Recruiting People Seeking Rewarding Experiences In today's economy, it comes as no surprise that budgets are stretched. Nonprofits like HIRED are serving record numbers of people each and every day, and volunteers play an increasing role in the day-to-day work of the organization, helping to fill service gaps and give HIRED clients an edge in their employment searches. HIRED is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers across the organization's offices and programs who are willing to step in and lend a hand. Whether it's working on a resume with a client, helping lead a workshop on effective interviewing alongside a HIRED counselor, or tutoring in one of HIRED's youth programs, volunteers make a big impact on our mission to provide personalized and innovative work solutions. Take Roger Booth, for example, a friend and business acquaintance of HIRED for more than 15 years. When the chance arose for Booth to taste-test a three-course meal prepared and served by youth in HIRED's Culinary Training Program at Broadway High School, Booth gladly accepted the opportunity.
"It was a really good time," remarked Booth. "The students in the program were working against the clock to get the food on the table – similar to what they'd find in a real restaurant setting." And they met the challenge. The experience allowed Booth to interact with the students, and the trainer Chef Jeff, and give them some real-world insights. "I applaud the work HIRED does – giving people confidence and helping them realize that they can succeed. I am grateful for the opportunity to directly impact the mission." Whatever the commitment, HIRED promises your time will be personally rewarding. Amy Barwick, human resources director and coordinator of volunteers, said, "Certainly HIRED will benefit from any amount of time you're able to give, but more than that, we want each of our volunteers to feel that they've made a difference in helping Twin Cities residents – their neighbors – find work." For more information about volunteer opportunities at HIRED, visit our website or reference the list below. To sign up for any of these opportunities, please contact Amy Barwick by e-mail. |
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M-Powered Honored, New Graduates Enter the Workforce
And the accolades continue ... M-Powered, the highly successful manufacturing training program HIRED operates through partnerships with Hennepin Technical College and local employers, has received yet another honor, this time from the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MNSCU) system for its excellent curriculum. The award – accepted by Hennepin Technical College on behalf of all program partners – honors M-Powered's sustainable model and its success in providing industry-specific classroom coursework as well as on-the-job training with local employers.
Judy Swanson, a HIRED employee and M-Powered program manager, said, "We're fortunate to have such an outstanding partner in Hennepin Technical College. The recognition from MNSCU further reinforces the uniqueness of this program and its focus on producing results. It's hard to believe M-Powered has been going strong for nearly five years now. Having expanded the M-Powered program to include plastics and CNC curriculums, we're looking forward to future program enhancements and replicating the successful model across career fields."
M-Powered, which celebrated the achievements of 27 program participants at a recent graduation ceremony, has received national and international attention for its success in preparing workers for careers that pay a good wage and allow for advancement. If you'd like to learn more about M-Powered, please contact Judy Swanson by e-mail.
Counselor Spotlight: Beth Kleiter
Beth Kleiter is motivated. As a senior employment counselor at HIRED's Griggs-Midway office in St. Paul, she knows what it takes to help young parents and is extraordinarily resourceful in helping her clients access the free resources available to them. Some of the tools she's helped clients put their hands on recently include the book Power Source Parenting: Growing Up Strong and Raising Healthy Kids, donated by the Lionheart Foundation, and child development "pinwheels." These "pinwheels" benchmark a child's growth and development at specific ages and include information on what parents can do to help cultivate their child's learning.
Kleiter said, "I'm very passionate about serving HIRED clients, helping them succeed in every aspect of life. There are plenty of people and organizations out there willing to lend a hand – it's our responsibility as counselors to find those resources to help the people who need them the most."
HIRED
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