Bridges Job Readiness program receives $1,500 grant

The Women’s Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation recently bestowed a $1,500 grant to the Bridges Job Readiness Program at Mercy Health-St. John.
 
The Bridges program helps those who are struggling with long-term unemployment by teaching them how to use common computer applications and develop professional correspondence skills. Whether it was an illness or family emergency that caused them to leave their jobs, many of them don’t have the marketable skills or experience when they go back to reapply.
 
“This program gives [students] the skills they need to re-enter the workforce and succeed in landing a job,” says Nannette Bentley, director of public relations. Students will learn based on real-world assignments and master much-needed skills.
 
But the program doesn’t stop at job readiness and professional development. Students are provided with referrals to the St. John’s medical clinic, vision exams, mental health counseling, food, personal care items, interview-appropriate clothing and transportation.
 
The 12-week job readiness program is flexible—students can attend classes that work best for them during mornings, afternoons and evenings throughout the spring, summer and winter.
 
Every student who graduates participates in an internship at a local nonprofit, giving back to the community and giving them some experience back on their resume at the same time. More than 70 percent of Bridges students land work, Bentley says.