GB's YA Job Fair Signs Up 295! YEA!

Dallas Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "The Urban Core held a Young Adult Job Fair, June 12,  at GB that rocked the house from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Thanks to the efforts of JPL’s Community Relations and Marketing department, social media, radio, television, and word-of-mouth, it was obvious that news of the event hit a grateful nerve in the community. 

For hours before the event began, Graham’s telephones rang almost nonstop with calls from people confirming the time, location, asking what to bring, etc. When the community doors opened, 10 businesses and career agencies were set up and ready to receive questions and dole out literature, freebies (logo pencils, candy, tote bags etc) to many eager young adults who were ready to go to work. A total of 295 young adults signed in for the Job Fair after patiently waiting in a line that wrapped around the inside of the library and outside down the sidewalk. 

The event would not have been possible without the commitment and energy of the Graham Branch Staff and the Young Adult Job Fair Committee which included staff from each of the Urban libraries. For the last several months the committee contacted businesses, created table-top signs for each business, customized raffle tickets, prepared treat bags, and stuffed pocket folders with job-related literature. In the month prior to the Fair, The Jacksonville Urban League and library staff conducted career workshops around the Urban Core on interviewing skills, how to dress and prepare resumes so the attendees could be ready for this event. For example, for each Career Workshop, Graham Branch Library Assistant

Tyhedra Wilson went on location with a handful of neckties and taught the attendees how to tie a necktie. The workshops were hands-on and contained value added perks provided by library staff. 

 "What can only be described as an overwhelming response, the Job Fair brought out many young adults to the event in the hopes of acquiring a summer job or work experience to kick start their careers.

"We appreciate everyone who participated in this very successful event:

"Young Adult Job Fair Committee Members: Gloria Armstrong, Michelle Dubois, Linda Griffin Foresto, Jackie Spiritas, Antoinette Walker, Susan Williamson. Supportive Roles:  Leroy Harrison IV, Amber Holley, Pat Morrison, Luis Terron, Tyhedra Wilson, and Eva Newton.

"These Businesses/Career Resources were represented: Advance Auto Parts, The Armed Forces, CareerSource Florida, Checkers, Fresh Ministries, Habijax, Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), Nemours Children's Services, Publix, and Randstad Staffing.

"Door prizes were donated by: Nemours Children’s Services, Checkers, Gale Databases, and Shear Finesse Beauty Academy."