JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
With the signing of their names, agency directors from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and the Mississippi Department of Human Services made it official.
"I hope that this will be an example to other state agencies to figure out ways that we can all provide services to the citizens of Mississippi in a cheaper more efficient way," said MDES Executive Director Mark Henry.
With their agreement of understanding, electronic WIN job centers, known as e.WIN access points, will be set up in every DHS office across the state.
"We have a sign in our county offices saying that when you apply for assistance in Mississippi, you're asking for help in finding a job and now we really mean it," said DHS Executive Director Rickey Berry.
Berry says putting those job search portals in DHS offices gives folks applying for benefits the direct chance to also apply for a job or build a resume.
"It's ridiculous for the neediest people in our society to have to run all over the county to get services," Berry said.
The e.WIN access points first started popping up in the state in the Spring of 2008. Currently there are about 20 of them, mainly in libraries and community centers. This new effort will more than triple that amount.
Henry says that's increasingly important for areas and people under served with job search services.
"I'm firmly convinced that most people who are there, trying to get benefits from DHS, would must rather have the dignity and responsibility of a job to provide for their families and we here at employment security will do everything we can to help them do that," Henry said.
The e.WIN access points will be up and running on Oct. 1. The Department of Employment Security hopes to link up with other statewide agencies as well to provide the same type of service.
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