Psssst. If I tell you something, do you promise not to tell anyone?

Amazingly, many people are unaware of this information and I sure don’t want to be the one to spill the beans.

Have you heard of the Workforce Development Resource Center in Ironton? That place helps people every day with employment, education, housing, medical needs, GED, utilities, and substance abuse counseling all under the same roof! They’ll even do your taxes for you. I’ve never seen such a valuable resource fly under the radar quite like this place does.

I hope the people at WDRC don’t mind, but every time somebody approaches me with a need I direct them to 120 N. Third St. and tell them to get ready to meet their newest best friends.

WDRC is, if you’ll pardon my intentional pun, a rare gem in our community. Director Jewell Hackworth (who wears so many hats in the organization I can’t possibly include all of her titles) and her staff are thoroughly devoted to helping people improve their lives.

I work with them often via my position at STAR Community Justice Center and am beyond impressed with both the vast array of services they offer and the passion with which these employees approach their work.

Yet, many people appear unaware of the value of this facility.

In yet another attempt to assist people in our community, WDRC will soon host three free mini job fairs in hopes of matching local workers with employers.

The first job fair will be on June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will focus on the industrial/labor sector of the area workforce. On June 12, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., those interested in retail will have the opportunity to meet with area employers seeking workers. Finally, on June 19 in the same time frame, workers skilled in health care will be matched with employers in the medical field.

You can schedule your attendance at your choice of job fairs by calling WDRC at (740) 532-3140.

Pam Monceaux, a workforce transitional workshop adviser, is excited about the potential opportunities the job fairs will offer.

“We are the best kept secret in Lawrence County,” she said. “But we don’t want to be a secret anymore.”

If you are in need of help in nearly any area of life, do yourself a favor and visit WDRC.

Just don’t tell them I let the cat out of the bag.

 

Billy Bruce is a freelance writer who lives in Pedro. He can be contacted at hollandkat3@aol.com.