On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Director of Workforce Systems Stefanie Bradshaw served as a panelist for the Alameda County Workforce Development Board’s “Expand Your Talent Pool- Job Seekers Experiencing Homelessness” panel discussion. The event was designed to help employers better understand tax benefits and credits that come with hiring the unhoused population. The panel was comprised of local employment service providers, including the CoA Career and Employment Center, local non-profits, and members of the community who have experienced homelessness.

College of Alameda was the only community college invited by Alameda County to participate in the county-wide panel and discuss its best practices for supporting homeless community members. Bradshaw also invited a former client, Eugene Rosebud, to serve on the panel. Rosebud spoke about his unique experience with homelessness, which included finding himself homeless upon re-entering society after serving 20 years in jail. Bradshaw first met Eugene in 2020 when she ramped up efforts to serve vulnerable members of our community. During the pandemic, she partnered with local non-profits that serve the re-entry/formerly incarcerated population. The CoA Career Center connected provided services for Rosebud, including job placement and using CARES Act funding to help secure his first apartment in 20 years.