Fair to connect jobs with people

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD Springfield Partners for Community Action is teaming up with Reliable Temps to offer a Job Fair on Nov. 29 to showcase temporary and seasonal work opportunities in the area.

"Since our mission is 'to empower people in need to attain self-sufficiency and economic stability,' helping residents with employment opportunities is a step toward accomplishing our mission," said Paul F. Bailey, executive director, Springfield Partners, during an interview with Reminder Publications. Springfield Partners is the federally designated Community Action Agency serving Springfield.

The 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Job Fair is planned at 619 State St., the home of Springfield Partners, and is open to residents across the valley. Reliable Temps, a locally owned temporary employment agency, will have representatives on hand to answer questions and help applicants review work opportunities.

Bailey noted that temporary employment exists in manufacturing, health care, and customer service, and there is also seasonal work for the holiday season fast approaching.

"Springfield Partners has 43 years of experience providing services to alleviate the conditions of poverty for area residents," said Bailey, noting that the job fair is only one of many initiatives that the organization prides itself in offering.

Currently, the organization operates programs that serve various needs of low-income residents of the greater Springfield area, including weatherization, telephone reassurance, community food and nutrition, community health advocacy, a senior employment program, and New Beginnings Childcare.

"As a HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency, we also offer pre-purchase counseling along with tenant-landlord mediation and other housing-related services," said Bailey.

The agency also provides free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, financial literacy workshops, and matched savings accounts for adults and high school students. Additionally, Springfield Partners is a voucher site for food pantries in the city and distributes scholarships primarily to nontraditional students.

For more information on the Job Fair, or any programs offered by Springfield Partners, call (413) 263-6500, or visit www.springfieldpartnersinc.com.