Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Many young parents in Black Hawk County struggle with finding a job to support themselves and their children. The parents of the YWCA P.A.S.S class is no exception. 90% of the young parents attending the class to not have a job. Many of them that have jobs wish to move on to better jobs to help support their families.

Response:
The ISU Families Fields Specialist worked with the group of parents to help them develop better job, interviewing, and resume writing skills. In a series of 6 classes 12 participants took part in a job skills improvement class using the curriculum Gateway to a Better Life. Participants were taught job skills such as conflict resolution, resource management, and basic resume writing. Each participant took part in an individual consul tat ion with the Family Field Specialist and completed a resume.

Impact:
Four (4) of the twelve participants in the job skills class have obtained jobs using their aquired resume and 2 have upcoming interviews. Every participant receieved a professionally typed resume and a disk with an electronic copy to update the resume as needed. One particpant's commented: " I know there's a better life for me and I'm willing to go after it, I just need some help. I know this will help me"

Additional Team Members Involved:
Cyndi Ritter, Youth Specialist, Black Hawk County YWCA

Contact:
Madelyn Ridgeway
Black Hawk County Extension
3420 University Dr, Ste B
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-234-6811
ridgeway@iastate.edu