RALEIGH, N.C. — More than 100 people attended a recent job fair hosted by the Job Connections Ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Churchhere.
Fifteen area employers and recruiters were on hand to assist job seekers on Nov. 10. Julian Jagudilla, OFM, established the ministry in January to provide encouragement, information, networking, spiritual guidance, support and job-search skills to the unemployed, according to Mark Kielty, the parish’s coordinator of communications. Approximately 35 to 45 attend weekly meetings.
“With the assistance of the dedicated volunteers in our parish, we have combined the practical aspects of enhancing job search skills and resources with the spiritual and personal support that people between jobs need so much,” said Julian, shown in photo.
The job fair gave recruiters more time to spend with job seekers than is normally given at job fairs, Keilty said.
In addition, the group wants to create a network of St. Francis parishioner ambassadors — people who are employed and willing to be a contact person for potential job applicants. The group also uses professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn.