Looking for work? Local job fair offers support for folks with barriers to employment
Pierce County District Court is partnering with community organizations to host a job event on Aug. 23 aimed at giving opportunities and support to homeless people and those who might have a criminal record or other barrier to employment.
Louis Ihrig works for the Employment Security Department’s WorkSource division in Pierce County — one of the organizers of the event. Ihrig said the event is about lowering barriers to employment for folks who often have a hard time getting the jobs they need.
The event, called Beyond Boundaries, is Friday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pierce County District Court Resource Center in Tacoma. It is open to everyone but has a special emphasis on serving individuals in those priority populations.
According to the Employment Security Department, the event will host several hire-ready employers offering thousands of jobs collectively. Employers at the event include FedEx, Tempur Sealy International DuPont, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, McGee Air Services, the Department of Commerce and Multicare Health System.
Organizations also will be there to provide supportive services for vulnerable populations, including haircuts, health services, resume help, library cards, life coaching, eviction prevention, clothing and food services.
Ihrig said many folks trying to escape homelessness are in need of IDs or a cellphone, so prospective employers have a way to reach them and document their employment.
“To get a job, you have to be able to be reached,” he said.
The event will serve food from Boss Mama’s Kitchen and Lumpia Love to the first 300 people that register. Ihrig said registration is not required to attend, but those who want food should register at the Beyond Boundaries Summer Resource Fair website.
Employment Security commissioner Cami Feek said in a statement the event organizers aim to create a safe space for attendees to connect with supportive services and career opportunities.
Ihrig told The News Tribune the event is about fostering “community safety” by creating positive opportunities for people.
“When you invest in people, you are investing in the community,” he said.
