Ursuline Center offering support group for unemployed

A discouraged, but determined group of seven men and women from Mahoning and Trumbull counties, all with different employment and educational backgrounds, came together for the Jan. 12 meeting of the new Support Group for Unemployed and Underemployed People offered by The Ursuline Center, a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.

The group spent the meeting sharing their plights, exploring ideas and expressing needs for such things as learning about resume writing and interview skills, and how to relieve the stress that comes with searching for work, but coming up empty.

“We will learn to route you to the organizations you need the most,” said Becky Fisher, Ursuline Center volunteer who’s heading the group. “Hopefully, everyone will find a job.”

Since their founding by St. Angela Merici 475 years ago, the Ursuline Sisters have adapted their ministries and efforts to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

With so many people out-of-work in the Mahoning Valley, the Program Development Committee of the Ursuline Center saw the need to provide support, a chance to network, help finding employment and a sense of self-worth for people looking for a job.

The support group will meet Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the center to enjoy coffee and receive information.

“The agenda for our group will be based on the stated needs of the participants,” said Eileen Novotny, Ursuline associate. “Our top goal is to provide support and a hospitable setting for anyone who is in the process of seeking employment.”

Those interested in attending the group can visit www.theursulinecenter.org or call 330-799-4941 for information.