Workshops Offered to Jobless Residents

The Valley branch of the NAACP today launches a new series of free workshops designed to teach office skills, networking techniques and resume writing to minority and low-income residents who cannot find work.

In addition, administrators plan to refer workshop participants to a variety of adult education sites across the Valley where they can receive further instruction.

“The real impetus was the government has initiated a lot of programs . . . but our people are not taking advantage of it,” said Clifford Banks, coordinator of the Education to Employment 2000 program.

Through surveys, Banks said, the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People has found that many residents are intimidated by adult education.

With the goal of reducing discomfort, administrators of Education to Employment 2000 plan to refer workshop participants to the West Valley Occupational Center in Woodland Hills, the Valley Economic Development Center of Sherman Oaks, the One Stop centers at Van Nuys and Canoga Park, and Mission College in Sylmar, as well as other locations.

“We’ll give an overview of programs” at those sites, Banks said.

Once enrolled in the programs, participants can receive detailed training in office skills or instruction in a variety of mechanical courses, along with other disciplines.

The first workshop meets from 7 to 9 tonight at 12040 Foothill Blvd., Suite 117, in Pacoima.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Pacoima Community Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima. Other workshops are planned for Aug. 12, 15 and 19.

For more information, call (818) 899-4357 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.