Community Connections Day – to link job seekers with help

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — An all-out effort to put as many free resources as possible in one spot for dislocated workers and other jobseekers is planned for next Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Houlton Higher Education Center on Military Street.
COMPARING NOTES — Career Center Manager Patty Perry, left, and Career Counselor Mary Duff share thoughts about the upcoming Community Connections Day being held at the Houlton Higher Education Center next Wednesday.
    Patty Perry, Career Center manager, says in addition to resources for job counseling, training, skills assessment, resume writing and career advice, counselors will be available to provide information on social service programs from heating assistance to food pantries and other day-to-day necessities.
    With layoffs in the area continuing, Perry says the situation “is the worst since 1982.” And, she adds, the labor force is not equipped for it with so many mills being shut down. But, the good news is that there is training money available to help dislocated workers, especially if they are displaced by foreign competition. Also, counselors will be available to advise workers age 55 and up on getting back into the job market.
    Perry says “if you live in Aroostook County, you can come.” Hours for the Community Connection Day are anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.