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If you would have asked Ed, in January 2007 what he knew
about Jewish Family Services (JFS), he would have replied, "I
think they help people with counseling and some financial aid."
If you would have asked Ed, after February 19, 2007, what he
knew about JFS, his answer would be very different.
In his nearly three decades in the workforce, Ed was laid off
from his job in the construction/architectural field.
Call it luck or just being in the right place at the right time,
Ed considers himself fortunate that he ran into a friend who
works at JFS and asked what the agency had to offer recently
laid off individuals. Bobbie told Ed about the agency's
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program for people who have been laid off through
no fault of their own. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. stands for Strategic
Utilization of Career Centered Employment Support Services for
Dislocated Workers. When Bobbie found out that Ed was asking for
himself, she gave him a name and told him to call immediately.
Within two days, Ed was in the program. He said, "Quite
honestly, the pace, work and responsibilities of those in the
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program is such that I really yearned to get a
new job so I could have a few minutes of rest!"
Every day for Ed was a networking session, a support group,
resume development and upgrading, and/or practice mock
interviews.
"My JFS S.U.C.C.E.S.S. mentors, Karen, Mindy, and Jim were the
most sincere and caring individuals one could wish for going
through this difficult time," stated Ed. "Their support and
encouragement was especially welcome since I had not been in a
job search in nearly 30 years."
Ed's hard work paid off, and it did not take him long. Three
weeks after he entered the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program, Ed
interviewed for a position as Director of Construction Services
with CDDC/Capitol South and got the job. Today he is involved in
the redevelopment of many exciting city projects.
"From the simple things such as use of a computer for resumes
and cover letters to making sure I was prepared and motivated
for my interview, I really believe that JFS played a major role
in my getting this position," said Ed.
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