Maricopa County Selects New Location for Workforce, Head Start Offices to Better Serve Community
June 2022
Job seekers and families seeking Head Start and career services in Mesa and the surrounding community will have more convenient access. Maricopa County held a grand opening ceremony for its new Human Services Division East Valley Center located at 1001 W. Southern Ave. in Mesa.
The facility, now more conveniently located and accessible by public transportation routes, will house both Early Education and Workforce Development services offered at no cost to those who qualify.
“Housing workforce development and early education services under one roof is more convenient for residents and more cost-efficient for taxpayers,” said Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “The conversations that happen here will lead to more stability, more financial freedom, and a better quality of life for the individuals and families who choose to connect with us.”
Through the Workforce Development programming, job seekers who live anywhere in Maricopa County will have access to computers for job searching and creating resumes. Career Specialists will be on site to offer youth and adult career guidance services, training courses, and resume assistance. The facility is equipped with a computer lab to accommodate courses that help job seekers of all ages and career stages learn new skills and become more effective in their job search. The facility features a large gathering space that will be the site of numerous job fairs that provide job seekers and local businesses an opportunity to meet face-to-face. In some cases, employers conduct on-site interviews and job offers.
“Two of the most important factors in communities with a high quality of life are access to stable, good-paying jobs and access to quality education,” said Supervisor Tom Galvin, District 2. “This facility brings both to East Valley families and will do so for years to come.”
Pregnant women and families with children ages birth to five years old will be using the facility as they enroll their children in Early Head Start and Head Start. The facility offers private meeting rooms where Family Support Specialists meet with program applicants. Both Head Start programs are offered at no cost to eligible families and include full-day childcare, snacks, meals, and health screenings and immunizations conducted by an on-site Registered Nurse.
“Maricopa County’s Head Start classrooms are so impressive in the type of education they provide children 5 and younger, but even better is the support they provide to entire families,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “I’m proud of the investments the County has made in our families and our future, and I’m grateful to the staff who provide the direct assistance.”
The facility contains a model classroom where enrolling families can see the fun, safe environment offered by the program. The model classroom will also be used to train new staff to ensure that the high standards for health, safety, and educational outcomes are upheld.
Officials from the County, the City of Mesa, and state agencies were on hand to help dedicate the new facility that officially opens to the public on June 20.
For more information on the no-cost services available from Maricopa County Human Services, visit HSD.maricopa.gov.
About Maricopa County Human Services
The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, and homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers, workforce development services for businesses, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at HSD.maricopa.gov.
Early Education Division
The Early Education Division (EED) of Maricopa County Human Services offers comprehensive child development services for young children from birth to age five as well as pregnant women, and their families. Through Head Start and Early Head Start, the division promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development with the inclusion of family and culture so they are all better prepared for future success. EED serves more than 1,000 at-risk children and their families with a team of dedicated professionals in the classroom and beyond. In addition to the classroom teachers and teacher aides who provide a full day of engaging educational and social engagement for children, EED has a team of registered nurses who provide immunizations and health services, site supervisors who keep the childcare centers safe, clean and welcoming as well as family support specialists who meet with the families and provide support as well as connection to resources that can including employment, housing, food, clothing, and other services.
Workforce Development Division
The Workforce Development Division (WDD) of Maricopa County Human Services offers comprehensive services to job seekers as well as workforce services for businesses operating within the county. Through a network of strategically located centers that include Maricopa County libraries and career centers, WDD offers youth and adult career seekers access to training, skills, certifications, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities to help county residents identify, develop and pursue their career goals and match their skillsets to employment opportunities. WDD also partners with employers of all sizes and types to recruit, develop and retain the best employees for their needs. WDD and its team of career and business support specialists are part of the ARIZONA@WORK statewide workforce development network.
