Reno Works participants practice interviews, learn job skills

Two to three times a year, Reno Works hosts a 12-week program aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness find work.

The current session is week 6 and the organizers hope that everyone enrolled in the program (the 15th participant) will be employed by the end of week 12. So far, the program has a success rate of 72% for his graduates, maintaining long-term employment.

“Reno Works began in 2015 as a partnership between Volunteers of America and the City of Reno,” said Hetty Reed of Reno. “Its mission is to give people experiencing homelessness a work experience, help them get sustainable employment that will help them get out of homelessness, and help people find affordable housing once they are employed. was to help

Each group consists of 12 participants and focuses on soft hiring skills such as interviewing and resume writing so you can succeed in your job search. The program also helps participants obtain essential items such as interview clothing and phones so they can communicate with prospective employers.

During the course of the program, participants will be able to work with city public works crews on local projects to gain field experience where their work is paid. The program is structured to tailor each participant’s experience according to their needs and experience.

“The communication among staff members is excellent. We work three days a week and learn life skills two days a week,” said one program participant. “They are very flexible. They are very flexible if you have plans or if you need to go.”

During Tuesday’s session, Reno City Councilman Kathleen Taylor was there to help with mock interviews and meet with participants.

“I am here today because this program means so much to me,” said Taylor. “What we can do to work with our community to elevate them and bring them to a place where they can be more integrated into the community is very important to me. It’s such a great experience to see it sometimes promoted to a completely different place.”

Other groups in attendance on Tuesday were the City of Reno, Washoe County School District, Applied Companies and Reno Ambassadors.

“I think as a community we are all going through tough times and challenges, especially over the last three or four years. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage and get where you want to be in life,” Taylor said. It really warms my heart to be a part of it.”