As economic woes continue to afflict the community, more Jewish agencies are reaching out to help the unemployed.
The Peninsula Jewish Community Center in Foster City is partnering with S.F.-based Jewish Vocational Service to offer free employment workshops, a resource center kiosk and the services of an employment specialist.
The private sessions, free of charge to people of all faiths and backgrounds, are helping job seekers fine-tune their skills and stay up-to-date on market trends and strategies.
Beth Resnick, JVS’ Jewish Employment Network specialist, is providing individually tailored assistance to job seekers by appointment on Thursdays. She’s seeing six to eight people every week, PJCC Executive Director Deborah Pinsky said.
“Beth’s swamped,” Pinsky added. “There’s a need, and our location is very advantageous — no stigma, no labeled building and confidential. It’s a great model in terms of finding people where they are, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
During the meeting, Resnick is available to help clients identify goals, work-related skill sets and work-environment preferences; remain current on the Bay Area labor market trends; create strategies for developing job leads; and adjust resumes, write cover letters and network with employers.
The consultations are open to the entire community on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule an introductory appointment, call (415) 312-0548 or e-mail [email protected]. A PJCC membership is not required.
The PJCC is casting a broad net. “When it comes to the economic crisis, it would be foolhardy to say our services are only for Jews,” Pinsky said. “It’s our guiding principle to be welcoming to all.”
Across the bay, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay, as well as several area congregations, are co-sponsoring a free workshop that will provide marketing tools for job-seekers.
Topics include perfecting your résumé, business cards and LinkedIn profile, and creating success-driven messages and marketing collateral.
The seminar takes place 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 18 at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. Space is limited and registration is recommended. Information: (510) 704-7475.
In the Santa Cruz area, a job-seeker support group is in the works at Temple Beth El in Aptos for anyone who has lost a job, anticipates the possibility or is in transition. All meetings will be confidential.
The group aims to provide “human warmth and caring through this difficult time and to enable each person to gain strength through mutual struggles and successes,” according to the synagogue’s newsletter.
Participation will be open to the greater Santa Cruz community. All are welcome — regardless of age, profession or salary.
The group will meet 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. every other Sunday, starting March 15 in the Temple Beth El library. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Several synagogues, including Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael and Temple Isaiah in Lafeyette, have begun job banks to connect the unemployed with service providers or potential employers.