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DirectVenture and reentry providers urge county support for Black-owned CDL training program and wraparound services
Summary
Two public commenters told Hamilton County commissioners on Sept. 25 that a Black-owned CDL training program and reentry service providers need county assistance to replace shifting WIOA funding and to keep trainees housed and fed while they complete training.
Two public commenters told Hamilton County commissioners on Sept. 25 that locally based CDL and reentry training programs need more stable funding and connections to employers and social supports.
Leonard Clark, representing DirectVenture, said his organization is a Black-owned Class A CDL training facility that offers a four-week, 160-hour training program and operates a State of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles-authorized Class A testing site across from Queensgate. Clark said DirectVenture has worked with Ohio Means Jobs and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, and that recent shifts in WIOA funding priorities have reduced support for CDL training. He asked the county administration to connect DirectVenture with county workforce and placement partners and suggested coordination with Metro and other employers.
Kevin Mack, who said he is with Direct Mentor and works on reentry programming, told commissioners that reentry participants often require supports beyond scheduled training. Mack said some trainees stay in classes much longer than the expected four-week period because of housing, food or other barriers, and that his organization has been covering small emergency expenses from its own funds. He asked whether additional funding sources exist or whether the county could help link providers to supports to keep trainees in programs.
Commissioners and staff encouraged the public speakers to meet with county economic development and Job and Family Services staff; one commissioner suggested they connect with Robert Bell, who handles economic and community initiatives. Commissioner comments during the meeting also highlighted the county's investment in workforce programs such as Building Futures and the Urban League-supported cohorts.
Why it matters: Commissioners noted the county has invested in workforce development and that coordinating training providers with transit and employer partners can reduce placement gaps. Speakers requested tangible connections to county procurement, employer partners, and potential funding so programs that include wraparound supports can remain viable.
