From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...
In light of the unfortunate closure of ValueHealth/Benefit Management LLC and the resulting job losses, I wanted to share with you how the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and partners are responding and outline the steps we are taking to assist those affected.Response and Ongoing Efforts:
- Rapid Response Coordination: We are actively working in partnership with KansasWorks, Great Bend Economic Development, and Barton Community College to organize a Rapid Response event. This will provide immediate support and resources to those who have been left unemployed.In the meantime, if you know someone affected by this closure, please direct them to Maria Gamez at KansasWorks. She can provide access to a wide range of direct services, benefits, training opportunities, and income support. - Maria Gamez - Kansas WorkforceONE Employment Specialist, CWDP - KANSASWORKS – Great Bend - 1025 Main St - Phone: 620-793-5445 | Cell: 620-214-0377 | Fax: 620-793-3188 | TTY: 711 - Email: maria@kansasworkforceone.org
- In the meantime, if you know someone affected by this closure, please direct them to Maria Gamez at KansasWorks. She can provide access to a wide range of direct services, benefits, training opportunities, and income support. - Maria Gamez - Kansas WorkforceONE Employment Specialist, CWDP - KANSASWORKS – Great Bend - 1025 Main St - Phone: 620-793-5445 | Cell: 620-214-0377 | Fax: 620-793-3188 | TTY: 711 - Email: maria@kansasworkforceone.org
- Community Support: Our team has been fielding numerous calls from concerned citizens, our members, customers of ValueHealth, and various agencies who wish to offer their help to those impacted.
- Emergency Response Page: We are launching an Emergency Response page on our website, similar to what we created during the COVID-19 pandemic and the July 2023 storm. This page will serve as a resource hub for displaced employees and any businesses struggling with the ripple effects of this closure. Please watch our social media and emails for the release once completed.
- Job Postings: We encourage our members to post their open positions on Central Kansas Jobs and KansasWorks. This will help connect those seeking employment with available opportunities in our community.https://centralkansasjobs.com/https://www.kansasworks.com/employer
- https://centralkansasjobs.com/
- https://www.kansasworks.com/employer
Additional Resources:
- Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas: We’ve also spoken with Rebecca Ford from Catholic Charities, who has assured us that they are ready to assist as well. If you know anyone in need, they should contact the Catholic Charities office at 620-792-1393 for potential support with rent, utilities, hygiene items, and referrals for unemployment and other essential services.