The two-hour classes are open to the public and are held at noon on Wednesdays through September.
Dr. Judith Hadley and Dr. Robert Chandler have run the program for 20 years at the church. The program started after a large layoff at Reynolds & Reynolds in 1992, and Hadley and Chandler wanted to help those affected.
“It’s different than other networking groups,” Hadley said. “Dr. Chandler works on the resume, cover letter and interviewing skills you would expect with a job search group. My doctorate is in theology, so I do the emotional, psychological and spiritual side of being out of work.”
Discussions cover a variety of topics, including how to be more resilient, networking, researching companies, transferring skills to another job, coping with stress, interviewing, evaluating and negotiating job offers and dealing with fears.
Classes are often added if the participants want to further develop skills.
“We always tell people we have only one prerequisite for being in the group,” Hadley said. “While they are there, they have to look for jobs for the others in the group as well. Showing up means everyone else in the group will be looking for a job for you. That’s a great bonus.”
After the class each participant is encouraged to visit the church’s food pantry and fill a bag.
For more information, call Loper at 293-3151.
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