Neighborhood Workforce Development Center Opens in the City

Mayor Dwight C. Jones joined City Council Vice-President Ellen Robertson, Fifth Street Baptist Church Pastor F. Todd Gray, and Workforce Investment Board Chair Deborah Wickham, in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the One Stop Resource & Missions Center at Fifth Street Baptist Church, 2800 Third Avenue.

The new share site is the first joint Workforce Development Center in the City of Richmond and will offer services and resources to City residents to better prepare and search for jobs. The center will partner with RESOURCE, the Capital Region Workforce Investment Board, to teach classes on résumé writing, interview skills, and networking. Trained volunteers will staff the center and serve as career agents and job coaches for interested residents looking for work.

“We know that many Richmonders are struggling, and it is important for the City to partner with the community to be able to provide centers like this,” said Mayor Jones. “In our region, there are jobs available, but the problem many people are having is they may not have the skills required by the new economy. We want to continue assisting people to improve their skill sets based on what employers are searching for.”

The One Stop Resource & Missions Center is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fifth Street Baptist Church Clothing Ministry, “Dress for Success” initiative will also provide clothing for individuals to prepare for interviews.

“Having the skills to do the work is just as important as dressing for the part and making that great first impression,” said Mayor Jones.

The One Stop Resource & Missions Center is asking for volunteers and donations to continue the mission and success of the center. For more information or to volunteer for the Workforce Development Center call (804) 321-5115.