Employers with Open Positions are Invited to Attend Journey to Jobs Plus Event in June
ELIZABETH – May 10, 2021 – Three months since its official launch in February, The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth’s (HACE) Jobs Plus Program has seen great outcomes among its participants. HACE’s Jobs Plus Program is open to the housing authority’s Mravlag Manor residents and the Jobs Plus team has witnessed some very exciting success stories in this short period of time, including three Jobs Plus participants being hired and several saving significantly on their rent through the Jobs Plus Earned Income Disregard. In total, there are over 30 active Jobs Plus Program participants, of which six participants have gone on job interviews and four participants have been offered jobs.
The Jobs Plus team is anticipating additional job offers over the next few weeks, following upcoming interviews. HACE’s Jobs Plus Program is possible thanks to a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The housing authority was one of nine housing authorities in the nation to receive a grant for the Jobs Plus Program from HUD in 2020.
“The Jobs Plus Program has helped me save so much money in rent since I began!” said Natasha Vazquez, HACE resident and Jobs Plus Program participant, “I am ever grateful for their help throughout this process. With the Jobs Plus Earned Income Disregard, I am able to save money in hopes of someday owning my own home—the opportunities are endless.”
In April, Jobs Plus participant Karen Allison was hired on the spot for a part-time clerical position at Evergreen Cemetery. Two other Jobs Plus participants, Jazmary Torres and Carmen Rivera, secured employment with Lineage Logistics. Other organizations that have begun interviewing Jobs Plus participants include Amazon, NYNJ Link, Avenel Township, and the City of Elizabeth’s Recreation Department.
Jobs Plus Program participants are also able to attend a variety of classes held by HACE and its partners, ranging from job preparation courses to the housing authority’s Healthy Habits event series. One such job preparation class hosted by the Elizabeth Public Library teaches participants how to create or improve their existing resume, tailor their cover letter to an employer, interview tips and tricks, and networking 101. The library also offers these courses to the general public.
As the weather is getting warmer, HACE is looking to utilize outdoor spaces to spread the word about the Jobs Plus Program to its residents to increase engagement and participation. On Thursday, June 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (rain date June 24) the HACE Job Plus team will be hosting a “Journey to Jobs Plus” event. HACE’s partners will be in attendance to spread the word about the rewarding programs they offer, as well as potential employers who will be able to share information about openings within their companies.
Interested employers who would like to attend and share their open positions are invited to do so. More information about the event is available on HACE’s website: www.hacenj.com/media/events/journey-jobs-plu
Employers seeking to secure a table at the Journey to Jobs Plus event and for more information about HACE’s Jobs Plus Program should 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.