ELIZABETH – June 30, 2021 – Across the state and country, employers have expressed difficulty with filling positions in their workforce even as COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. This month, The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth’s (HACE) Journey to Jobs Plus event, presented to Mravlag Manor residents on June 17th, successfully aided jobseekers in securing employment whilst revitalizing employers’ talent searches. After over a year of limited in-person events across New Jersey, over a dozen local employers and community resource organizations attended HACE’s Journey to Jobs Plus event, offering job applications, on-the-spot interviews, and linkages to community services.
Attendees included Amazon, American Job Center, Bayway Family Success Center, Become Creative Agency, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, Council for Airport Opportunity NJ, Eat Clean Bro, Elizabeth Public Library, Goethals Pharmacy, Lineage Logistics, Proceed Inc, System One New Jersey, Two Maids & A Mop of Westfield, WellCare, and Zelmetric LLC. HACE’s Jobs Plus team is grateful to have been able to organize this job fair for the community while also supporting local businesses at the same time. Mravlag Manor residents were able to visit each table and learn about each organization, while also partaking in free food, prizes, and haircuts.
Immediate results of the Journey to Jobs Plus event include Amazon hiring a HACE resident on the spot, who will begin her employment on July 1st. spot. Thus far, Lineage Logistics has awarded 6 job offers to individuals and the company is planning to interview multiple other residents. Two Maids & A Mop of Westfield organized 8 interviews and expect to fill all their open positions with the help of continued promotion from the Jobs Plus team. Zelmetric provided helpful information to residents looking to capitalize on work-from-home opportunities and utilize System One’s services. Groundwork Elizabeth received over 20 applications for a summer job training experience paid internship.
Chef Ameer Natson brought another unique aspect to the event. While serving up fajitas under his Fresh Chef Catering banner at the event, he also promoted two different training programs. Natson is not only the CEO of Fresh Chef Catering; he also founded Become Creative Agency. In partnership with HACE and Jobs Plus, Fresh Chef is offering a part-time certificate training course called the “Cook, Learn, Grow Culinary Training Program with Celebrity Chef Ameer.” Participants will learn important principles and practical techniques for operating a food business or establish a professional career as a food professional. Also in partnership with HACE and Jobs Plus, Become Media is offering an 8-week training program, called “Visual Arts / Videography + Photography Project.” Participants will learn to use cameras, lighting, and other photography and video equipment to capture great visuals and content.
Aside from strictly job search/training and community resource offerings, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations were also provided inside the Mravlag Manor office courtesy of Goethals Pharmacy. Proceed Inc. was also on site with a mobile HIV-testing van.
Mravlag Manor residents at the housing authority are able to enroll in HACE’s Jobs Plus Program, which is made possible by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For more information about HACE’s Jobs Plus Program, contact LaChelle Thompson, Jobs Plus Program Director, at 908-965-2400 ext.153.
About the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth
Since its formation in 1938, the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth has worked diligently to meet the housing needs and improve the quality of life for all the residents it serves. The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth is responsible for over 1350 units of public housing and delivers a broad range of services ranging from social, economic, educational, and redevelopment. For more information about HACE, visit www.hacenj.com.