Arrowhead United Way Women’s Leadership Council Helps Young Women Prepare for Employment

Twenty-five young women showed up bright and early on a Saturday morning to participate in Interview for Success, a day-long workshop implemented by the Arrowhead United Way Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). The workshop, which targeted underserved young women looking for employment, provided tools, resources, and information the women need to prepare for employment and achieve financial stability. WLC Chair Arlene Garcia commended the young women by stating, “You have already made a good decision today, which was to make the effort to be here and to do what you need to do to make your life better.” Garcia went on to say, “You have already distinguished yourself from the competition!” Bank of America supports the program through grant funding and by providing experts to facilitate the financial management presentation of the program. Participants learn about budgeting, the drawbacks of credit, the advantages of direct deposit, and the benefits of having a savings account. San Bernardino Employment and Training Agency (SBETA) provided the venue, food, and workbook materials, consisting of workshop presentation materials for the girls to take home for future reference. SBETA continues to work with each participant individually for up to one year after the workshop to assist with additional employment preparation and job searches. The workshop covered other topics like safe social networking, how to prepare for and dress appropriately for a job interview, workplace etiquette and ethics, and how to create a stand-out résumé. Each young woman received a certificate of completion and a shopping stipend after registering with SBETA. The WLC provided shopping mentors who assisted in the purchase of two new interview or work outfits for each qualified girl. The lunchtime presentation, facilitated by Ms. Trinity Wallace-Ellis of the Resilience Group, made an emotional impact with her personal account of a life raised partly by drug-addicted parents and then by the child welfare system. Trinity’s stories exemplified how, in spite of horrific circumstances, it is possible to create a life that is fulfilling, successful and healthy. The Women’s Leadership Council will host another workshop, College Cruise: Navigating the Waters of Education to a Successful Future, scheduled for Saturday, September 28, at California State University San Bernardino.