Kaye Fryling, Recruiter & Staffing Specialist of Seniors at Home, attended MEDA’s job fair this spring in search of prospective employees. It was at this well-attended event that Fryling concluded the Mission District nonprofit’s Workforce Development Department would be the ideal place to find her future hires.
Seniors at Home is deemed the premier service provider for seniors living in the west Bay Area; the organization’s mission is to help seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes, by providing the support they need through a comprehensive range of programs.
Fryling was in need of more in-home caregivers, who provide such vital services as cooking, cleaning and driving. Orrian Willis, Job Developer (photo center at recent Summer Job Fair), offered to pre-screen applicants from MEDA’s growing client pool. A quick, yet thorough, process was now underway, with a dozen clients prepped for Kaye to interview at MEDA’s Mission neighborhood center, Plaza Adelante. Of that pre-screened group, half will be hired—a definite win-win for all involved.
One client success story is that of Eveline, a native of Cameroon who had lived in London for a stint and had eventually landed across the pond. Eveline attended MEDA’s vital Job Readiness Training, funded by a HUD community-development block grant.
First up was a resume revamp, making it less European in feel so as to better pique the interest of employers in the States. Then there were mock interviews, with Willis asking prospective questions often posed by interviewers in that field. Finally, Eveline received instruction on how to maximize her LinkedIn Page.
Willis described his client as follows: “Eveline is an amazing woman–a mix of strong work ethic, knowledge and compassion. She is engaging and stern, but still has a nice sense of humor. When Eveline would walk into the Workforce Development Department at MEDA, everyone’s face would light up. I knew Eveline would make an excellent team addition for whomever gave her a chance to shine as their employee.”
In Eveline’s own words: “My job search journey took me to MEDA in February 2014. The staff came to me with a comprehensive strategy to overcome the challenges of my job search. That included everything from refining my resume and interview attire, plus rehearsals for interviews and attending job fairs. I am glad to now be working–this is my starting step toward my career goals.”
Eveline’s new work home is Seniors at Home. MEDA knows that many elders will now also have to chance for Eveline to make them smile each day.
As for her experience working with MEDA, Fryling stated, “We have been very pleased to work with the Mission Economic Development Agency. Orrian, and other MEDA staff members, were helpful in sending us quality applicants to hire as caregivers. Seniors At Home appreciates the work MEDA did to make our hiring process easier.”
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