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BY BRIAN PICKERING –
Following four consecutive Saturdays of training, studying and homework, 14 confident and determined individuals recently graduated from The Salvation Army’s first job preparedness class in Ontario.
Ontario Mayor Gary Ovitt, gave the graduation address and spoke about ethical values in the work place. At the conclusion, Ovitt said: “I charge you with the responsibility to sustain the moral character and heritage of this great nation.”
Volunteer class instructor Mary Murshedi, Ontario advisory board member and supervising community activities coordinator for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, presented each student with a certificate and book. Each student gave a two-minute speech on what they learned in class and how they felt it would help them in the future.
The ceremony took place at the New York Grill in Ontario, where restaurant manager Dennis Fitzpatrick graciously hosted the graduation luncheon. He spoke to and accepted resumes from several graduates, offering to assist them in their job search through business men and women who frequent the restaurant.
“This class more than met my expectations,” said Ontario Corps Officer Captain Darren Trimmer. “To see what the graduates learned and the confidence they left the class with was very rewarding,” He added that the goal was to help people improve their situations, “whatever their situation.”
The students, who ranged in age from 16 to 70, learned goal setting, resume writing, job search strategies, how to fill out applications, and interview skills. Each student was video-taped during a mock interview and critiqued by his/her fellow students.
Both the Army and its job preparedness mentors are committed to working with these individuals for the next year
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