Christian Help offers Jobs for Life to get people back on track

MORGANTOWN — Christian Help will offer its Jobs for Life Course this fall, with the help of the United Way.
Amanda Ejimofor said Christian Help saw the potential to do more than just give clothes to the needy, and this program helps people grow in their lives.
The students learn a number of things about being successful, including resume-writing and mock-interviewing, as well as public speaking.
Ejimofor said the class is made up of a diverse group. Some are already employed, but unhappy in their jobs. Some might be on disability but want to find a way to work a few days a week. Ejimofor said the goal of the class is to find what God has in store for them, then to make a plan and follow through.
Ejimofor also said Christian Help will provide child care, food and transportation for those who need it. The class is free.
Part of the class is a mentor for every student.
“People who have come here, some of them are interested in moving forward with their life and they just don’t know how to move forward,” she said.
She said it’s important for Christian Help to not only help people with clothing or bills, but also help them progress to where God is calling them.
“What happens is people do go back to school. People get training. Others actually figure out that where they’re at is where they’re supposed to be,” she said.
She said the class is more than just the skills the students learn. She said it’s got energy, camaraderie and encouragement.
“You’re just surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, and you are doing the same (for) others. So it’s just a huge positive environment, and it’s an environment that everybody should have access to,” she said.
This year’s class has about seven or eight students, and Ejimofor said there is still room for anyone wanting to participate. They usually take up to 15 students.
Steve Riffon has been in the program as a student, a mentor and now a teacher in this year’s class. In their first class, he said, they learned about God’s plan and not to be nervous or afraid going through a job-search.
He said he came back to the course because of what it offers people who might need a little help or guidance, and he likes the approach and structure of the class.
“It opened my eyes that there are people out there, some of them had a rough go in life and the class, really, could see them grow in the class and gain confidence and know that although they couldn’t find a job in the past, it’s a very real possibility now,” he said.
Classes are from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday through Nov. 8.