Please see below and click on the links for information on job training and additional resources.
ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS
Wisconsin Rapids Job Center Now Available to Verso Employees
Verso workers who need assistance with searching for jobs, creating a resume, registering on JobCenterofWisconsin.com, utilizing any of the online tools,or general information on filing a UI claim (staff will not be able to answer questions about specific unemployment benefits claims) should call 715-422-5000. The Job Center website is here.
School Lunch Programs
Department of Health Services
UPDATES FOR FOODSHARE AND OTHER FOOD BENEFITS
FROM THE WEBSITE: "This page provides information on temporary food benefits for children who usually get free or reduced price schools meals, additional benefits for FoodShare members, ordering and paying for food online with QUEST or P-EBT cards, and interviews for FoodShare applicants."
Department of Workforce Development
APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS
Information on eligibility for unemployment insurance and how to apply for it.
File your weekly Unemployment Insurance claim.
Gov. Evers has now added Wisconsin to the list of states that have applied for the federal “Lost Wages Assistance” made available by an Executive Order of President Trump.
From DWD’s page at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/lwa/#:~:text=Payments%20%7C%20LWA%20FAQs-,LWA%20Overview,a%20result%20of%20COVID%2D19:
“The Department of Workforce Development submitted a grant application for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program on August 27, 2020 and is awaiting federal approval. DWD will update this site once additional information is available.”
Governor Evers’ office offers his statement on this, noting that “While I am grateful to be able to provide an additional $300 to eligible claimants, Wisconsin needs Congress and the Trump administration to come to an agreement on a continued, robust response to the pandemic.”
WPR reports that “States were given the option to supplement unemployment benefits by $400 a week, with states covering $100 and the federal government paying the remaining $300 in weekly benefits, but Evers declined to take that option.”
Health Insurance Information
FREE HEALTH INSURANCE CONSULTING
FROM THE WEBSITE: "The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance built WisCovered.com to help connect you to free expert help in your community and around the state. Below you will find options to call and talk to a real person who can walk you through the complicated maze of health insurance. If you’re more the DIY type, you can find options to apply online right now.
We’ve also got common questions and answers that may help you find coverage or get help paying for your health insurance."
Access Wisconsin
APPLY FOR AND MANAGE YOUR STATE OF WISCONSIN BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS IN ONE PLACE
FROM THE WEBSITE: "Need help getting health care coverage, paying for groceries or child care costs, finding a job, or building your career skills? With ACCESS, you can apply for and manage your state of Wisconsin benefits and programs in one place, at any time."
United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties
Provides guidance on who to contact regarding job placement, resources, insurance, child care, and a number of other resources.
UNITED WAY'S 2-1-1, LOCAL INFORMATION
FROM THE WEBSITE: "United Way's 2-1-1 is a partnership of Marshfield Area United Way and United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties. It’s a source of information and referral for people looking for community services and resources, especially for those who need essential services, such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, and more."
FROM THE WEBSITE: "When you need help and don't know where to turn, 211 is your one-stop connection to the local services you need, like utility assistance, housing, food, elder care, crisis intervention, alcohol and other drug recovery and much more."
UNITED WAY OF SOUTH WOOD AND ADAMS COUNTIES
FROM THE WEBSITE: "We change and strengthen lives by investing in our community. We understand that when we are united and working together for the benefit of all, we can create lasting change! We accomplish this through the work of our partner programs, coalitions and initiatives. We need your help, so we invite you to join us."
Love INC of South Wood County
CONNECTION CENTER PHONE LINE: 715.424.LOVE (5683) (A call center to help our neighbors in need)
FROM THE WEBSITE: "We are a referral source, coordinating services for those in need of help. We partner with local Christian Churches, volunteers, community organizations, and Love INC affiliates. We offer guidance, love, hope and assistance, empowering life-long transformation."
EMPLOYMENT
Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
2020 EMPLOYMENT AND RESOURCES FAIR
FROM THE WEBSITE: "This Fair will include potential jobs along with Health and Mental Wellness, Insurance, Financial Planning, and Training."
RESUME WRITING: AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
Portage County Business Council
PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL JOB FAIR
Date: Monday Sep 28, 2020
Time:1:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Location: Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center
1001 Amber Ave.
Stevens Point, WI 54482
For more information please click the link above
McMillan Memorial Library
McMillan Library is again open and offers free wi-fi inside the building M-F 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM and in its parking lot at all times. There are five computers for public use. McMillan staff are experienced at helping people connect services and with resources with local and state agencies including Wisconsin DWD, the Job Center, United Way and Mid-State Technical College. The library offers an extensive array of online courses to help build skills.
EDUCATION TRAINING AND BUSINESS STARTUP RESOURCES
UW Extension
MANAGING YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES IN TOUGH TIMES
FROM THE WEBSITE: "This website is designed to share trusted resources used or developed by Wisconsin Extension Financial Education professionals. It is designed to help people make sound financial choices in tough times."
Resources and consultation for families that have recently experienced a drop in their income.
FROM THE WEBSITE: "Where Do You Start if You Can't Pay Your Bills?"
CUTTING BACK AND KEEPING UP WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT
Guidance on how to cut back on spending and increase income, a template for monthly spending, and general guidelines to follow when money is tight.
UW-Stevens Point Programs
FROM THE WEBSITE: "UW-Stevens Point offers multiple degree options, flexible scheduling and resources to help you reach your academic and career goals."
Special students are a diverse group broadly defined as people not currently seeking a degree. Special students may fall into several categories. Please click the link above for more information.
Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point
FREE RESOURCES FOR STARTING OR GROWING A SMALL BUSINESS
FROM THE WEBSITE: "One of 12 in Wisconsin, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Stevens Point offers no cost, confidential advising and resources as well as fee based workshops/conferences to both startup and existing businesses throughout nine counties - Adams, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, Waupaca and Wood."
REQUEST A FREE START UP PACKET
FROM THE WEBSITE: "Our customized startup packets provide aspiring business owners with important and useful business start information, as well as information on upcoming classes and training programs and our confidential, free consulting services. Request one today!"
REQUEST A NO-COST, CONFIDENTIAL ADVISING APPOINTMENT
FROM THE WEBSITE: "Our SBDC advisors assist current and new business owners through no cost, confidential business advising services. We can help you: Start | Manage | Finance | Grow | Market"
ONLINE TRAINING, FIRST STEPS TO STARTING A BUSINESS
FROM THE WEBSITE: "This course will help you understand your readiness and provide recommendations on how to proceed in planning for your business."
Mid-State Technical College
FROM THE WEBSITE: "Mid-State campuses are currently open a limited number of hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to continue providing you with the resources you need to succeed, we have adjusted quickly to move our LiNK services to a virtual/online format and small group in-person meetings."
OVER 60 IN-DEMAND CAREER PROGRAMS DESIGNED AVAILABLE AT MID-STATE
FROM THE WEBSITE: "With over 60 hands-on programs to choose from, your path to a satisfying career with good pay starts here. Each of our technical degree programs is developed with input from local central Wisconsin employers, our instructors are experts in the fields they teach, and the hands-on learning prepares you for success in the real world."
FROM THE WEBSITE: "The LiNK provides a variety of educational services tailored for dislocated workers to help you achieve academic and employment success."
MID-STATE'S IN-DEMAND CAREER PROGRAMS STARTING IN OCTOBER 2020
FROM THE WEBSITE: "Mid-State’s mid-term start classes are the perfect fit for anyone needing a bit more time before jumping into the fall semester. Get started in October or November with these general education and program-specific offerings."
RESUME WRITING: AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
THE TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAA)
The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program provides assistance to workers who lose their jobs due to foreign competition, including work being moved outside of the United States. The U.S. Department of Labor decides if a company is TAA-eligible. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) determines individual worker eligibility and provides the program benefits through the state’s job center locations.
Generalized Summary of TAA Benefits from the US Department of Labor
Specific Summary of TAA benefits sent to Verso employees 7-14-2020
Letter Sent to US Department of Labor
The Verso Mill has now been certified for the TAA program. You can view the TAA decision by the US Department of Labor here.