United Way of the Midlands & Richland Library co-host Breaking Barriers Employment Resource Fair on October 23

Columbia, S.C. (October 17, 2018) – United Way of the Midlands and Richland Library will co-host the third annual Breaking Barriers Employment Resource Fair on Tuesday, October 23 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Richland Library (1431 Assembly Street).

The event, hosted in partnership with Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH), encourages those experiencing barriers to secure long-term employment and the potential for advancement. Barriers to obtaining good jobs typically include lack of higher education, homelessness, lack of transportation, physical disabilities or a criminal background.

“Breaking Barriers was created to reduce impediments to employment and provide resources that allow members in the community to move along a path of self-sufficiency and financial stability. Richland Library is a valued partner in our fight to improve economic mobility,” said Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands.

“The core of Richland Library’s mission is access to all,” said Lee Patterson, Social Work Manager, Richland Library. “Our staff works tirelessly to remove barriers that inhibit Midlands residents from connecting with resources, services and programs that will enhance their lives.”

In addition, a Breaking Barriers Career Readiness Workshop will be offered on Thursday, October 18 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Richland Library. The workshop will give valuable tips on what companies are looking for and how to stand out at the employment fair. Attendees of this workshop will receive a free voucher for business clothing from area nonprofits.

Participating employers are located in Columbia, Lexington, Newberry and West Columbia and include Babcock Center, IH Services, Kraft Heinz, Onin Staffing, SC Department of Transportation, SC Works, Sysco, TRC Staffing Services, US Foods, Waffle House, and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with employment resource providers with programs focused on education and job skills training, career development and money management. Employee resource providers attending the fair include Able SC, BB&T Operation Hope, Bank On Columbia, Lexington School District 2 and 4, Midlands Fatherhood Coalition, Needful Things, Project NAS (Not A Statistic), YouthBuild Columbia, and many more.

Both the Career Readiness Workshop and Breaking Barriers Employment Fair are free events open to the public. Registration to attend as a company seeking employees or employment resource providers is open through Friday, October 19, 3:00 p.m.

###

About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most collaborative, efficient and accountable model for investing in the improvement of the Midlands community. With nearly 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations and are directed to fight for causes including childhood literacy, economic mobility and dental and eye care for those without resources. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.

About Richland Library
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 11 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike. Learn more about Richland Library at www.richlandlibrary.com.

About Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless
The Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (known as ‘MACH') was formed in the early 1990’s as a grassroots organization to advocate for funding to address homelessness. Through collaboration, MACH has grown to include over 50 partner members throughout 13 counties in the Midlands. For more than 20 years, MACH has been helping individuals. For more information, visit midlandshomeless.com.


SCBIZtv is part of the SC Biz News family, serving 100,000 high-level business execs throughout South Carolina. Click for more from SCBIZtv.