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Orange County WDBs PY 2025-28 Unified Local Plan <br /> <br />19 | Page <br /> <br />By implementing these strategies, the WDBs will strengthen employer engagement, <br />expand service accessibility, and create a sustainable workforce pipeline to support <br />individuals with disabilities in securing competitive integrated employment. <br /> <br />D. Coordination with Community-Based Organizations and Other Local Partners <br />That Serve Individuals Who Are English Language Learners, Foreign Born, <br />and/or Refugees <br /> <br />The WDBs collaborate with community-based organizations, adult education <br />providers, and immigrant-serving agencies to help English language learners (ELLs), <br />foreign-born individuals, and refugees access workforce services and secure <br />employment. These partnerships focus on reducing language barriers, providing <br />culturally responsive employment services, and expanding access to training and <br />career opportunities. <br /> <br />The WDBs work closely with local adult education programs, community colleges, and <br />nonprofit organizations that offer ESL courses, vocational training, and job placement <br />support. Recognizing the challenges these populations face in navigating the <br />workforce system, the Boards are committed to improving outreach, strengthening <br />referral coordination, and enhancing service accessibility. <br /> <br />Stakeholder meetings identified barriers preventing ELLs, foreign-born individuals, <br />and refugees from fully accessing workforce services. Challenges include translating <br />foreign credentials, unclear referral pathways, language barriers, and difficulty <br />navigating workforce systems. Limited awareness, transportation, and childcare <br />obstacles further restrict participation in training and job searches. Stakeholders <br />emphasized the need for better service coordination to streamline referrals and avoid <br />duplication. Additionally, culturally inclusive job readiness training is essential to help <br />individuals adapt to U.S. workplace norms, hiring processes, and professional <br />communication. <br /> <br />Ongoing Collaboration and Service Coordination <br /> <br />The WDBs, CBOs, and local workforce system partners collaborate to enhance <br />workforce services for ELLs, foreign-born individuals, and refugees. Current efforts <br />include: <br /> <br />• Partnering with libraries, adult education providers, and nonprofits to expand <br />workforce resources and ESL learning opportunities. <br />• Providing cross-training for workforce staff and immigrant-serving organizations to <br />improve understanding of WIOA eligibility, enrollment processes, and career <br />services. <br />• Developing outreach materials in multiple languages to improve awareness and <br />accessibility of workforce programs. <br />• Leveraging community spaces such as churches, cultural centers, and local <br />nonprofits for culturally sensitive outreach and service delivery. <br />EXHIBIT 2