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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR JOINS WORKFORCE SERVICES

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Saturday, September 13, 2008 11:42 PM CDT

For many service organizations a primary goal is to help as many individuals as possible with everyday needs from food to clothing.

Willie Mae Baker assists a client with his job hunt. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald

Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 Pine St., subscribes to this goal as well, offering a thrift store, utilities assistance, meals each day and now a job search program through Arkansas Job-Link services.

The organization participates as a SHARE Network access point, which is open to faith-based and community organizations where job seekers can go in their own neighborhoods and look for jobs while being assisted by trained individuals who connect them to the Arkansas Job-Link system, a spokesman said.

Each organization is required to provide a minimum of 12 hours of assistance each week. Although services are open to anyone, the program is intended for those who may lack computer skills or may be uncomfortable using a computer. Plus, residents won’t have to drive or take a bus to an Arkansas Workforce Center, said Janice Roberts, state project leader for SHARE offered through the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.

It is free for those who participate and computers as well as assistance is provided. Eight sites are also offered outside of Pine Bluff.

“Pine Bluff is our only Jefferson County location, but we are always looking to open more sites,” added Roberts, who is also on the Pine Bluff City Council. “It is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor and was adopted through a grant in 2004.”

Neighbor to Neighbor began the program in June and though no one has found a job through the project yet, the organization is hopeful it is a long term asset to help peoplel with resumes, job listings and networking, said Charlotte England, executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor. The organization has one computer and the program is handled by Willie Mae Baker.

“We are glad to be in the program and hope it is a success,” added England. “Most people want to be independent and not have to ask for help.”

Details: 534-0151.

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