The AT&T Foundation recently announced that a grant for $250,000 was given to SAMMinistries to expand our existing Employment Readiness and Job Training Program.  With this added funding, participants in the program will have more opportunities for job placement and individualized assistance.
     This extended service will also include testing and/or assessments for employment interests, aptitude, and educational and job readiness skills administered by collaborating partners.  
Once their assessments are completed, Job Coach Susie Cadena will meet with each candidate and interview them to complete their individual service plan.  She will also help them with resumes, applications, and provide those who are ready with job leads.
     In addition to her assistance, each individual will have access to computers to help with software training, resume building, and job searching  opportunities.  
     Once placed into a work program, Cadena will conduct on site visits designed to help the individual move closer to their ultimate employment. Mitch Herrick, Employment Development Specialist for SAMMinistries, will act as a “community builder,” engaging area employers to share their expectations and the skills that their future employees will need.
     In turn, this will help train participants in their selected career fields and align the needs of the local businesses with the trainees’ skills.  This is a real win-win situation for the workers and the community.
     Additionally,  Herrick will network and collaborate with other organizations to provide services to help further employment opportunities through GED classes and testing, academic programs, certificate programming, or field specialized job training.
     Between the educational and job training opportunities, the participants in this program will be better equipped to get the right job for their skill sets and much more!
     Herrick commented on the program, as a whole, “The job-training program will allow these individuals to become more well-rounded through a variety of classes and job training environments.  As they enhance and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the work environment, their confidence levels and attitudes about their work and life will most certainly improve.”
     SAMMinistries is excited about the future of our employment readiness and job training program as it expands further to meet the life-changing needs of those we serve.