ICF Greater Richmond has organized a wonderful opportunity for local ICF members to volunteer to help job seekers in the Richmond area.  All of us know that the Richmond area has been hit hard with corporate downsizing, layoffs and shutdowns.  If you’ve wanted to help the many people who have lost their jobs, now’s your chance!  ICF Greater Richmond is partnering with one of the largest non-profit job assistance programs in the area, the Jobs Assistance Ministry (JAM)  at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.  JAM has offered more than 200 participants free services similar to those provided  by outplacement companies.  The program offers support groups, seminars on job search skills, videotaped interview practice sessions, a mentoring program, and more.

ICF-Richmond members can help in three ways.

• You can be a mentor. Get involved in the mentoring program, which provides ongoing support and accountability for job searchers who are building resumes, learning to interview, networking, etc.  Mentors are assigned a participant and then agree to meet with them regularly to provide support, encouragement, and advice.
• You can be a coach. We offering coaching for participants who want to think through a new direction, discover their core strengths and skills or deal more effectively with the stages of transition.  Coaches agree to offer up to six one-hour coaching sessions for each participant.
• You can provide a workshop. Offer a one-hour workshop on a topic of interest to job seekers.  You might consider something on coping with transition, setting life goals, maintaining optimism in the face of adversity, etc.

We are excited about the partnership with St. Michael’s.  They have a wonderful program with a lot of visibility in the community.  They are open to everyone regardless of faith and are careful not to proselytize although they are clearly a faith-based organization.   If you are interested in participating or have want to learn more  about the program, please contact Plum Cluverius at 261-6483 or plum@vedereconsulting.com.