May '25 Newsletter
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| Welcome to Our Newsletter, We're Glad You're Here! |
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting a message from Nieal M. Smith-Ross, our Program Director in Chicago, IL. In this short video, Nieal reflects on how Mental Health First Aid skills can be applied in the workplace, shares practical ways to support your own mental health, and offers encouragement to those who may be hesitant to ask for help.
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| More than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to comprehensive, high-quality care. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of bringing attention to this disparity: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24... Read more in this article → |
| | Discover how workforce development is being redefined from the ground up in this episode of KRA’s The Hub. Claudia Cattouse-Regalado, Director of Relationship Management at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, shares her journey from frontline service roles to executive leadership and offers a vision for workforce as a system of mentorship, preparation, and economic transformation. You’ll hear how building shared language, aligning service delivery, and elevating real client stories can drive collective impact. Hear her story → |
| | This month, we’re revisiting a past conversation that remains just as relevant. In Episode 32 of The Hub, Jonathan Overall sat down with Rochele Burnette, National Trainer for Mental Health First Aid at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, to discuss what mental health looks like in the workplace—how it affects everyone, how stigma can show up in quiet ways, and how leaders can create space for support that goes beyond check-the-box efforts. Listen to this episode → |
As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, KRA is proud to highlight two significant initiatives that demonstrate our dedication to employee well-being and leadership excellence.
Spring 2025 Leadership Edge
KRA's biannual Leadership Edge bootcamps are a cornerstone of our learning and development initiatives, designed to foster continuous innovation and growth among our leadership team. The recent Spring 2025 event, held virtually from May 12 to 14, focused on People Management, Project Performance, and Innovative Service Delivery. This event also emphasized leader wellness and growth—aligning perfectly with the themes of Mental Health Awareness Month. The agenda was packed with insightful sessions, including “Wellness and Self-Care for Leaders,” “Active Listening and Emotional Intelligence for Leaders,” and “Time Management and Productivity for Leaders.” These sessions provided participants with tools to manage their well-being while effectively leading their teams. The event also featured interactive activities and discussions on employee engagement, onboarding, and managing relationships with clients and community stakeholders, ensuring a well-rounded approach to leadership development.
2025 Mental Health First Aider Cohort
In 2024, KRA partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to certify all KRA leaders as Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). This year, we extended the opportunity to our wider staff, reflecting our commitment to mental health and personal growth. In May 2025, our most recent cohort of front-line staff and new leaders completed the intensive live training required for certification, led by National Council Trainer Rochele Burnette. This training equips our team with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises, fostering a supportive and informed workplace environment. By empowering our staff with this knowledge, we are taking steps to ensure that mental well-being is prioritized at every level of our organization.
A Unified Commitment
Both the Leadership Edge event and our recent MHFA cohort highlight KRA's dedication to holistic employee wellness and leadership excellence. As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of these initiatives in promoting a culture of well-being and continuous improvement. We are also proud that KRA was recognized with the 2024 Silver Level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation—a testament to our commitment to creating a supportive and healthy work environment. By investing in leadership development and staff wellness, KRA is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient workforce.
| | In a significant move to bolster employment opportunities and economic growth in Baltimore City, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) and KRA have partnered to create a new workforce-development initiative to equip residents with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market, i.e., the FLEX (Focused Learning, Education, and Experience) Program. MOED works in concert with the Baltimore Workforce Development Board (BWDB)—the primary agent for management and oversight of... Continue reading → |
| | In June 2024, The Summit and Medina Workforce Development Board selected KRA to provide WIOA-funded Career, Business, and One-Stop Operator Services for Adult and Dislocated Workers through the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center Network, with offices in Akron [Summit County] and Medina [Medina County]. Melvin Jackson, KRA/OMJ Interim Program Director, reports, “Due to the effective collaborative efforts of our Business Services and Career Services Teams, Summit and Medina... Continue reading → |
| | April was National County Government Month, therefore it was fitting that on the 30th, NACo posted an article on its website related to a Federal initiative to prepare Americans for high-paying skilled trade jobs of the future through an alliance between the Departments of Labor, Education, and Commerce. The Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer—and the Secretaries of Commerce and Education—will be collaborating... Continue reading → |
| Jobs for the the Future (JFF): Horizons 2025 New Orleans, LA | |
| US Conference of Mayors, Workforce Development Council Tampa, FL | |
| Geographic Solutions: National Workforce Technology Conference Clearwater Beach, FL | |
| | We're hiring for multiple roles across the U.S. Our mission is to provide businesses with a trained and reliable workforce by preparing jobseekers for today’s competitive workplace and global economy through our career and business services. Become part of a dedicated team focused on changing lives and linking businesses with the talent they need to drive economic development. Apply today → |
KRA Corporation is a national leader in workforce development, dedicated to deploying comprehensive strategies, initiatives, and programs tailored to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals in the workforce. By partnering with federal, state, local workforce boards and human services agencies, we improve employability and drive economic development in regional communities, focusing on the evolving needs of business.
Services Offered:
Why Partner with KRA: Guided by our principles—Innovative Solutions, Exceptional Services, and Trusted Results—we leverage cutting-edge technology, proven methodologies, and inclusive practices to create real-life impact. From career services for jobseekers to talent-acquisition strategies for businesses, KRA is dedicated to transforming lives and communities. Our holistic approach extends to promoting economic equity, supporting mental health, and fostering inter-generational success.
Contact us today to discover how KRA can be your trusted partner in delivering impactful workforce solutions. Add us to your contact list for future procurement opportunities.
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