It Takes a Village

When COVID-19 first appeared in the US, no one could have predicted the crippling effect it would have on communities across the country. Prior to the pandemic, the unemployment rate in the City of Manassas had been at a three decade low of 2%, businesses were thriving and tourism hit peak levels. Then in March, the proverbial bottom fell out and life as we knew it came to an abrupt halt. Businesses were forced to close or dramatically shift their business models and in doing so displaced thousands of workers. By May unemployment in the City had skyrocketed to 11.3%

Manassas City officials realized very quickly that there was both a need and an opportunity using federal CARES Act dollars to help residents get back to work. ELEVATE Manassas was launched early in the summer as a way to help unemployed and underemployed residents directly impacted by furloughs and layoffs receive skills training that would assist them in getting good jobs with career path opportunities. We partnered with the region’s workforce development agency, SkillSource, to develop desperately needed Jobseeker and Employer Services programs. We knew that training providers and partners throughout the region, especially Northern Virginia Community College, had the ability to deliver training and career development programs rapidly and were eager to help.

ELEVATE services were designed to be comprehensive and included free tuition and enrollment, support services like transportation assistance and child care, and ultimately job placement. Because of this initiative more than 50 participants are now able to pursue in-demand careers in nursing, paralegal, business, management, computer science, information technology and more. We’ve also seen a steady decline in unemployment and at 5% are within what many consider to be stable.

Training is ongoing for many of the participants, and additional job placements are expected in the coming months as Manassas continues working hard to come back strong – in this case, one resident at a time. While the no-cost jobseeker services provided through ELEVATE end December 31st, SkillSource will continue to help unemployed and underemployed throughout the region obtain the skills needed for the jobs they want.