Exodus Refugee’s Resource Room opened in February, and staff has already had the pleasure of serving over 20 individual clients who are seeking employment support. Generously made possible through grant funds, this space is a drop-in computer lab for clients to complete job applications, do internet searches, and paper applications are of course always on hand! Clients can receive individualized employment support as the Resource Room is always staffed with both interns and Employment Staff!
Our Employment Department encourages clients to attend during open hours to discuss their individual employment efforts, needs, and concerns. Open 2 days a week for 2 hours at a time, this format provides a structured timeframe and environment to deliver employment services in a comprehensive way. Special considerations are always also made for clients who cannot attend during these hours and staff always does their best to accommodate clients’ individual scheduling needs. This service offered has also expanded to include workshops focused on resume building and writing, which also provides an excellent opportunity for community volunteers to get involved! Not only is this a great service to provide to our clients, but the time and materials donated may also be counted as “match” towards our Matching Grant Program.
One other resource available is the “interview clothes closet” where interview appropriate clothing for both men and women is available to clients if they need it before a job interview. Donations and a few bought items stock the “clothes closet”. Recently, a client who completed our Hospitality Training Program accessed items from the closet for a hotel housekeeping job interview at a local downtown hotel, and she was offered the job on the spot!
All of these services combined have created a space that is designed for our clients to have a place that is devoted entirely to them and their quest of obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment! Employment Staff is dedicated to taking any and all necessary steps to provide continuing support towards clients’ employment needs, which undoubtedly is THE gateway towards our ultimate goal of self-sufficiency!
What kinds of resources are available in your community to assist refugees who are seeking work?
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