Job & Resource Fair Connects Dozens to Employment and Opportunity

Today, the City of Albuquerque and Goodwill Industries of New Mexico hosted a highly successful job and community resource fair at the Westside Emergency Housing Center. The event was attended by over 150 residents and offered a wide range of essential services and resources.

“With close to 500 people staying at the Westside Shelter every day, we know that people have a variety of needs, including people who would like to be connected to job opportunities,” said Maria Wolfe, Homeless Innovations Officer. “This fair was developed in order to bring in more people, employers, and opportunities to address those diverse needs. We are so grateful for Goodwill’s leadership to bring together partners and make this happen.”

The fair featured 19 different employers and service providers offering on-site vaccinations and medical screenings, job opportunities, benefits enrollment, housing support, medical services, and other vital resources. 132 people received information about employment opportunities through Sysco, Habitat for Humanity, and Clearly Clean Janitorial Services, Alorica, and Ambercare. CNM connected 16 people to educational resources and career exploration.  

New Mexico Department of Health administered 30 vaccinations for COVID and Flu and UNM Health completed 27 tests for HIV and Hepatitis. 32 people will also receive follow up assessments to enroll in Medicare.

Veterans organizations connected 14 people to their well-deserved benefits, and Sagebrush Church distributed items of clothing to 175 people. Roadrunner Food Bank enrolled 8 people in SNAP benefits and talked to over 100 about food resources.

“As a non-profit organization, our mission is to help New Mexicans attain job skills, find employment and gain access to specialized social services. Partnering on this important initiative with the City of Albuquerque helps make the dignity of work possible for all,” said Shauna Kastle, President and CEO of GoodwillI Industries of New Mexico.

Participating Organizations:

• Goodwill Industries of New Mexico
• Clearly Clean Janitorial Services
• Oakstreet Health
• UNMH
• Habitat for Humanity
• Presbyterian Health Services
• Ambercare
• NM Department of Veteran Services
• CNM
• Health Equity Council
• Roadrunner Food Bank
• Alorica
• Rio Grande Food Pantry
• New Mexico Veterans Integration Center
• ARC NM
• Life Link
• New Day Youth & Family Services
• Sagebrush Church
• First Nations Community HealthSource
• Sysco NM