First job fair and biz fashion show from FamilyLinks

FamilyLinks, a nonprofit connecting families to a variety of social services, has been taking kids to job fairs via their BNY Mellon Pathways Program for several years now. Pathways helps those 16 to 21 who have been involved with the county’s Department of Human Services (particularly the Children, Youth and Families office, which is in charge of foster care) to gain employment skills.

“The population we work comes with a lot of issues,” including serious grief and loss, says Kelly Dillard, program manager. “Building relationships is not necessarily one of their greater skills.” That includes managing conflict on the job, and working through anger.

The Pathways teaches participants how to fill out job applications, write resumes, cover letters and thank you notes and open checking and savings accounts. Two of the skills – finding the right interview clothing and getting through the interview – will get extra help when Pathways holds its first job fair for members on Aug. 14.

The job fair will feature a fashion show of Pathways participants modeling proper interview attire. Company reps who have helped with the Pathways Program in the past will act as mock interviewers, asking the models common job interview questions, which they will answer in front of the audience.

“With the kids, you have to grab their attention, make them a part of the actual event,” says Dillard – hence the fashion show and live interviews.

About 120 kids have been through the three-year-old Pathways Program. It has recently gotten increased funding to launch a retail and customer-service certification program for youth in Pathways, with enrollment starting around October.

“I would love to replicate it year after year, so kids look forward to the event,” Dillard says of the job fair. “It’s great to know you’ve influenced a young person and helped them actually get a job – and keep it.”

Writer: Marty Levine

Source: Kelly Dillard, FamilyLinks