tuesday. The exhaustive list of the 250 organizations that stepped forward to meet The White Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose is linked below.³

Too many of us have lost family members and/or friends to the opioid epidemic. As I have mentioned previously in this blog, 5 of my friends have lost sons between the ages of 24 – 36 to opioids. To sit idly by and watch more families suffer is against my nature. The time to ACT is NOW!!!

In closing, below I noted a few items from Oct 8 that found I refreshing:

President Biden’s Drug Czar (Dr Gupta) promoted the need for EACH of us to carry Narcan (a nasal mist form of Naloxone) and include it in today’s First Aid kits;
Public schools & libraries have taken on new, modern roles of serving the 24/7 needs of their communities; and
Harm reduction strategies provide a variety of tools that can be mixed and matched to suit the needs of EACH community, workplace, etc. (i.e., free distribution of Narcan, drug disposal bags, safe injection sites, Recovery Friendly Workplaces, etc.).

Sources: [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/savelivesfromoverdose/

[2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/08/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-over-250-organizations-made-voluntary-commitments-to-white-house-challenge-to-save-lives-from-overdose/

[3] https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Challenge-Committments.pdf

The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 7

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of October 7, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how, in spite of OSHA’s rules, workers continue to be killed by industrial machinery-related accidents—to how your gut microbiome plays a major role in your ability to deal with stress—to the story of a teenage hacker…a repeat cybercrime offender. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at the WSJ’s piece on Why America’s Young Men Continue to Fall Behind. As noted therein, as the playing field for young women becomes more equal, young women are taking advantage of more opportunities than young men.

While this article points to how the pandemic derailed careers and schooling for many of those floundering males, I would suggest that this problem goes back several decades and that COVID is only one piece of a bigger puzzle. As mentioned in this blog before, we:

need to consider how the “College for All” mantra—thrusted upon no less than 2 generations of OUR young Americans—has also played a part in this botched social experiment. For the most part, many college freshman are still too young (and immature) to make a decision that impacts the next 40 years. So why do we continue to aimlessly adhere to this mantra? Especially when we know that nearly 40% of those who begin college at age 18 do not complete it. In fact, what was once known as a 4-year degree is now on average a +5-year adventure! Furthermore, recent stats reveal that less than 30% of 2024 college graduates found work related to their majors. Hence, the rise of “Gap Year” programs!

must NOT forget about those HS and college graduates who were promised the earth, moon, and stars pre-2007—if they follow this “mythical” pathway—only to find out that the world’s economic crisis of 2007-11 turned yet another one of those social “promises” on its head! In fact, studies have shown that graduating in a recession has a downward impact on one’s earnings for nearly a decade. Moreover, a Stanford study pointed out that “recession graduates have higher death rates in midlife, including significantly greater risk of drug overdoses and other so-called ‘deaths of despair’.” And, need I mention the crushing student debt many of these students and their families still continue to deal with?

In closing, this problem did not happen overnight and nor will it be resolved overnight. We must continue to provide options for those who choose not to take the “college” pathway. One such program that has garnered national attention resides right here in STL: Building Union Diversity…which now has versions of it running in Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia, MO. If you are not from one of these areas, then I suggest you look into what others are doing about creating and providing our next generation of leaders alternative pathways to college. Be a part of the solution by helping Gen Z become the next “toolbelt” generation!

Sources: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/young-american-men-lost-c1d799f7?st=Rkj6HJ&reflink=article_gmail_share

https://moworksinitiative.org/pre-apprenticeship-in-construction/

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/gen-z-construction-recruiting-tech-benefits/728715/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:+2024-10-03+Construction+Dive+Newsletter+%5Bissue:66478%5D&utm_term=Construction+Dive

Workers Killed: OSHA’s Lockout / Tagout Rules

Feds / Fentanyl / STL Gang

Saving a Generation: The Fentanyl Crisis

Xylazine 101

Street Fentanyl Supply Declining?

Adults & Cannabis

Suicide Prevention Efforts Increase…as do Suicides

20% of Construction Workers report Anxiety or Depression

Young Men / Lost / Careers & Education Declines

Validating Early Childhood Abuse

Snapchat’s Ignores Warnings: Harms Children

Women / Military / Abortions

Trans Girls & Sports

Gut—Brain / Stress & Resilience

Mood Boosters for Anxiety & Stress

TMS & Depression

Acupuncture & Depression

Sleep & Depression

Sleepless in the USA

Older Men / Loneliness / Depression

Improving Rural MH

US Border Patrol & MH

MH: Viewpoints of Mgt v Workers

Wellness & Well-being Highlights September 30

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of September 30, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at the complexities of PDMPs (prescription drug monitoring programs)—to how one of the best basketball players of all time is on a mission to ensure children can read at grade-level—to advice on retiring abroad vs in a domestic rural setting. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at how Narcan is at last becoming a staple in more and more workplaces.

If you have followed this blog—off and on—for the past few years, it should be no surprise that I became excited to see a big player like Amazon make the commitment to stock its warehouses with Narcan. In the interest of remaining positive, their action will hopefully move other mega-companies to do the right thing. Why? Because the CDC reported in 2022, that nearly 2/3s of the workforce (over 18 yo) experienced a SUD (substance use disorder). Hence, I go back to the old saw that “employees are a firm’s most important asset.” If this is so…then why is it taking so long to ensure the safety of our workers, customers, etc. in this country?

The article linked below goes on to say that much of the resistance is related to stigma. I could not agree more! Back around 2017, when a colleague of mine and I approached various players in the construction industry, we were typically told one of two things: a) our industry does not have an opioids “problem” or b) our legal department recommends that we not conform to our ask in the so-called interest of liability. Meanwhile, construction workers across this nation were dying from drug overdoses in restrooms on job sites.

Most of you have already heard my SWA story from nearly 2 years ago. I, for one, was blessed to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right set of skills and save a stranger…someone’s son and possibly a brother, husband, and/or father. Honestly, it takes less than 15 minutes to learn how to administer Narcan. For those of you on the more cautious side, I recommend scouring the ANSW (Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace) website linked below for more info on training, Good Sam laws, corporate policy, etc. As I mentioned to a group of construction leaders a few nights ago, this truly is a matter of We vs Me. I, alone, cannot put a dent in this DEADLY epidemic…but WE can!!! In closing, the longer WE allow vital public health issues like this to remain in silence, the more WE promote the stigma surrounding these tough topics plaguing our society. Please join me in saving lives by getting trained and helping our neighbors in need!

Sources: https://www.wsj.com/business/amazon-to-stock-opioid-overdose-reversal-drug-narcan-at-its-warehouses-2ea8d831?st=TFYyxA&reflink=article_gmail_share

www.ANSW.org

Trans-teens / Anti-trans States / Suicide Attempts

Amazon & Narcan

Methadone: New Rules

Do PDMPs work?

Wellness & Well-being Highlights September 23

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of September 23, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at the importance of teens and parents developing a “suicide safety plan”, when appropriate—to what lawmakers can do to improve the lives of Vets with PTSD via service dogs—to how chemicals used in food packaging may be negatively impacting your health. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at the recent news regarding a decrease in overdose (OD) deaths in the USA. Stats reveal that OD deaths declined 11% nationwide and up to 30% in some regions.¹

While this news appears promising, some experts suggest that it is too early to identify which intervention factor(s) can be attributed to this decline. Was it the end of COVID or the arrest of high-profile Mexican Drug Cartel leaders? This “not knowing why” impedes our ability to leverage what is working! Nevertheless, a few advocates point to the use of Narcan as part of a larger “harm reduction” strategy to reduce OD deaths. (Having related firsthand experience, I can tell you saving a life was life-changing!) Meanwhile, as this nation enters the 4^th wave of the opioid epidemic (known as polysubstances), the fentanyl “cocktails” involving Xylazine and Meth are more poisonous than ever.²

With OD deaths still hovering around the 100k mark per year, now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal. To be sure, some groups of people/communities are impacted more than others, (i.e., Native Americans, inner-city). Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to continue offering an array of pathways to recovery. These can include MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder) programs, out-patient and in-patient treatment centers, group therapy, safe injection sites, etc. So, until we have evidence on what “really” works, let’s continue to offer hope by being prepared to expand opportunities to connect and make a difference. In the meantime, please consider getting trained on how and when to use Narcan.^{3, 4, 5}Take it from me, you CAN make a difference!!!

Sources: [1] https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/nx-s1-5111443/experts-want-to-capitalize-on-declining-fatal-overdose-rates

[2] https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/nx-s1-5107417/overdose-fatal-fentanyl-death-opioid

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmrPgantvn8

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7klB8Vza9ac&t=12s

[5] www.ANSW.org

Teens & Parents / Suicide / Safety Plan

US OD deaths plummet

Why have ODs decreased?

More dangerous Fentanyl?

Medicaid & Addiction Recovery

Cancer & Survival

How peds over-reacted on peanuts

PTSD / Service Dogs / Lawmakers

Loneliness / Isolation / Social Disconnection

Wellness & Well-being Highlights September 16

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of September 16, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog explores a variety of efforts addressing Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry—to how a recent study’s findings indicate the rapid aging of teen girls’ brains due to COVID—to a time-sensitive plea to Congress as an unusual amount of 9/11 First Responders are beginning to show signs of dementia related to neurotoxic dust exposure which is NOT currently covered by the World Trade Center Health Program. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at the importance of how WE look beyond monthly campaigns to raise awareness in our communities (i.e., May: Mental Health Awareness and September: Suicide Prevention Awareness). It is no secret that both of these topics, for the most part until this past decade, have been considered taboo or “off limit” topics whether at home, workplace, or community. Thankfully, more recently, an increasing amount of venues are discussing these “once-tough” matters on a regular basis by creating safe spaces and not merely relegating them to nationally-designated months. As I have mentioned previously in this blog, I believe the COVID pandemic accelerated this process…for the good of society.

I would be remiss in suggesting that the above-mentioned change came about because of 1 factor. As such, most issues in life are determined based on an array of inputs. Another input worth mentioning here is the wave of new, younger workers entering the workforce…who are not afraid of speaking their minds (FYI: Mental Health ranks high on their priority list). To this end, if we adhere to these 2 often-spoken tenets of business leadership:

(a) workers are a firm’s most important asset; and

(b) today’s youth are the foundation of tomorrow’s society

it is imperative that WE integrate lessons learned from these efforts from this past May and September. In essence, let’s move beyond the “check the box” philosophy.

This brings to mind the sea-change of the OSHA-10 movement ~2 decades ago. Major construction consumers in the STL region drew a line in the sand and said, “Six months from now, no workers will be allowed on our property’s construction projects w/o an OSHA-10 credential.” More than a handful of contractors and trade unions immediately pushed back. Before long, a lion’s share of this work was assigned to the various joint labor-management training schools. Eventually, the goal was met! More importantly, most of those training programs went above and beyond the call by integrating “safety” into ALL aspects of their curricula…thus, my point about moving beyond merely checking the box.

In closing, there is NO doubt that our industry is faced with another watershed moment. Make no mistake, once again this will require involvement of ALL stakeholders to make the difference. As per a Chinese proverb: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. YOU can help transform our industry by participating in one or more of the activities listed below sooner rather than later. Please share as you see fit. Thank you!

Sources: SUD in the Construction Industry (9/17)

From Awareness to Action: Construction & MH

Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry

Vets & Safer Homes (11/18)

UM-Ext Resilience Training

One Man’s MH Journey

UA & MH Awareness

Contractors shed light on Suicide Prevention

Peer Supporters MH: Caring for the Caretakers

Suicide: Changing the Narrative

Employers: Why hire a Social Worker?

Cannabis & Workplace Intervention?

MH: Which “therapy” for me?

Update: Mental Health Parity Law

Partner Spotlight: Sonja Gholston-Byrd

“United Way is a global organization that works to build stronger, more equitable communities by connecting donors, volunteers, unions, community leaders, and partners to address complex challenges,” says Sonja. “The breadth and depth of the help provided to so many of our neighbors is incredible. Across two states and 16 counties, we invest more than $1 million per week to ensure that people can live into their possibilities each and every day.”

Overseeing the organization’s largest labor liaison department in the country, Sonja and her team are tasked with connecting union members and workers facing financial hardship with 211 agency resources and direct assistance. “We encourage unions, labor leaders, and union members to contribute to and support United Way’s annual campaign,” says Sonja. “By participating on workforce development boards and community social services organizations, they engage with leaders of apprenticeship programs throughout the region and help create pathways to livable wage jobs and union apprentice programs.”

Social services support is provided to Missouri Works Initiative program participants by United Way of Greater Saint Louis Labor in partnership with MWI, including assistance with transportation. “We provide resources for long-term, permanent vehicle ownership in addition to short-term ride-sharing services through Lyft. Our mentorship program aims to assist graduates in overcoming obstacles to entry and successful retention in the construction trades while UWGSL Labor provides direct assistance to students who are struggling financially with basic needs,” shares Sonja. “Additionally, we host the Labor and Learn event, which gives students a chance to get in touch with AFL-CIO-recognized consistency groups and other union diversity-focused organizations.”

In addition to providing participants with the connections they need financially, the United Way of Greater St. Louis sponsors the Mentoring Program, which is intended to assist graduates in overcoming obstacles in obtaining employment and retention in the construction trades. “We connect men and women with trade expertise with recent graduates of the program,” says Sonja. The mentoring program addresses topics connected with work and job performance and staff of United Way Labor select and screen mentors, who are at least level 5 apprentices or retirees. “For several months following graduation, we continue to coordinate and monitor the mentoring pairing connection to ensure it remains strong and effective,” shares Sonja. These valuable mentoring relationships help participants navigate the workplace culture and expectations while inspiring the hope and confidence that are necessary for success.

September 11, 2024/by Missouri Works Initiative

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Ronald’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

As a justice-involved felon, Ronald found it difficult to find life-sustaining employment after his incarceration. However, after hearing about the Apprentice Ready Program from his pastor at Brookline Church of Christ, he felt like it was something he needed to learn more about. “I ended up talking to Austin Fox (Missouri Apprentice Ready Program Instructor) about the program,” says Ronald. “I knew I needed a career, and this sounded like a golden opportunity.”

For Ronald, the Missouri Works Initiative Apprentice Ready program was everything he needed to build a foundation for future success. The 5-week program provided him with education on the unions, a weekly stipend, tools, and a hands-on introduction to all the trade options before him. “I liked everything,” says Ronald. “I really liked that we got to do hands-on and learn about the unions as a whole.”

After graduating from cohort 9, Ronald is now with IUPAT 2015, which represents glaziers and finishers in Southwest Missouri, Northwest Arkansas, and Northeast Oklahoma. Additionally, he was recently awarded credit towards his apprenticeship and is already a 3rd year apprentice after only four months on the job. “Now I have a career as a glazier with the IUPAT, and it’s helped me to grow into being a better husband, father, and productive member of society,” shares Ronald.

If you, a friend, or a loved one has been justice-involved and are seeking new career opportunities that will last a lifetime, The Missouri Works Initiative Apprentice Ready program provides everything you need to build a new beginning. Take it from Ronald, “Well, like I do say all the time at the union hall when I get to talk to the new classes, joining a trade for the union is a game changer!”

Start your journey here.

September 11, 2024/by Missouri Works Initiative

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 4

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 28

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 21

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 14

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 7

Wellness & Well-being Highlights September 30

Wellness & Well-being Highlights September 23

Wellness & Well-being Highlights September 16

Partner Spotlight: Sonja Gholston-Byrd

Ronald’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

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