Economic Development Programs

Fatherhood Initiative

Fatherhood Initiative exists to train fathers to be successful in raising their children and desires to place them in successful jobs to take care of their families. We work to train these men in marketable skills to assist them in becoming more employable within companies. We equip them with parenting skills and relationship skills to help them become better fathers. We also teach them financial literacy skills to empower them to make better financial decision for themselves and for their families.

WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was created in 2014 to promote program coordination and alignment of key employment, education and training programs at the Federal, State, regional and local level.  WIOA was designed to provide workforce investment activities to increase employment, retention and earnings and the attainment of recognized post secondary credentials.  Through these activities, the quality of the workforce will improve, economic self sufficiency will increase and workers will meet the skill requirements of employers and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of our nation. 

The DCWIOA Program is committed to delivering services to eligible youth in Dallas County and strives to help bring the future dreams of these youth to fruition. The Dallas County Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act team takes pride in guiding and mentoring the youth in reaching their highest potential. 

Black Belt Workforce Initiative

The Blackbelt Workforce Initiative was established in May 2019 as a result of Dallas County District Court, State Adult Education, State Workforce Officials and the Central Alabama Works Division collaborating to identify solutions for individuals in the Black Belt who are in need of work readiness skills.

The mission of the BBWI is to increase workforce participating through a commitment of professional collaboration, intensive vocational preparation, legal accountability and intervention strategies that focus on the needs of the individual, their family and the community as a whole.

Job Court

Job Court was developed under the direction of Judge Bob Armstrong. This court is a mandatory court ordered program where a single presiding Judge and a dedicated team of staff work toward breaking the cycle of repeat offenders with little vocational preparedness.

Job Court utilizes regular court appearances, job skill career readiness classes, industry tours, skills development, certificate attainment, family development sessions and a schedule of incentives / sanctions as needed.