October 30, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce a groundbreaking workforce development system, with an investment of $6.1 million over five years. The contract was awarded by Oklahoma Human Services and will be led by SWOSU Project Directors Dr. Amy Barnett, Dr. Kalie Kerth and Ms. Amy Martin.
The Work Ready Oklahoma (WRO) contract will provide essential workforce development resources locally. Program participants will attend comprehensive workshops tailored for various populations, including low-income individuals and families, historically unemployed or underemployed individuals, low-skilled workers, individuals with a criminal background or those reentering society after incarceration.
In its inaugural year, the program will serve at least 100 community members, with plans for continuous expansion in the coming years. Participant recruitment will begin in January 2024, with services starting in March 2024. Central to this initiative is the Work Ready Oklahoma Employment Center in Weatherford, Oklahoma—or Work Ready Weatherford.
“Work Ready Weatherford is committed to strengthening families by helping low-income individuals gain livable wages through stable, quality employment,” said Toni Ruiz, Work Ready Weatherford Director. “This approach not only prioritizes financial and family stability but also contributes to the growth and vitality of our local community.”
For seven years, Work Ready Oklahoma has successfully provided services in the Oklahoma City metro area. In 2022, WRO expanded its reach to rural Oklahoma, opening Employment Centers in McIntosh, Muskogee, and Pittsburg counties. The pilot program reported impressive outcomes. Between January and October 2022, the pilot sites placed 164 individuals into jobs, with 60% of these (96 individuals) landing remote positions. This effort has the potential to generate an added $6 million in annual wages—a significant boost for the local economy. The positive outcomes achieved in these pilot locations demonstrated the value of extending the program across Oklahoma.
Each Employment Center will feature a co-working space and provide ongoing coaching and support for remote workers after they complete the workshop. The program also offers training opportunities and employment initiatives to prepare participants for careers that lead to self-sufficiency. Funding provided by Oklahoma Human Services means that local participants can access these vital services at no cost.
Work Ready Weatherford priorities include the following:
Equipping vulnerable Oklahomans with information, coaching and connections for self-sufficiency.
Assisting low-income Oklahomans in finding and maintaining consistent, gainful employment within the community.
Establishing connections between Oklahomans and a network of livable-wage job opportunities, both virtually and through local partnerships.
Providing access to training programs and employment initiatives to enhance self-sufficiency and promote stable, healthy families.
Collaborating to ensure resources from SNAP Employment & Training programs, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs and other funded employment programs are available to low-income families.
Learn more about the program at www.workreadyoklahoma.com. For information about SWOSU’s involvement in the Work Ready Oklahoma system and its impact on the local community, please contact Toni Ruiz at toni.ruiz@swosu.edu.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Power Outage Affects 740 Beckham County Residents Due to Storms
Beckham County, Oklahoma — Severe storms have left 740 Beckham County residents without electricity, affecting approximately 6.7% of the county’s total customers. The outage, first reported earlier today, is expected to last as utility crews work to
WPLS and SWOSU Host Best-Selling Author James Patterson
November 1, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Western Plains Library System (WPLS) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) hosted best-selling author James Patterson on Oct. 22, drawing a sold-out audience with all VIP Gold and Silver tickets
Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant Set for November 9
October 31, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU’s) annual Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Weatherford Performing Arts Center. The event will begin at 7 p.m., bringing
Clinton Man Arrested on Assault and Battery Charges Following Domestic Dispute
October 31, 2024 Earlier this month, a Clinton man was arrested on assault and battery charges involving a household member. According to a probable cause affidavit, Clinton police responded to several disconnected 911 calls on Oct. 8.
Sheriff Offers Halloween Safety Tips
October 30, 2024 It’s Halloween, which means little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and maybe even a clown or two will be wandering the neighborhoods looking for treats. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning offers tips to help ensure you
Early Voting Info For Western Oklahoma
October 30, 2024 Early voting for the upcoming election begins this Wednesday, October 30, in Oklahoma, offering residents a chance to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Early voting runs through Saturday, November 2, in various
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts: Important Updates for 2025
October 28, 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment has kicked off. October 15th thru December 7th is when Beneficiaries can re-visit their current Drug plans and Supplements to make changes. 2025 brings several new changes and it’s more important
Teenage Officers, Members Added to National Honor Society
Elk City High School’s new honor society members have pledged their allegiance.
Reckless Driving Leads to Meth Discovery
October 28, 2024 A reckless driving case in Beckham County led to the discovery of methamphetamine.
Oklahoma Imposes Burn Ban in 44 Counties Amid Wildfire Risk
October 29, 2024 In response to the ongoing wildfire threat, Oklahoma officials have imposed a burn ban in 44 counties, including Greer, Harmon, Kiowa, Jackson, and Caddo. The ban, enforced by local fire marshals, prohibits all open
Virginia Fugitive Couple Arrested in Elk City Following Standoff
October 28, 2024 A Virginia couple, wanted on multiple charges including firearm possession and fugitive escape, were apprehended in Elk City on October 17, following a tense standoff involving local law enforcement and Troopers with the Oklahoma
Former “Home Improvement” Star Zachery Ty Bryan Arrested for DUI in Custer County
October 28, 2024 Zachery Ty Bryan, widely recognized for his role as Brad Taylor on the ’90s hit show “Home Improvement”, was taken into custody in Custer County on Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Public Meeting on the Future of Transportation in Cheyenne
October 28, 2024 Residents and stakeholders are invited to participate in a public meeting on October 29, 2024, to contribute to the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Hosted by the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization
Fatal Collision Near Reydon Claims Life of Local Man
October 28, 2024 A fatal accident occurred on Sunday night, October 27, 2024, approximately 10:09 p.m., roughly four miles south and three miles east of Reydon, Oklahoma, in Roger Mills County.
SWOSU Hosts Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes Exhibit
October 23, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, beginning Oct. 26 at the Al Harris Library. This free exhibit opens during
OWRB To Host Meeting at Quartz Mountain
October 23, 2024 The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) is set to continue its series of statewide meetings with water utility suppliers, regulated industries, commercial agricultural producers, and economic development groups. The fourth round of meetings kicks
Wellington Man Sentenced to Six Years Probation for Burglary in 100th Judicial District Court
October 23, 2024 Press Release On Monday, October 21, one plea took place in the 100th Judicial District Court, via the internet-based meeting app Zoom.
Clinton Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $4,250 Lawnmower
October 23, 2024 A Clinton man was recently arrested and charged with grand larceny after allegedly stealing a lawnmower.
Weatherford Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Go-Karts from Clinton Store
October 23, 2024 A Weatherford man was recently arrested and charged after allegedly stealing go-karts from a Clinton store.
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws
October 23, 2024 With the November 5th Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws.
Two Men Arrested in Clinton for Allegedly Threatening Juvenile with Assault Rifle
October 23, 2024 Two men were arrested on October 16 after allegedly threatening a juvenile with an assault rifle, according to the Clinton Police Department. Aldan Ray Whiteshirt and Lucious Eckiwaudah, both 21, were taken into custody
Moonlight Madness Returns to Downtown Elk City
October 23, 2024 The Elk City Chamber of Commerce is bringing back “Moonlight Madness” to downtown Elk City this Thursday, October 24th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This family-friendly event promises fun for all ages with
17-Year-Old Arrested for Stabbing Two Teenagers After Clinton Festival, Faces Attempted Murder Charge
October 22, 2024 A 17-year-old male was arrested on the evening of October 12 in Clinton, facing charges of assault and battery with a sharp object, and attempted murder, after allegedly stabbing two teenagers following a festival
Public Meeting on Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan in Elk City
October 21, 2024 The Southwest Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) invites the public to participate in a community meeting for the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) tomorrow, October 22, 2024, at the Arrowhead Center, located at
Fatality Collision in Dewey County
October 21, 2024 A fatal car accident occurred on Saturday morning, at approximately 9:53 AM, at the intersection of US-270 and E 780 Rd, located just east of Oakwood in Dewey County.