Orientation Dates Announced for LA Fellows Cohort 13

LA Fellows in the News

The LA Fellows program, like so many of the wonderful nonprofits we work with, often struggles to get the word out that we're here and ready to help those who need us. We were very fortunate earlier this year to get a grant for our current cohort, as well as the next two which start in October and February, so there's no cost to unemployed job seekers or the WorkSource centers that sponsor them. But how to get the word out?

A  reporter from the Los Angeles Daily News heard about the program and asked if she could sit in on a class and speak to some of the people involved. We happily agreed and the result is a front-page story that ran in the August 31st edition. We think it is a great representation of what LA Fellows does best: bringing hope (and empowering) the unemployed. You can read the story here: Article -how-the-la-fellows-program-is-putting-people-back-to-work

The Daily News website also has a couple of videos from the day, capturing a bit of wisdom from our instructor, Lynnette Ward, and a few words from one of the Fellows. One of those videos can be seen here: video-how-the-la-fellows-program-is-putting-the-unemployed-back-to-work/

There's a link to another video on the Daily News site, as well as more information on how to become an LA Fellow. Our next class starts October 26th, and informational orientations are scheduled for September 9, 18, and 30 at Los Angeles Valley College, and October 7 at the JVS West Hollywood AJCC at the West Hollywood Library. All the information for those sessions are posted at http://lafellows.org/apply.html.  

Veterans Hiring Expo - June 30th at LAVC, Open to the Public

There's a Veterans Hiring Expo for job seekers happening on the campus of Los Angeles Valley College next Tuesday, June 30th. Veterans and civilians are all urged to attend, it is open to the public. Parking is free in the structure, dress to impress and bring your resumes. We are privileged to have Congressman Tony Cardenas in attendance as the keynote speaker, so make your plans to be there. Details and RSVP instructions below:

Orientations Scheduled for West Hollywood and Marina Del Rey, Two More at Los Angeles Valley College - Attend One Session to Learn About Becoming an LA Fellow

Who are the LA Fellows?

Los Angeles Valley College’s LA Fellows program is a unique collaboration combining professional development and volunteerism as a meaningful pathway to employment. LA Fellows are motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic professionals with solid work experience who are unemployed and are actively seeking their next career opportunity. A highly recognized program, LA Fellows has appeared in Forbes.com, the New York Times, KTLA Channel 5 news, and has been spotlighted by the Department of Labor.

Make a Difference in Your Career

LA Fellows receive nine weeks of free training in advanced job-seeking skills and executive-level topics including leadership, critical thinking, and generating job leads. Optional classes in advanced computer skills and grant writing are available to participants. Training begins July 27, 2015.

Be the Difference in Your Community

LA Fellows volunteer their professional expertise through project-based roles at local nonprofit organizations. Designed to use the skills and ideas taught in class to augment the nonprofit experience and reinforce learning, the program provides participants with invaluable career growth skills, job search assistance, and the opportunity to give back to the community while seeking full-time employment.

Become an LA Fellow

Attend an informational session to learn more about the program and application process. Job seekers only need to attend one informational session. Be prepared to stay two hours. Visit www.lafellows.org or call 818.947.2941 for more information.

Information Sessions:

June 26^th  - 10:30 a.m.

 JVS West Hollywood AJCC

at the

West Hollywood Library

625 N. San Vicente Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Parking is in the building and is validated for 3 hours.

July 1^st – 10:00 a.m.

 JVS WorkSource Center

13160 Mindanao Way #240

Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Check in at Suite 105

Free validated parking

July 7^th  & 10^th - 10:00 a.m.

 Los Angeles Valley College

5800 Fulton Avenue

Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096

Located in the Library building, Second Floor, Room 201

Free parking on the 4th floor of the Parking Structure at the corner of Hatteras St. and Ethel Ave. Campus map is available at www.lavc.edu/map.

Three More Orientations - Find Out About & Apply to be an LA Fellow

We are very proud to have been invited back to conduct an information session for Cohort 12 of the LA Fellows at the JVS WorkSource location at the beautiful West Hollywood Library on June 26th at 10:30am. We have also added another on-campus orientation on July 10th at Los Angeles Valley College, home of the LA Fellows program, where we'll be answering questions and explaining the program to all interested job seekers and others. Go to www.lafellows.org/apply for all the details.

Graduation Guests - A Community of Partnerships

If no man is an island, the same is true of programs that serve the community - we cannot exist without a network of partners who understand the importance of what we do and put their words and deeds behind supporting its success.

The first time guests join us for an LA Fellows graduation, they are often surprised and impressed by the caliber of the speakers and the amazing people and organizations who show up to support the success of this program. The most recent graduation was no exception.


LAVC President Dr. Erika Endrijonas addresses the graduates and guests.

The president of Los Angeles Valley College, where the program is based, Dr. Erika Endrijonas, took to the podium to open the ceremony on occasion of the 11th Cohort's graduation on March 13th, 2015. Our partnership with the LACCD system is an important one and we are honored that they value the way our missions mesh and compliment each other. Dr. Endrijonas spoke with great inspiration and passion about this synergy.


LAVC's Lennie Ciufo looks on as Mark Brenner with Silhouettes for Vets
 and David Fierro with the  U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs prepare
 to present certificates recognizing the LA Fellows
who served in our country's armed forces.

LA Fellows are very proud of the men and women who serve in our armed forces and especially those who conscientiously strive to bring the skills they learned in the service to their lives and work in the civilian world. We take time every graduation to recognize the veterans in our midst to thank them for their service with the presentation of a very special certificate.

We were pleased to be joined this time by Mark Brenner, President and CEO of Silhouettes for Vets, an organization that educates and coaches veterans and their families for employment transition, and David Fierro, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, to honor our LA Fellows vets on graduation day.


Mark Brenner presents a certificate of appreciation to Navy veteran and LA Fellows
graduate Regina Shelton, as David Fierro, right, holds a certificate for
Mark Manculich, a Marine veteran from LA Fellows Cohort 11.

Kenn Phillips has been a valued guest at almost every LA Fellows graduation ceremony. He represents not one but THREE very important partnerships: he is a member of the advisory board that conceived and founded this program and continues on as a resource for information and growth; as CEO and President of the Valley Economic Alliance, he represents the business community that needs the types of talent that LA Fellows attracts and fosters; his organization, in its capacity as a nonprofit, is hosting an LA Fellow for her 100 hours of volunteer service. Our LA Fellows have come to know him as a valued mentor and advisor, and we were honored once again that he was able to join us to share words of wisdom with the graduates. 






Perhaps our most important partners are those who make the program financially possible: the WorkSource centers of the LA area. After the initial grant that funded our early Cohorts, we have relied on WIA funding to pay for the training - the unemployed job seekers who are chosen for the LA Fellows program don't pay a dime. Our WorkSource partners commit a portion of their budget based on their experience and confidence that the LA Fellows model works and that the Job Training staff at Los Angeles Valley College is committed to finding individuals ready to say "Yes" to instruction and passionate about succeeding in their job search.

 

Our WorkSource partners for Cohort 11 were Community Career Development, El Proyecto del Barrio, JVS West Hollywood, Rescare Workforce Services, the Santa Clarita WorkSource Center, and Youth Policy Institute.



Candis Noel, Case Manager for JVS
West Hollywood, which sponsored some
of the Fellows in Cohort 11.

Carlene Gepner of Community Career
Development. CCD sponsored
some LA Fellows of Cohort 11

The LA Fellows program thanks and appreciates all its partners and looks forward to building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones in the months and years ahead. 



Career Fair & Health and Disability Expo Return to Los Angeles Valley College

Los Angeles Valley College, home of the LA Fellows program, is hosting a Career Fair and Health Expo on April 15th in conjunction with the Valley Economic Alliance. This event is a great opportunity for job seekers to network and meet employers with a wide range of career positions and is open to all. Additionally there will be free health screenings and activities:

 

 

 

As has been our tradition in years past, LA Fellows will be on hand to assist exhibitors and guests. Look for them - they'll be the "bright shiny pennies" who are smiling, being helpful, and wearing the nifty lapel pin with our logo. (Sorry, those pins are not for sale - you have to earn them!) If you're considering joining our next cohort in July, take the time to meet them and learn about their experience first-hand.

Also, if you're doubting the value of job fairs and need some inspiration, read our previous post from LA Fellow Ara Easley, who got her position after attending this event a few years ago: http://lafellows.blogspot.com/2011/09/ara-easley-shares-how-her-la-fellows.html You never know which networking connection can lead to that next step in your career, so take a page from the LA Fellows philosophy and "Say Yes" to this opportunity!

Cohort 11 Graduates

Lennie Ciufo addresses a capacity crowd for the Graduation ceremony of LA Fellows Cohort 11.

The LA Fellows program graduated its most recent cohort on March 13th. The occasion was celebrated in a ceremony in the Fireside Room of Monarch Hall on the campus of Los Angeles Valley College. The room was filled with family, friends, job training staff, college officials, business leaders, WorkSource representatives and representatives from our elected officials.



LA Fellow Ruth Ford laughs along with one of
the many witty speakers.

As part of their training, every LA Fellow agrees to do 100 hours of project-based volunteerism with a nonprofit organization of their choice. The LA Fellows who were volunteering at an organization who had representatives in attendance each stood up and told the crowd about the organization's mission and a description of the project that they are working on. The nonprofits who are matched with Fellows volunteers from Cohort 11 include:

• American Red Cross Los Angeles Region 
• Center for Nonprofit Management
• Children’s Burn Foundation
• Community Career Development
• Foundation for Pierce College
• JVS – Marina Del Rey WorkSource Center
• Office of LA City Councilman Paul Krekorian
• Los Angles Ronald McDonald House
• ONEgeneration
• Silhouettes for Vets
• Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind
• The Trust for Public Land
• Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
• Valley Community Healthcare
• The Valley Economic Alliance
• A World Fit for Kids

Michelle Gilstrap of the Universal City North
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which is
hosting LA Fellow Erica Dozier as a volunteer
Social Media Event Coordinator.



Alan Percy explains the mission of nonprofit
organization A World Fit for Kids, where he is
donating his time as a volunteer Grant Writer.











Alex Bryman introduces Site Supervisor and Veterans
representative Anthony Rodriguez with JVS Marina Del Rey,
where she is volunteering 100 hours of service as a Career Counselor.



Bismark Romero and Brian Sullivan, two of the three LA Fellows of Cohort 11
 who are doing volunteer projects at the Center for Nonprofit Management,
stand and listen with pride as fellow Fellow Frank Sulzberger introduces the
organization and its representatives. Brian and Bismark volunteer their time as
Fund Development Associates at CNM.



Frank Sulzberger introduces Gigi
Nang and Linnie Riboli of the
Center for Nonprofit Management.
He completed his hours with
the organization as a
Consulting Program Associate.




LA Fellow Carol Blakeslee rings a bell. In many organizations, including
the Valley Economic Alliance, - where she is volunteering as an Economic
Development Consultant - and LAVC Job Training, home of the LA Fellows
program, a bell is rung to announce a  job seeker landing a position.


Like most graduation ceremonies, there was no shortage of speeches. The Fellows heard parting advice from instructors, words of encouragement from local leaders and reflections on the experience from two of their own.






Lennie Ciufo introduces Kenn Phillips, President of the Valley Economic Alliance, board member
 for the LA Fellows program, and supporter of the program since its founding almost five years ago. 

Mark Brenner with nonprofit veterans' group Silhouettes for Vets and
LA Fellows instructor Roberto Gutierrez strike a pose for the camera.
Silhouettes for Vets is hosting LA Fellow Reina Shelton, who is
volunteering as an Administrative and Coaching Intern.



All 28 Fellows were awarded certificates of completion from the program, a lapel pin, and several certificates of recognition provided by the elected officials who represent the Valley and LA areas. As expressed by the Fellows themselves, however, the most important thing they took away was a renewed confidence in their worth in the job market and optimism in the future of their careers. The LA Fellows program shares that outlook and is proud to welcome Cohort 11 to the ranks of the over 300 LA Fellows graduates to date.



Sydney Kamlager offers LA Fellow Ruth Ford
congratulations and a certificate on behalf
of Senator Holly Mitchell.

Instructor Lynnette Ward presents graduate Bismark
Romero with a framed certificate of accomplishment
provided by Congressman Tony Cardenas.

Josh Kurpies prepares to present a certificate from Assemblymember Richard Bloom as
Talene Dermenjian with Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian's office congratulates LA Fellow
Fred Jackson on his graduation and his articulate and heartfelt commencement speech.



LA Fellow Nancy Sisson hugs instructor Sam Borelli, in appreciation of the difference
the training she received has made in her job search. Fellow graduate Paul Stevens
looks on, sharing the joy of the day.

Proud LA Fellows Program Director
Allison Silver and instructor Larry Braman
wait in line to congratulate the Fellows
as they receive their certificates.

 


LA Fellows graduate Mark Manuculich landed a job prior to the end
of classes but was able to join his Cohort for the ceremony. He was
also honored for his service, as a veteran of the US Marine Corps.







Instructor Sam Borelli and LAVC Job Training's Lennie Ciufo look on as instructor
Lynnette Ward presents LA Fellows graduate and veteran Regina Shelton with one
of several impressive certificates provided by elected officials who support
the work the program does.

LA Fellow Justin Storrs, graduate of Cohort 11,
admires the certificate of recognition provided by Senator Holly Mitchell commemorating
the completion of the program

Talene Dermenjian congratulates Jen Johnson on
her graduation from the LA Fellows program.

Instructor Sam Borelli presents graduating LA Fellow Gus Hulander with the iconic
LA Fellows lapel pin. Every Fellow dating back to the first Cohort
has received a pin to signify their place in the Fellowship.

Parting Words of Wisdom at Graduation

LA Fellows instructor and expert job coach Larry Braman used
humor to convey some final words of advice about the
 one topic he forgot to go over during his instruction time.

LA Fellows' newest instructor, Sam Borelli, shared his renewed love of
teaching and some last-minute encouragement for the Fellows. 

Doug Card, LAVC Job Training staff instructor of the Microsoft classes for
the LA Fellows program, kept the audience laughing with his quick wit. 

One of the greatest strengths of the LA Fellows program has been, and continues to be, its outstanding staff of instructors. The Fellows benefit from the wisdom of professionals who understand the issues job seekers face from a unique range of perspectives: Los Angeles Valley College Job Training staff, professional job coaches and trainers, nonprofit experts, and hiring managers.

The instructors are passionately dedicated to providing the highest level of guidance in order to position the professionals in the program to re-enter the workforce in a thoughtful, directed way.

Four of the instructors, Larry Braman, Sam Borelli, Doug Card and Lynnette Ward, were able to attend the graduation ceremonies and speak on behalf of the teaching staff. They eloquently expressed encouragement and pride in the accomplishments of this cohort, injected their own brand of levity, and provided a few last nuggets of wisdom to keep the LA Fellows on track for the next job and all the jobs after that.

Lynnette Ward, an instructor who's taught with the LA Fellows program from
the very beginning, shared insight and heartfelt appreciation of Cohort 11's
enthusiasm and dedication to the training and the job search process.

Sodexo Visits LA Fellows

On Wednesday, March 25, The LA Fellows were invited to a meeting with a senior recruiter from Sodexo, a major employer that provides quality of life services to a range of companies and organizations around the world.

Having heard about the LA Fellows program from contacts at the Department of Labor, company representatives realized that the experience and management skills of the individuals who are drawn to a program like LA Fellows, which also supports the efforts of nonprofits in the community, could be a good match for their needs and corporate philosophy. Sodexo's vision is about improving the Quality of Life of all those they serve while contributing to the economic, social and environmental development of the cities, regions and countries where they operate.

Adriana Gonzalez, Senior Recruiter - Talent Acquisition for Sodexo, met with a select group of interested Fellows in the Library of the LAVC campus. The Fellows went around the room and introduced themselves, giving her an idea of their backgrounds and the types of positions they were targeting, which ranged from IT to Hospitality Management to Training and Development to Public Relations and Marketing. When they finished, Adriana confirmed that Sodexo employs people to cover all the skillsets they described.

Sodexo is a company built around Quality of Life services. Many people are familiar with their janitorial or food services for large institutions but they are so much broader than that: they do corporate concierge services, senior living management, security, IT, wellness, training, event management – too many services to list here. Adriana explained that Sodexo is the kind of company where people transition to new roles internally and stay on for many years, it emphasizes work-life balance, encourages community involvement (even pays employees for their time on some volunteer projects!) and has many opportunities to work from home. The Fellows were very impressed with the presentation and the company.

The LA Fellows program welcomes partnerships with employers who would like to target a range of prospective employees who are skilled professionals that are trained and ready to get to work. For more information about Sodexo, you can go to their website: http://sodexousa.com.

New Orientation Dates and Location Added for Cohort 11



 

Cohort 10 Graduates!

The cameras were clicking and flashing with a fury on Friday at LA Valley College's Monarch Hall where the LA Fellows program graduated its latest class of 32 highly skilled job seekers. By all accounts it was one of the nicest ceremonies yet with laughs, tears and more than a few pleasant surprises. We'll post more soon, but here's a photo of Cohort 10 on their day of honor to tide you over:

Free Workshops from LAVC Job Training & Team Business of Burbank

Valley College has teamed with Burbank’s Team Business to present another series of free workshops designed to increase productivity in the workplace.

In the first offering, entitled “Providing Excellent Customer Service,” guests will not only learn some of the best ways to deliver professional, helpful, and high quality assistance to customers, but will gain insight into diffusing situations with those confrontational individuals who inevitably show up in front of the counter or on the phone, and turn them into returning buyers.

Delivered by popular speaker Doug Marriott, this complimentary workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. – noon. To learn more, see the flyer below or contact Dale Beck, Event Coordinator at 818.947.2927.

Again, there is no charge to attend this workshop.

To reserve your seat, contact Team Business at their website, itsmyseat.com/teambusiness.

Below are the subjects and times for the remaining three:

·         Mastering Effective Communication (Tuesday, October 21, 2:00)

·         Preventing Computer Viruses (Tuesday, October 28, 10:00)

·         Creativity and Innovation for your Business (Tuesday, November 4, 2:00)

LAVC Offering Free Classes for Career Advancement

 

For those who aren't in our current Cohort of LA Fellows, LA Valley College is offering another FREE resource to brush up on job seeking skills and get a leg up on your next career move. This class is open to anyone: former Fellows, potential Fellows, students, or interested members of the community, regardless of your current employment status. See the information on the flyer below or go to www.lavc.edu to register. Classes start September 5th, 2014.

 

Top 10 Reasons A Job Seeker Might Need LA Fellows

10. You know there has to be a better way to move yourself out of unemployment than answering job postings on the internet, but you're not sure what it is.

9. The closest you come to using social media in your job search is borrowing your neighbor's newspaper when they're finished.

8. You break out in a cold sweat at the thought of "networking."

7. You've heard so many different opinions on your resume, you're not sure what's right anymore.

6. You've started to avoid people who might ask how your job search is going because you don't have anything new to tell them.

5. It's been months since you had an interview.

4. When you splurge on Starbucks, you're more excited about being around other people than you are about the coffee.

3. You're starting to think that you aren't applying for the right positions.

2. You tell time based on which daytime talk show is on.

1. You're still reading this...

If what you're doing isn't giving you the results you're looking for, it's time to try something new. The LA Fellows program has a proven track record of helping people move out of unemployment faster through a unique combination of training and project-based volunteerism. LA Fellows helps you focus your job search and add new skills as you continue to search. Come to our orientation, listen, ask questions and decide for yourself if this might be helpful for you; see our orientation schedule here: www.lafellows.org/apply.

Are you ready to change for the better?

Training Opportunity

Not everyone who's unemployed can wait for the next session of LA Fellows to start. 

If you're unemployed in the Los Angeles area looking for that next step and training is the route, step aboard the next orientation for the Metro Bus Operator program. It's another program - free for participants! - run by LAVC Job Training and it has a very high placement rate for those who complete the course successfully.