Church group to provide intensive job training program for free

A group of South County churches are sponsoring an eight-week job training class for unemployed or under-employed people in the South County area.

The program, called Jobs for Life, aims to train up to ten participants on a variety of job and life skills, including how to be a good employee, job counseling, resume writing and interview skills, and improving social interaction skills. At the end of the eight weeks, the program will begin again with ten new particpants.

Aside from teaching basic job skills, program chairpersons hope it will instill confidence and self esteem in a faith-based environment.

"Those are the two biggest things I hope comes out of this," said Barbara Thurman, client services manager of Anderson Cottonwood Christian Assistance who will help administer the program. "This (program is) really to get people started - a lot (of people) won't even try to look for work anymore."

Jobs for Life was brought to the area by a group of local churches working together, called South County Transformation. The group is interested in providing an additional service to people served by ACCA, SCT Coordinator DeAnna Gallagher said.

Initial costs for the program, $700, were largely provided by Crossroads Bible Fellowship and Anderson Church of Christ, both of Anderson. Program chairpersons include ACCA's Thurman, Peggy Peterson, a teacher at Country Christian School, and Elaine Delperdang, an experienced job trainer.

While much of the starting costs have been covered, the South County Jobs for Life program seeks continuing financial support to offer meals and baby sitting to participants who may not have a job to provide for those amenities.

Assistance and volunteerism from local businesses and community at large is requested by the program chairpersons to volunteer as guest speakers, provide financial donations, deliver meals to a class, or provide transportation to the classes. Mentors are also wanted for each of the participants.

Classes will be held Tuesdays, 5:30-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. beginning March 30. The classes include a baby sitting service and meals. For more information about enrolling, volunteering or donating, contact 604-3116 or SCT.JfL@gmail.com.