TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The job search throughout the pandemic has led many to feel like giving up. There’s now some relief in the Florida to keep the search going. A local nonprofit is helping people rebound and get back to work.
“I couldn’t find work. No one was hiring,” said Linda Williams, who lives in Leon County.
Earlier this year, Williams needed a job. The search was made even harder by the pandemic.
“It left me homeless. I’ve been through a lot,” Williams added.
She told ABC 27 after retirement, a car crash, and disability, the financial pressure of the pandemic started to build as housing became a challenge. Then, she turned to CareerSource Capital Region in May. Their COVID-19 grant has been putting people back to work for months.
“We help individuals who are negatively impacted by COVID-19 find employment opportunities,” explained Carrine Anaeto. She is a Digital Marketing & Communications Specialist with CareerSource Capital Region.
The region covers Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla Counties.
As of November, 2020, Anaeto said more than ten thousand people are out of work in those counties combined. Sales representatives, managers, registered nurses, first line supervisors and retail sales persons are all jobs in demand right now.
“We have the financial assistance, workshops, mock interviews online and in-person support,” said.
That support landed Williams with a new job at North Florida Women’s Care.
“This has helped me give a little light on my life,” Williams shared.
She says she hopes that light will show other people the way back to some normalcy too.
Earlier this month, Governor DeSantis announced $28 million in federal funding to continue programs like this in the state. CareerSource is counting on using some of that to help more people get back to work in the Big Bend.
CareerSource Capital Region will hold a Virtual Customer Service Hiring Fair January 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. It can be accessed online via smart phone, tablet or computer. Career seekers who are interested in resume assistance and mock interviews to prepare for this event should call (850) 922-0023 for more information.
