Second Chance Job Fair Job Fair Aimed at Empowerment

Second Chance Job Fair

Innovative Job Fair Aimed at Empowerment

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

In a landscape often painted with economic uncertainty, the Ironton First Church of the Nazarene is stepping up to offer a beacon of hope for families across the Tri-State area.Recognizing the financial pressures faced by so many—from soaring housing costs and utility bills to the persistent challenge of finding stable, well-paying jobs—the church is hosting a unique community job fair on April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This isn’t your typical job fair; it’s a relational and empowering experience designed to connect job seekers with real opportunities and the resources they need to thrive.

Located just across the river, the Ironton First Church of the Nazarene will transform into a hub of opportunity, offering job seekers assistance with résumé building, interview preparation, and personalized job coaching. The goal? To equip attendees with the confidence and skills needed to secure the employment they desire.

This much-needed event is part of a larger national movement facilitated by the non-profit organization Better Together. This innovative approach focuses on making the job search process less transactional and more centered on building relationships and fostering empowerment. Forget the impersonal rows of booths and rushed conversations.

This job fair emphasizes meaningful connections and personalized support. From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., attendees will have the opportunity to refine their skills and prepare for success. Then, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the doors will open to a diverse range of local employers actively hiring NOW! But this event offers more than just potential job opportunities. It provides access to vital community resources and the support of dedicated volunteers from both the church and the community, offering one-on-one job coaching and invaluable moral support. The church’s own pastor, “Pastor Rob,” shared the following regarding the quickly approaching event:

“At Ironton First Church of the Nazarene, we want to love and empower our neighbors. That is why we are excited for this job fair, so we can help people step into their God-given talents and embrace who they were born to be - beautiful, dignified, and unique.”

Several of the confirmed employer partners include…CJ Hughes Construction, STAR Community Justice Center, Lucasville State Prison, Pathways Inc., McGinnis Inc., Superior Marine Repair Painting, People Ready, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Quick Response Inc., The Armory Steakhouse, Brown Landscape Management, the U.S. Coast Guard, and several more.

What truly sets this job fair apart is its commitment to inclusivity. Several participating employers are open to hiring individuals who may have faced past challenges, including those with prior convictions or other barriers to employment. This commitment to second chances underscores the church's mission to empower individuals.

Some of the resource partners attending and contributing to the event include: Peoples Bank, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services, Ironton Lawrence Community Action, Shawnee State University, Scioto County Career & Technical Center, KY Career Center, and The Neighborhood.

In a particularly commendable effort to break down barriers to employment, several of the participating employers have expressed a willingness to consider hiring individuals with prior convictions or other challenges that often make it difficult to find work. This commitment to inclusivity underscores the event's dedication to empowering all members of the community to achieve their full potential.

If you're looking for a job, a new career path, or just a helping hand, make sure to mark your calendar for April 30 and join this inspiring event. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and empower yourself to achieve your career goals.

For more information on the job fair and the national movement, visit:

bettertogetherus.org/better-jobs. For media inquiries, please contact cestevens40@gmail.com.