PR: HEALTH AGENCY SUPPORTS CLIENTS, STAFF DURING OPPORTUNITY CENTER TRANSITION

***HEALTH AGENCY SUPPORTS CLIENTS, STAFF DURING OPPORTUNITY CENTER TRANSITION***

SHASTA COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 28 vote to close the Opportunity Center due to the financial instability of the job-training program for adults with disabilities. The board’s decision allows a state-funded agency, Far Northern Regional Center, to seek a non-profit provider for the Opportunity Center instead. Far Northern’s Request for Proposals seeking non-profit applicants closes March 15.

The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is ensuring the health and wellbeing of Opportunity Center clients and staff as the program moves from county hands to private non-profit management, agency Director Laura Burch said.

HHSA is working closely with Far Northern and clients who are eligible to transfer to other work-training programs, Burch said. Counseling services continue to be available to Opportunity Center staff and clients.

“Some clients have already shown interest in obtaining jobs within the community, and our staff will assist them in every way possible so they can reach their goals,” Burch said. “Meanwhile, our personnel staff will work closely with the Opportunity Center’s county employees so they are fully aware of available county positions that may fit their interests and qualifications.”

HHSA is also continuing to work closely with Source America, a federal-level network of non-profits that connects people with disabilities to employment. HHSA is coordinating a smooth transition, but has no authority to choose who Source America selects for Opportunity Center contracts.

“We are working to ensure that Source America is in a good position to solicit new vendors for Opportunity Center contracts that the Opportunity Center will no longer perform,” Burch said.

The HHSA does not have the authority to choose which non-profit takes on administration of the Opportunity Center, Burch said. That decision lies with Far Northern, a long-term and experienced partner of the center and the county.

June 30 is the target date for the Opportunity Center’s transition, Burch said.

“However, we do envision this being a flexible date of transition if more time is needed to ensure that clients and staff are supported as we move forward,” Burch said.

For more information or questions contact HHSA Deputy Branch Director Julie Hope, (530) 245-6950, jhope@shastacounty.gov

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