City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: KATE GARVEY, DIRECTOR,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Center for Economic Support Grant Award from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
BODY
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ISSUE: City Council to authorize the acceptance of a grant award from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to design and administer a Refugee Social Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Pilot for eligible residents. The grant period is November 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with possible renewal.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Authorize the acceptance of a VDSS Refugee Social Services grant award to DCHS in the amount of $500,000, for the duration of 11 months, with no match required; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents required to accept and implement the grant.
BACKGROUND: On August 5, 2026, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) approached the Workforce Development Center (WDC) about funding to operate a work-based learning pilot program for refugee and immigrant residents. VDSS sought to partner with local Departments of Social Services on this effort. Given Alexandria's OneStop employment services, WDC's track record with work-based learning programming, and the City's sizable population of eligible residents, VDSS identified WDC as a strong partner for the pilot. VDSS also noted that recent federal funding cuts to resettlement agencies have narrowed those agencies' focus to their core roles, positioning workforce one-stops such as WDC to take on a larger share of employment and training support for this population.
On September 8, VDSS confirmed that WDC would administer the RSSEP as a work-based learning pilot focused on employability services, case management, and employer engagement for refugee and immigrant residents. The program would run from November 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with the potential for continuation or renewal.
WDC has a well-established track record administering work-based learning (WBL) services and programs. WDC has previously administered successful WBL initiatives funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), achieving a 100% work-based placement rate and a 79% permanent job placement rate among participants, with an average wage of $23.02.
DISCUSSION: Accepting this grant would enable DCHS/CES Workforce Development Center to design and implement a client-centered, employer-connected work-based learning program for refugee and immigrant residents seeking employment and economic mobility. This work directly supports City Council's priority of reducing community disparities by expanding access to employment and training for Alexandria's most vulnerable residents.
Eligible residents must be 16 years of age or older and hold one of the following statuses:
1. Refugee
2. Afghan or Iraqi national with Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) status
3. Asylee
4. Cuban/Haitian entrant
5. Amerasian
6. Certified victim of human trafficking
The RSSEP Pilot will deliver services aligned with the Scope of Work and Deliverables required by VDSS, including:
• Employability assessments and Individual Employability Plans (IEPs) aligned with each client's Family Self-Sufficiency Plan
• Vocational training, skills recertification, and employer partnership development
• Work-based learning placements with Alexandria-area employers across in-demand industries
• Case management, information and referral, digital literacy, and English language support
• Transportation support, translation and interpretation services, and assistance with Employment Authorization Documents
• Coordination with Refugee Cash Assistance Program participation requirements
WDC will staff the pilot with a temporary Employment and Training Specialist, dedicated to RSSEP pilot, through a staffing agency for the grant period. Service delivery will be client-centered and adaptive, using in-person, virtual, and community-based settings as needed. WDC will track and report all performance metrics required by VDSS, including job placement rates, employer partnerships developed, vocational training completion rates, and Individual Employability Plan development.
WDC will integrate RSSEP into its existing intake process, screening all clients for RSSEP eligibility as they enter WDC's customer flow. Eligible clients will be routed to the service that best fits their needs - general employment services, career readiness workshops, or the 50+ Program - and co-enrolled in RSSEP as appropriate. This allows RSSEP participants to draw on WDC's full range of employment supports, including one-on-one counseling, job coaching, resume assistance, WIOA in-demand certifications, job fairs, and Meet the Industry events.
This work is consistent with DCHS/CES Workforce Development Center's FY27 and ALX Forward strategic priorities, including expansion of work-based learning funding, strengthened employer engagement, and equitable access to employment and career-connected pathways for all Alexandria residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant award totals $500,000, covering the full program period of November 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. No local match is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
STAFF:
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Lesa Gilbert, Director of Economic Support, DCHS