By Mary Malloy
Run by Little Pebbles Nursery School Director Jill Ohl, whose own husband is seeking employment, the meeting's focus was 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 church members who are becoming unemployed in increasing numbers. Little Pebbles is associated with The East Rockaway Nazarene Church on Ocean Avenue. "We understand firsthand what everyone is going through," Ohl said.
Ohl invited congregate Tara Guzman to speak to the group about how to write a proper resume. Guzman, a staffing consultant from the Adecco Group, an international organization that matches prospective employees with employers, said that it's 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.
Helene, of Franklin Square, said that she learned a lot at the meeting, and will try to use some of the suggestions. A former Elmont school District employee, Helene - who asked that we not use her last name - resigned from her job in May of 2007 - a move that she now regrets She also held a subsequent clerical job, but was laid off a few months ago. Single, she lives in the house once owned by her parents, as she struggles to pay taxes, gas, electric, food and car payments. "I have high blood pressure and diabetes," Helene said. "and I go to doctors through Medicaid. I get $4 prescriptions at Walgreens, but [the utility companies] turned off my gas and electric recently." She said her sister helps to buy here cocker spaniel, Brady, some dog food. "He is my lifeline," said Helene.
"I was hoping that if I came here tonight, it would open some doors for me," Helene said. "I will come again, and bring my cousin next time. He's out of work, too."
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