The West New York Housing Authority's Employment Center held its second annual job fair for Hudson County residents on June 12 at the Sunshine Gardens apartment building at 514 54th St.
"There are a lot of people who need work," said Judith Casiano, a job counselor at the center. "Especially after Sept. 11, there has been a shortage of jobs everywhere."
While this fair is only held once a year, the Employment Center is open all year. The hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The waiting game
The job fair, which ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offered opportunities in everything from warehouse work to bookkeeping.
"We have a little bit of everything for everyone," said Casiano.
The employers attending the fair came from all over Hudson County. Among them were American Imaging of Jersey City, P.C. Richard and Sons from West New York and Bayada Nurses.
"There are a lot of people who may qualify for positions," said Angelica Jimenez, a West New York resident who is the manager for American Imaging in Jersey City. "We thought this might be a great opportunity."
Jimenez and associate Jesse Valdes had collected many resumes and also performed on-the-spot interviews.
Employment center
Before the Housing Authority even opened its doors in October 2000, they had already been able to place three people in new positions.
"We have more than 1,000 applicants seeking employment," said Casiano.
The center was opened using $50,000 in federal Welfare to Work Grants and is one of only four Housing Authorities to receive these grants.
The center offers help in resume writing as well as job placement. Casiano said that the center also has small fairs throughout the year. Many companies ask Casiano if they can use their facility to hold a fair for their company.
The center is located on the bottom floor of Sunshine Gardens apartment building located on 514 54th Street.
Casiano said that the center is open to all Hudson County residents Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call (201) 868-4035.
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