Marrero-based Last Chance Thrift store assists job seekers by

New Orleans CityBusiness, Dec 1, 2003 by Ellen Boyer

The Last Chance Thrift store in Marrero wants to give job seekers a first crack at some professional guidance.

The Marrero store is one of several thrift outlets, including some Family Thrift Centers, operated by Marrero-based Ruttley Enterprises Inc. that will partner with the Jefferson Workforce Connection Dec. 4 to dole out professional outfits for any job seeker who drops by to have a resume critiqued.

We're trying to help people who haven't had (job) services to make them aware so they know where to go to get help with job services and pick out new clothing, said Jane Sprouse, who helps manage the Last Chance and Family Thrift stores.

I was brought on board to increase traffic in the stores and I wanted to do some community outreach, said Sprouse, who worked in human resources for 12 years before coming to the thrift store. There are a lot of opportunities for (job) training that people do not know about and this could enhance that.

Two Jefferson Workforce Connection members, along with Sprouse, will review customer resumes to ensure it properly targets the type of job the person is seeking. Then each customer can select two articles of clothing appropriate for that profession, Sprouse said.

The Jefferson Workforce Connection, which recently moved its headquarters from Harvey to Gretna, works to help prepare individuals for employment by teaching interpersonal skills and interview techniques and holding resume workshops with Delgado Community College, said Calvin McCall, Connection interim director.

Dressing properly is a key element, McCall said.

That's why our doors are open. We thought this was an excellent opportunity, McCall said. A lot of people have good resumes. They just need to get some professional clothing.

The clothes donated by Last Chance Thrift normally cost $15 or less, Sprouse said. Prospective employees can also seek dress help through the Dress for Success program in Jefferson Parish, McCall said.

Workforce Connection isn't just for those seeking jobs.

We're here for the employer as well, McCall said. We try to connect well-trained individuals to (businesses) who need to hire workers.

Last year, Workforce Connection sent about 400 people to training and about 85% found employment, McCall said.

Job seekers can receive training to further enhance marketability, McCall said, but we try to get them into the job market first.

The assistance is free.

Since moving from its location on the West Bank Expressway in Harvey to 1900 Lafayette St. in Gretna, McCall has seen traffic drop from between 90 and 150 visits a day to between 55 and 70 a day.

We're reaching out to the community in every way we can, McCall said. We go to churches, send out flyers. ... We try to get the word out to let people know what we do.

Jefferson Workforce Connection also provides services on the East Bank at 6701 Airline Drive in Metairie.

Jefferson Parish's unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in October, with 10,000 residents unemployed, from 4.8% in September, with 11,000 residents unemployed, according to the Louisiana Department of Labor.

Louisiana's unemployment rate for October remained at 6.1%, with 121,900 unemployed.