By Marilyn Littlejohn
Looking for a job or embarking on a new career direction can be frustrating. Applying to multiple jobs and being turned down over and over, or not even knowing where to start, is heart-breaking for anyone. This is true whether you are looking to get beyond challenges like homelessness or substance use, or just want to take the next step in your career journey.
Fortunately, regardless of your life situation or age, the Community Resource Center in Burien offers easy access to multiple providers of educational services and employment training, along with a wide array of other social services (every Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien).
One of the providers that has helped many people in the community is the Highline College Support Center’s Women’s Programs and WorkFirst Services. Their goal is to promote student success by creating an accessible, safe and welcoming environment to all students and the surrounding community. Be sure to read about older student Mark from Burien, who is recovering from substance use and is now working toward two college degrees. Another inspiring story is Ron, a 49-year-old who turned this life around after serving time in prison – he now is pursuing his passion for graphic design.
The Multi-Service Center (MSC) is another organization offering employment services at the Burien Community Resource Center. MSC’s THRIVE employment program is designed to help homeless and other low-income individuals, who receive food assistance (SNAP) benefits, to prepare for work.
Services include helping people search for jobs, develop resumes and write job application cover letters. The THRIVE program provides bus tickets for people without cars, and gas vouchers for those with vehicles. They also direct people to other providers who can help eligible individuals with housing, energy payments, and employment training. One success story is Jason; despite earning a bachelor’s degree, he struggled to find work. An MSC employment program case manager helped Jason improve his resume and search for jobs. She also helped him get to job interviews by providing bus tickets and referred him to Orion Industries for training in a new field.
For young people ages 16 to 24 who have not finished high school, Reconnect to Opportunity, can help. The organization also helps those who finished high school, but are unsure about their next steps. They can connect you with education, employment, and post-secondary training opportunities in King County. Read success stories of young people who they have helped.
Come check out these and other service providers any Monday, between 10 a.m. – 12 Noon at the Burien Community Resource Center located at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Watch for additional posts in the coming months, highlighting services available at the Burien Community Resource Center – a partnership between King County District Court and the City of Burien.
Marilyn Littlejohn is a community court coordinator with King County District Court. Among other things, she has done community & intergovernmental relations for the City of Seattle Human Services Department, as well as managed its Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Office, and worked for the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWa) in the adult education, employment training and naturalization programs.
