CAPC helping in finding jobs

Residents of Jefferson County who are having trouble finding a job can turn to the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County for assistance.

The agency, at 518 Davidson St., received $361,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for an employment services assistant program. Although the program has existed for nearly five months, only about 20 percent, or $72,000, has been spent. Funds should be used by September.

"There's lots left," said Melinda M. Gault, Planning Council director. "There's no cap for individuals, and each one is treated individually. It's on a case-by-case basis what they need. Some may need one or more items they can receive through this program."

People who are having a hard time finding employment or are in training for a new job will benefit from the program, she said.

Ms. Gault said those who qualify for the program can receive resume preparation assistance or transportation to work in the form of gas cards, bus tokens or money for car repairs. People also may use funds for clothing for job interviews "and other little things that they may need to get a job, apply for a job or keep a job," she said.

People also are referred to other community resources such as The WorkPlace, 1000 Coffeen St., which offers career counseling.

Mary P. Murphy, Watertown, said CAPC's employment services assistant program is getting her back on track financially. After she was laid off from her job in December 2008, she was behind on bills and rent payments while she attended Jefferson Community College.

One class away from graduating in May with an associate degree in liberal arts, Mrs. Murphy, 55, said the employment program has provided her with funds twice for gasoline to go on job interviews.

"Now, I have hope in finding employment," she said. "I can't even tell you how backed up in debt I was. I heard about this program and I ended up going to the Community Action Planning Council, and they also helped me by updating my resume. It looks extremely professional now."

Mrs. Murphy is one of 52 people who have benefited from the program thus far.

Ms. Gault said the Planning Council has outreach centers in Philadelphia, Adams, Clayton, Chaumont and Sackets Harbor. For more information, including all eligibility requirements, call CAPC at 782-4900.