In the seven months since the Missouri Job Center North relocated an affiliate site deeper in the heart of Zone 1, nearly 300 local residents have taken advantage of the services provided through the satellite office. The Job Center North, originally opened in 2016 to serve Zone 1 residents in Springfield, began operations at The Fairbanks last August with the hopes of not only serving the public, but building relationships within the neighborhood, including other organizations housed at the community hub.
“We were originally located at the Cox North Medical Tower and had a great partnership with Cox. But when the pandemic hit, we closed the affiliate office for several months,” said Sally Payne, interim director of Workforce Development for the City of Springfield. “During the closure, our lease came up for renewal and that gave us the chance to partner with The Drew Lewis Foundation and relocate to The Fairbanks,” Payne added.
In the months since the opening, job seekers have been able to use the new center to access the internet at no cost to look for employment, fill out an online job application or file a weekly unemployment claim. The office not only offers job-search assistance, but can help job seekers update and print their resumes and cover letters. Other services include grant-funded training resources and referrals (such as Green for Greene, Missouri Works Together and America’s Promise), work experience programs for youth ages 16-24 and training resources in five job sectors, including manufacturing, construction, health care, information technology and transportation.
The Job Center North has also partnered with another Fairbanks tenant, The Geek Foundation, to pay for job training using CARES Act funding provided through the U.S. Department of Labor. Two different classes were offered in IT and web design last fall, with 11 students graduating from the two classes combined. This partnership was cemented in the shared mission of access to training for all to ensure people reach their potential no matter their ability to pay.
“More collaborations are in the works as we look for more ways to develop that pipeline of talent,” Payne said.
The Missouri Job Center North, located in Building A, is open by appointment only Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 pm. The appointment-only status will be lifted in mid-March at which time no appointment will be needed for service. To make an appointment or to speak to a Job Center staff member, call 417-834-6660.