Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) is working to ease the barriers that prevent job seekers from securing careers.
Last month, the agency hosted a workforce symposium at Oak Hill Renaissance Place to hear from job seekers about their challenges and connect them with ways to overcome them.
“It was hard to convey the concept of having empowerment sessions for the most vulnerable and unemployed in the community,” said MYCAP Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Montes.
Montes followed one attendee who started to leave early. The frustrated man wanted a more immediate solution to his unemployment. He reluctantly returned and shared his story.
“He said ‘I have a criminal background, but I have done my time and I just need a chance,’” Montes relayed.
The man wound up being connected with a manufacturer in the room who spoke to him about a position.
“The event went on and I saw a smile,” Montes said. “He thanked me three times for making him stay. We laughed.”
Montes explained the goal of the symposium is to maintain contact with the people who attended and help them reach their employment and career goals.
