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(Washington D.C.)- On May 14, the office of Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, the California Employment Development Department, and many other partners held a veterans and youth job fair at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex in Norwalk to assist veterans, young people, and other job-seekers in finding work. More than 600 people attended the event, which had 54 private employers, 34 youth and veterans service providers, training sessions in resume writing, a dress-for-success workshop, a veterans benefits workshop, free haircuts, and free health screenings from the Veterans Administration’s mobile clinic.
“This job fair is an opportunity not only to help vets and youth but all of those looking for work,” Napolitano said. “Many qualified and hard-working people continue to look for a chance to provide for themselves and their families. This economy continues to be very tough, and we need to connect out-of-work families with job openings as quickly as possible to relieve the strain.”
The job fair was open to all interested job-seekers, but the services offered were aimed at veterans and young people, two groups that experience especially high unemployment. All private employers participating were hiring for open positions.
“I’m hoping that a door opens and I can get my foot in there so I can provide for my girls, I’m a single mom,” said Cynthia Lopez, a resident of Norwalk. “This is a new opportunity to look for something so I’m just hopeful.”
Other partners included the City of Norwalk, SELACO Workforce Investment Board, SASSFA WorkSource, and Hearts of Compassion, who ran a food giveaway.
“Our goal is to serve the people of California and the best way to do that is partnership,” said Michael Dolphin, Division Chief at California Employment Development Department. “We know that the work we do is about the public’s best interest.”
“It’s been going pretty good, I’ve been talking to a lot of employers. Everyone here is hiring now, that’s the best part,” said Vincente Castillo, who had been actively looking for work for three months. “I think my future is looking pretty good.”
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