Workforce Support on the Justice Bus

ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Title 1B team members, Career Coaches Cori Cusker and James Betoney, participated in the August 15 Justice Bus event in Tuba City. They provided career services alongside community partners, ensuring workforce support was accessible to residents and reinforcing our commitment to meeting people where they are.

Photo credit: Dianna Kalandros, Director, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Honoring the Navajo Code Talkers at Window Rock Stand Down

ARIZONA@WORK Title III service provider, Department of Economic Security, was honored to attend the Window Rock Stand Down on August 14, recognizing the Navajo Code Talkers whose unbreakable language code shaped World War II history. Highlights included a flag flown over Pearl Harbor shared by staff member Ted, a moving color guard presentation, and the recognition of one of the last living Code Talkers. This meaningful event reminded us of the enduring legacy and sacrifice of these heroes.

ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County at Flagstaff Shelter Services Pizzapalooza

On August 21, Eckerd Connects staff, Cori Cusker and Sandra Darling, joined Flagstaff Shelter Services’ Pizzapalooza, where Pizzicletta served over 180 fresh, wood-fired pizzas to shelter residents. Alongside Front Door and other partners, our team shared workforce resources to help participants take steps toward employment.

Photo credit: Flagstaff Shelter Services

ARIZONA@WORK Core Partners Launch Weekly Public Workshops in Flagstaff

ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County core partners are now hosting weekly public workshops designed to help job seekers build essential skills, gain confidence, and prepare for career success. These workshops will repeat every Wednesday.

Location: 1701 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Upcoming Workshop Schedule:

• September 2 – Budgeting for Life: Presented by Danielle Bonfig, 2021 Arizona Economic Education Teacher of the Year and NAU’s Economic Policy Institute Community Program Coordinator, Sr.

• September 10 – Job Tips for Justice-Involved: Career readiness tips to support second chances and successful re-entry.

• September 17 – Goodwill’s Personal Branding: Learn how to build your personal brand to stand out in today’s job market.

• September 24 – Your Skills, Your Story: Identify and present your skills with confidence to shine in interviews.

• October 1 – Showing Up to the Interview: Learn how to make a strong first impression that increases your chances of being hired.

Special thanks to Sandra Darling, Program Manager at Eckerd Connects, for leading this workshop series.

Preparing the Next Generation: EXPLO Success Stories

Shared by Sandra Darling, Program Manager, Coconino County, Eckerd Connects

Tynkertopia has served over 10,000 children aged 0-13 and their families each year since its inception in 2018 and has recently expanded the organization’s impact with the creation of Tynkertopia MakerSpace, a second facility dedicated to teens and young adults. This innovative space equips youth with future-ready skills in technology, digital fabrication, and creative problem-solving, preparing them for success in higher education and the 21st-century workforce.

After working an eight-week EXPLO with Tynkertopia, helping out at camps and with the new space M has stepped into a short On The Job Training experience to expand his skills and build his resume into a future in the construction field.

H also worked at Tynkertopia supporting summer camp youth and building confidence and the network to help her to take the giant leap this school year and apply at Flagstaff Unified School District - she started in August as a Paraprofessional at Marshall Middle School.

In other news from the EXPLO, L has joined the National Guard to serve her country and build her resume on her path to serving her community as a police officer after her time with the Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. D moved to Austin, TX and wants to continue working in Agriculture after his time with Forestdale Farms. 

We continue to build connections to a diverse group of community employers willing to host six-week Work Experiences for the eligible Youth we serve as well as EXPLO focused curriculum with the Engage app for an impactful experience that changes lives.