Employer Spotlight: Troy Allen

Troy Allen, plant human resources manager at ConAgra Foods, has nothing but glowing remarks for HIRED. Having learned of the organization when ConAgra closed its Edina location, Allen was charged with helping soon-to-be-laid-off employees transition and find new employment. "I wasn't sure what to expect," said Allen. "Our employees were going through a really difficult time, but HIRED treated everyone with respect. From the very first introduction, I knew HIRED was a one-of-a-kind organization. Everyone was so friendly, positive and supportive."

Since that first meeting, Allen has continued his support for HIRED. He's currently serving on the Employer Advisory Board – a group of human resource professionals who help to ensure that HIRED's policies and programs align closely with the realities of the employment marketplace. He also actively encourages other employers to tap into HIRED's resources. "I tell everyone I know to talk to HIRED," said Allen. "It's an organization that can really help."

For more information about how your organization could benefit from HIRED's services, contact Nancy James, senior program director, at 612-302-8509 or by e-mail.

M-Powered Graduates Celebrate Achievements

On Tuesday evening, in the presence of friends, family members, job counselors, HIRED supporters, instructors and local media representatives, 35 students graduated from the M-Powered manufacturing training program.

M-Powered, which prepares workers for careers in metalforming and plastics manufacturing, has received accolades from local, national and international leaders for its innovative programming and ability to launch job seekers into careers that pay a good wage and allow for advancement. Many of this fall's graduates are either already working with local manufacturing firms or set to begin work soon. 

"M-Powered is a great success – so much so, in fact, it is being replicated in South Africa," said HIRED Senior Program Director Nancy James. "It's a perfect example of HIRED's multi-faceted approach to work solutions. We are helping people get jobs and assisting in workforce development at the same time."

HIRED Collects Cell Phones for Victims of Domestic Violence

This fall HIRED's Beth Kleiter, a senior family stabilization counselor in HIRED's St. Paul office, helped to coordinate a cell phone drive for families that have been victims of domestic violence. In partnership with the St. Paul Intervention Project, HIRED collected old cell phones from employees and clients to be handed out to victims of domestic violence for use in emergency situations.

Kleiter remarked that the project was a good match for HIRED's client base – which ranges from low-income families to top-level executives – and the organization's emphasis on helping individuals and their families achieve self-sufficiency. For some people, this includes making plans for personal and family safety.

"Many people don't know that old cell phones can be put to good use," said Kleiter. "Even if the phone service has been discontinued, all cell phones – regardless of the carrier – will dial 911 if the battery is fully charged."

HIRED's partnership with the St. Paul Intervention Project is just one example of how the organization partners with area nonprofits to give job seekers the specific tools they need to gain stability and self-sufficiency without duplicating program services in the community.