The event was a collaborative effort between Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera and State Senator April Baskin, who partnered with the New York State Department of Labor to bring together local employers with West Side community members in search of employment opportunities.
- Employers from key industries, including JM Smucker/Milk-Bone, Gateway Longview, Western NY Independent Living, PUSH Buffalo, The Belle Center, Erie County Department of Social Services, and Northland Workforce Training Center, participated in the event.
- Assemblymember Rivera stated that the goal of the event was to create opportunities for residents to find meaningful work and contribute to the shared prosperity of their neighborhoods.
The West Side Career Fair was designed to address the barriers faced by the community in accessing employment resources, particularly those who may not have the ability to travel long distances for job fairs or career services. State Senator April Baskin emphasized the importance of bringing potential employers together to meet with residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to apply for quality work. Key Takeaways
• The event aimed to strengthen the economy and communities in Western New York by connecting workers with local employers. • The West Side Career Fair addressed the barriers faced by the community in accessing employment resources. • The event brought together local employers from key industries to meet with residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to apply for quality work.
| Employers | Description |
|---|---|
| JM Smucker/Milk-Bone | A leading manufacturer of pet food and other food products. |
| Gateway Longview | A company specializing in long-distance hauling and transportation services. |
| Western NY Independent Living | A provider of independent living services for individuals with disabilities. |
| PUSH Buffalo | A community-based organization working to empower individuals and families in the Buffalo area. |
| The Belle Center | A community center providing a range of services, including education, health, and social services. |
| Erie County Department of Social Services | A government agency responsible for providing social services to residents of Erie County. |
| Northland Workforce Training Center | A training center providing vocational training and job placement services. |
State Senator April Baskin highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “Given the federal policies impacting jobs and the networking barriers in many underserved communities, it is crucial that we bring potential employers together to meet with residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to apply for quality work.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera echoed Baskin’s sentiments, saying, “Connecting workers in Buffalo’s West Side with local employers is a vital part of strengthening our economy and our communities. By creating opportunities for residents to find meaningful work, we are not just fostering individual success — we’re contributing to the shared prosperity of our neighborhoods.”
The event provided an opportunity for community members to connect with local employers and explore employment opportunities. The West Side Career Fair was a step in the right direction towards addressing the barriers faced by the community in accessing employment resources.
Barriers to Employment
In underserved communities, such as the West Side, residents may face various barriers in accessing employment resources. Some of these barriers include:
- Distance: Many residents may not have the ability to travel long distances for job fairs or career services.
- Lack of transportation: Limited access to public transportation or affordable transportation options may make it difficult for residents to attend job fairs or career services.
- Limited job opportunities: The lack of job opportunities in the area may make it challenging for residents to find employment.
Employer Participation
Employers from key industries participated in the West Side Career Fair, including:
- JM Smucker/Milk-Bone
- Gateway Longview
- Western NY Independent Living
- PUSH Buffalo
- The Belle Center
- Erie County Department of Social Services
- Northland Workforce Training Center
The event provided a platform for employers to connect with potential employees and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership. By participating in the West Side Career Fair, employers demonstrated their commitment to the community and their willingness to support local residents.
Community Impact
The West Side Career Fair had a positive impact on the community, providing an opportunity for community members to connect with local employers and explore employment opportunities. The event:
- Strengthened the economy and communities in Western New York by connecting workers with local employers.
- Addressed the barriers faced by the community in accessing employment resources.
- Provided an opportunity for employers to connect with potential employees and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
The event was a success, and it highlighted the importance of bringing potential employers together to meet with residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to apply for quality work. By working together, we can create opportunities for residents to find meaningful work and contribute to the shared prosperity of our neighborhoods.
