What the Initiative Is:

The Whole Person Pilot represents a groundbreaking approach to workforce development that goes beyond traditional job placement services. Recognizing that barriers like housing instability, lack of childcare, and mounting utility bills often prevent individuals from successfully engaging in job searches or training programs, this pilot focuses on stabilizing participants’ lives. By partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs), NOVAworks has implemented a consultative model to deliver wraparound services tailored to individual needs. This approach ensures that participants are supported holistically, addressing the root causes of unemployment and underemployment.

What We’ve Learned:

We’ve learned that addressing immediate, critical needs has a profound impact on workforce engagement. Many participants expressed relief at having their basic needs met, which allowed them to focus on long-term goals like training and job placement. Our collaboration with CBOs highlighted the importance of trust and alignment in service delivery. While the slower, consultative approach required more time, it ensured that participants received meaningful, sustained support.

Key Activities:

• Identify and collaborate closely with local community partners 
• Train staff to use a consultative approach to coaching, allowing the program to provide a more expansive service 
• Braid multiple funding streams, include flexible sources 

How It Shapes the Future:

This pilot highlights the need for a workforce system that integrates basic needs assistance into its core services. Future investments will prioritize partnerships with CBOs, as well as advocacy for funding streams that support holistic, wraparound services. By embedding these principles into our workforce system, we can create more equitable and effective pathways to economic mobility