By Mary Malloy
Run by Little Pebbles Nursery School Director Jill Ohl, whose husband is also out of work, the meeting focused on resume writing. "Just four weeks ago, I thought, We really have to do something for these people," said Ohl, referring to the parents of her students and members of her church who are losing their jobs in increasing numbers. Little Pebbles is associated with The East Rockaway Nazarene Church on Ocean Avenue. "We understand firsthand what everyone is going through," she said.
Ohl invited congregant Tara Guzman to speak to the group about how to write a resume. Guzman, a staffing consultant with the Adecco Group, an international organization that matches prospective employees with employers, said that it is important to make one's resume stand out while still adhering to certain guidelines. "Searching for a job can be a complicated process," she said. "The resume is usually the first thing the employer sees." A great resume, Guzman said, should entice an employer to call you in for an interview.
A woman from Franklin Square who offered only her first name, Helene, said she learned a lot at the meeting and would try to use some of the suggestions. She resigned from her job in the Elmont School District in May of 2007 - a move she said she now regrets - and subsequently found a clerical job, but was laid off a few months ago. She is single, and lives in the house once owned by her parents as she struggles to pay gas, electric and food bills, make car payments and pay her taxes.
"I have high blood pressure and diabetes," Helene said. "and I go to doctors through Medicaid. I get $4 prescriptions at Walgreens, but they turned off my gas and electric recently." She said her sister helps by buying her cocker spaniel, Brady, some dog food. "He is my lifeline," Helene said.
"I was hoping that if I came here tonight, it would open some doors for me," she added. "I will come again, and bring my cousin next time. He's out of work, too."
Ohl has scheduled another networking meeting for April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Little Pebbles, 303 Ocean Ave. in East Rockaway. For more information, call (516) 593-8507.
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
