Worker Income Security Program (WISP)

Working Together to Develop Your Workforce

The Worker Income Security Program - WISP is a multi-faceted business and workforce development program geared towards manufacturers and small businesses in Los Angeles County. Our goal is to strengthen the workforce.

A Business Owner Speaks

"Suss and I are just grateful that we can do more for the people who everyday give us their best. That is why we participate and would encourage any company to participate in the WISP program. Whether your workers show you their appreciation or not is barely the issue, as an owner you're just proud to give them something that can simply better their lives."

Brian Cousins
Owner, Suss Design

Business Benefits

• Staff Training
• Reduced turnovers
• Keeping high quality employees
• Improved workplace communications
• Increased morale and motivation

What Employees Receive

• ESL/Basic skills training
• An Individual Development Account (IDA) savings program
• Financial literacy training
• Follow-up counseling and referral

All of the services are provided free of charge. The only expense to you is the employees' time for training.

How it works

Participating and succeeding in the program are as easy as the following Five Steps.

Step 1. Application/Selection - After you call us we will send you an information package with an application. Once submitted, we will set up an informational meeting to determine if the program fits your needs.

Step 2. Orientation/Needs Assessment - If you are selected to participate in the program, we will schedule a meeting with you and your management team to plan the training and to ascertain your workforce needs.

Step 3. Training - Once scheduled, interested employees will participate in the financial literacy (7.5 hours) and ESL/Basic Skills training (40 hours). The financial Literacy training is a short course that includes building credit, budgeting, buying a home, starting a small business and investing in education. The ESL/Basic Skills training is a specialized training catered to your business needs. If you need your employees to learn certain production terms in English, for example, we will integrate them into the curriculum.

Step 4. Monthly Follow up - After the training, we will follow up with you and your employees to ensure they are reaching their educational and financial goals and that our services are benefiting your business.

Step 5. Evaluation - After the initial six-month period we will meet to assess program outcomes and future program goals. At this point you can elect to end the relationship if you feel you are not benefiting from the partnership.

What is an IDA savings program?

An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a matched savings program for low-income individuals. Qualified employees can save $20 to $40 a month and at the end of two years their money will triple. They receive $2 for every $1 they save! They can use this money to buy or repair a home, start a small business, or invest in education.

Who is eligible for the program?

• Workers who earn less than $28,000
• Small to medium-sized manufacturers and small businesses whose employees reside in a primarily low-income area.