Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is breaking down employment barriers by hosting a series of background-friendly job fairs on April 16 and 18 as part of its Nationwide Days of Second Chances. The nonprofit is hosting events in partnership with churches across the country – including Florida, Kentucky and Washington, D.C. – and invites local job seekers and hiring employers to register.
To support job seekers who are faced with challenges to re-entering the workforce, Better Together’s Nationwide Days of Second Chances brings churches, volunteers, businesses and nonprofits together to host two coordinated days of job fairs that promote the power of second chances for neighbors facing barriers to employment. These barriers can include incarceration, homelessness and lack of transportation or child care, or gaps on a resume due to unemployment.
“Our Days of Second Chances aims to help job seekers overcome barriers by providing job coaching and resources to help them succeed in their search for employment,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “With a network of background-friendly employers and resources available, these events will bring hope and opportunity to those working to achieve independence and financial stability.”
Job fairs will feature employers who are prepared to interview job seekers and offer jobs on the spot. Nationwide Days of Second Chances events will be hosted on April 16 and 18 at the following times and locations:
- Largo, FL – April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Living Hope Church, 11633 137th St.
- Miami, FL – April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miami Vineyard Community Church, 12727 SW 122nd Ave.
- Jacksonville, FL – April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northside Church of Christ, 4736 Ave. B
- St. Petersburg, FL – April 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northwest Church of Christ, 6355 38th Ave. N.
- Fort Myers, FL – April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Church, 2415 Grand Ave.
- Jacksonville, FL – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gardenview Baptist Church, 3139 Armsdale Road
- Lehigh Acres, FL – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rise Christian Church, 50 Bell Blvd. N.
- Lexington, KY – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Bluegrass Community Church at The Nathaniel Mission, 1109 Versailles Road
- Ocala, FL – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Breadbreakers Church, 7325 E. Highway 25, Belleview
- Port St. Lucie, FL – April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Port St. Lucie SDA Church, 320 SW Tulip Blvd.
- St. Petersburg, FL – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at BridgePoint Church, 737 Third Ave. N.
- Washington, D.C. – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Anacostia River Church at the DC Dream Center, 2826 Q St. SE.
Nationwide Days of Second Chances is part of Better Together’s workforce outreach, which has helped 42,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 22 states. At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and 1 in 4 receive a job offer on the spot. Some 70% find work within six weeks.
The church-based job fairs not only connect job seekers with local employers who offer on-the-spot job opportunities, but also provide resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are made available to job seekers to review resumes and interviewing skills, and additional services, such as free haircuts and clothing, are also encouraged.
Nearly all job seekers leave with hope in their hearts as the Better Jobs model encourages celebration of their wins. One way that’s done is through the opportunity bell, which rings whenever anyone gets a job offer or interview.
Job seekers, employers and churches interested in participating in a Better Together job fair for Nationwide Days of Second Chances can visit BetterTogetherUS.org/NWDSC for more information on local events and the latest list of participating locations. Job seekers may also text “JOBS” to 844-987-3949 to register for an area job fair..