The Missouri Works Together (MoWorks Together) grant was rolled out in early 2020 and has been a great asset to the Central Region. The grant is a collaborate effort to provide temporary disaster-relief employment and career and training services to workers impacted by the opioid crisis; and develop a stronger workforce provider professions network better able to address individuals needing substance abuse and counseling services.

One of the key training services provided through the MoWorks Together grant is the Certified Peer Specialist program. Peer Specialists become trained to support those who struggle with various issues, including mental health, psychological trauma, or substance abuse. Their training is only one part of their certification. To qualify for the program, they too must have lived experienced in one of the above mentioned issues.

Who is eligible?

Eligible participants for the MoWorks Together grant must be laid off due to lack of work (dislocated worker), be unemployed for over six months, or be unemployed due to the opioid crisis, as well as live in one of the counties served by Central, South Central, Ozark, and Southeast Workforce Development Regions.

Please Note: Job Center staff in participating counties will determine eligibility, which is based on state and federal guidelines. Participation is limited by availability of funds.

What can this grant fund?

• Training that will result in a certification or degree that will make participants eligible for employment opportunities, particularly careers that provide opioid addiction recovery treatment or other health care careers
• Other career paths and training that meet the participant’s skills, interests, and aptitudes can be considered
• Training and one year of employment for a limited number of peer support specialists who will assist others toward achieving specific goals leading to opioid addiction recovery

Bringing success to the Central Region

Since its introduction to the Central Region, the MoWorks Together grant has seen great success in its Certified Peer Specialist program. One of the first participants, Jean Solis, was hired by the Central Workforce Development Board’s ReEntry Division to be a Peer Specialist working with the justice-involved. Since she began in January 2020, she has worked with over 20 ASPIRE MO graduates from Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia, Mo., to ensure their success re-entering the workforce.

We hear these words often, “If Jeanie can do it, I can do it.”

For more information on the MoWorks Together grant, contact your nearest Job Center, visit jobs.mo.gov, or call 888-728-5627.