Saturday, May 23, 2009

Churches Launch, Expand Programs to Help Jobseekers

Link to May 23 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, "Churches offer help to job hunters".

Excerpt: In March, Wisconsin's unemployment rate hit 9.4%, nearly double the rate a year earlier and the highest in 26 years, according to the Department of Workforce Development.

To stem that tide, faith communities have begun offering employment workshops and seminars, networking and support groups, even one-on-one coaching covering everything from résumé writing to interviewing skills.

"Churches have to meet people where they are, and this is where some of us are right now," said the Rev. Bonnie Stafford, interim associate pastor at Wauwatosa Presbyterian, which launched its networking group in January.

"That's what church is about - networking. We're sharing together as a community our love of God."

Central city congregations have long offered job training and readiness as part of their ministries. But the widespread nature of the latest recession has spread the pain across employment sectors and socioeconomic strata.

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