Career Services Meeting Minutes

May 9, 2018

In attendance: Bud Delphin, CareerPoint, Becca Guimond, STCC, Kermit Dunkelberg, HCC, Darlene Morse, HolyokeWorks, Maegan Pedemonti, Way Finders, Konrad Rogowski, FutureWorks, Pamela Schwartz, Network  

Legislative meeting debrief:   We reviewed the meeting the Committee convened with Senator Welch, Rep. Vega, Rep. Goldstein-Rose and the offices of Senator Hinds, Senator Lesser, and Rep. Mark.  All agreed it was a productive meeting and useful to present the ABE funding concerns (along with Secure Jobs and public transit) through a homelessness network lens.  Pamela will continue to update the group as the Senate Ways and Means budget is released on May 10 and all agreed to continue the advocacy on these issues through this budget process.

Homelessness Resource Fair planning:  The Resource Fair is taking place on Thursday, June 14, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.  Career Services will do its workshop (likely twice due to demand).  The group agreed it will adapt/update the Powerpoint presentation used last year.  Pamela will reach out to Lisa and get everyone on the same email to discuss. The planning group will include: Lisa, Bud, Konrad, Maegan, Pam W and Kermit (all career centers, Secure Jobs and HCC)

Joanne will also discuss with DTA about whether someone can attend to share information about their employment support programs.

We agreed we would revisit the hand-out to ensure all updated information is available.

Announcements and updates:

MGM/STCC English Language training for PR evacuees: Info sessions on May 9, 10 and 11. Trainings from May 15 to May 31. See more information here in English and here in Spanish.

Martin Brower Job Fair: Wed., May 16, 1 pm – 3 pm, CareerPoint, 850 High Street, Holyoke

Available Jobs: associate drivers, yard jockeys; fueler/trailer washers; warehouse associates; diesel mechanic A; class A drivers

CareerPoint Job Fair: Thursday, May 31, 10 am – 12 pm, CareerPoint, 850 High Street, Holyoke. MasterCorp is recruiting for housekeeping and houseman positions for Oak n Spruce Resort and Jiminy Peak Resort.  Master Corp is Spanish speaking friendly, seeking qualified candidates with a concentration on evacuees from Puerto Rico. Each resort will provide transportation to and from the resort for employees.  For more information or transportation needs, please contact: Frank Martinez at [email protected]  or Robert Wojcik at [email protected]

FutureWorks Job Fair: Monday, June 4, 4 pm – 7 pm, Basketball Hall of Fame. Check the website at www.futureworksjobs.org the week before to see the list of employers attending and types of positions available.  

National Emergency Grant for Evacuees is a resource offered through each Career Center in the region which includes employment support (job development, placement, ESOL) for people from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who were evacuated due to the hurricane. 

CareerPoint offers sessions every Wed. at 1 pm – contact Frank Martinez at [email protected] with questions

FutureWorks: Contact Maria Adorno, 413-858-2856, [email protected] or Richard Berrena at 413-858-2885, [email protected]

Franklin Hampshire Career Center: Contact Lisa Lapierre at [email protected], 413-774-4361 x 332.

BerkshireWorks: Contact Pamela Wojrkowski at  [email protected], 413-499-2220 x183.

If you haven’t already, please be sure to register the Homelessness Resource Fair for Providers on Thurs., June 14, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, by going to Registration Form.

Next meeting date:  Tuesday, June 19, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street.  We decided we will no longer meet at 3 pm!

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