* “Be humble and acknowledge that you can never predict the Katrina and 911 moments that realign ones priorities and reveal what your true values are,” says Michael (Mike) Waltman, Manager of Strategic Planning and Training for the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, when asked about his plans for the future. He says, "there is a line from a country song that goes, 'If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.' There is a lot of truth to that," says Mike in this month’s interview.

*This month in Hot Topics Hurricane Recovery Services. This site connects recovery assistance workers with a range of employment and disaster relief services. Resources for the impacted states, as well as national resources, are included.

* U.S. Department of Labor Extends Disaster Unemployment Assistance Eligibility for Jobless in Hurricane Rita-Affected Region

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor extended through November 30 the time allowed for persons rendered jobless by Hurricane Rita to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The department also lengthened to 90 days the paperwork requirements needed to support an initial DUA application.

ETA News Release: U.S. Department of Labor Extends Disaster Unemployment Assistance Eligibility for Jobless in Hurricane Rita-Affected Region - 05-1833-NAT - [09/26/2005]

U.S. Department of Labor Launches Re-employment Partnership in Mississippi to Help Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced an expanded partnership with Manpower Inc., a Fortune 500 company that provides employment services to organizations, to help Mississippi workers displaced by Hurricane Katrina find new jobs. The initiative will leverage the resources and reach of One-Stop Career Centers and Manpower Inc. to deliver employment and training services that meet evacuees' long-term career needs.

* In this month’s Featured Programs U.S. Department of Labor Launches "Pathways to Employment" Initiative Expanding Employment Services for Hurricane Survivors-Career Counseling and Resources for Youths and the Disabled Aim for Rapid Return to Work

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Labor announced a new "Pathways to Employment" initiative to help evacuees and other survivors of the recent hurricanes find employment and training opportunities. "Pathways to Employment" provides targeted assistance to people based on individual needs, through the nationwide network of 3,500 One-Stop Career Centers located across the country. ETA News Release: U.S. Department of Labor Launches "Pathways to Employment" Initiative Expanding Employment Services for Hurricane Survivors - 05-1850-NAT - [09/30/2005]

* U.S. Department of Labor Selects Human Service Agencies in Five States for Training/Technical Assistance for People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON—Human service agencies in Maryland, District of Columbia, Illinois, Georgia, and North Dakota have been selected to take part in training and technical assistance programs for people with disabilities. “Today's agreements with these five states will help build effective partnerships between employers and employment service providers that will result in better jobs and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities,” said ODEP Assistant Secretary Roy Grizzard.

ODEP News Release: U.S. Department of Labor Selects Human Service Agencies in Five States for Training/Technical Assistance for People with Disabilities - 05-1804-NAT - [09/29/2005]

*Disability Mentoring Day To Be Held October 19

Disability Mentoring Day, a nationwide event that promotes career development for youth with disabilities, will be held this year on Wednesday, October 19. Both public and private employers provide one-on-one mentoring for students to learn about the preparation necessary to qualify for a range of jobs opportunities.

* Poster: Workers with Disabilities: Ready for Tomorrow's Jobs Today

Questions? Comments? Concerns? E-mail us anytime at workforce.tools@state.mn.us.