Programs funded through these contracts are asking for system help to create a more stable process that will allow for planning and program stability. Connections to employers and jobs have improved and are easier to locate on-line than in 1997. Access to information and referrals has also improved, especially since Multnomah County programs were added to Oregon Pathways. Processes have been streamlined with more services available to more people regardless of eligibility. The mandate to provide universal access in the one stop resource centers has made core services available, at those sites, to all persons over 16 years of age.
Organizations feel overwhelmed and overloaded.
Staff burn-out is a serious fear. This is an issue the system should address. When state and federal mandates create new tasks, old tasks need to be evaluated to determine what can go away. The system cannot continue to add new people, additional work, new evaluation procedures, etc., without additional resources or workload reduction. Realistic expectations about what can be accomplished with existing resources need to be determined.