Work Advantage Program 1st "Women At Work" Women's Forum A Success- December 18, 2008

Good Morning All,

On behalf of the Work Advantage Program team, I just want to reach out to say "THANK YOU" for attending our 1st "Women At Work" Forum. We think it turned out wonderfully and we look forward to continue working with you.

The audience truly benefited greatly as they received; inspirational thoughts, job, career and training opportunities, general information and learned about ways to become empowered. It was a true success and a ground breaking event for Arbor Education & Training.

Our 2nd "Women At Work" Women's Forum is set for February 19, 2009. Hope to see you there!

Please if you know of any other women who may be interested in becoming a forum member please encourage them to contact us at the telephone number below.

And once again a BIG THANK YOU for being apart of this initiative..

Thanks
George T. Billips
Field Manager
(917) 620-2205
Arbor Education & Training
116 John Street
NY, NY 10038

Mr. George Billips (W.A.P.) Field Manager Recieves Arbor's "Shining Star Award" 2008 Presented by Diane Rath

Mr. Billips was recognized by his colleagues as being a dynamic Service Provider in working with NYC's BTW/Shelter population at Arbor Education & Training 2008 Staff Development Day. With the assistance of a great team who understands the concept of "helping others" and creating innovative initatives that further foster empowerment continue to anticipate phenomenal social work employment service driven ideas from the Work Advantage team.

Mr. Billips sends thanks to all those who supports his ideas and creative juices that ultimately are designed to enable those we service to reach self sufficiency!

Participants Express Their Experience

Ms. Agnes Diaz

I attended the Work Advantage Program for Three Weeks before securing the ideal job . My experience at the program was great the staff very helpful. I learned many life skills and job seeking skills , but the one lesson i learned by observing was " you must put good use of your time and effort to achieve goals " if you want something you must put in the time and not wait for someone to do it for you. I also feel that the First impression is very important so you must always be presentable even on those days when you don't feel well.
Even though i have a job now i will continue to stop by the program for a workshop or two .

"Attending was one of the best things i have done for myself and my family.."

Thank You all....

Mr Humberto King

During my time with the Work Advantage Program I have learned Patience. I learned that with determination you can accomplish any goals or dreams.

Thank You Work Advantage team......

Ms Sharee Evans

My experience at the Arbor Work Advantage Program has been very enlightening, the team members(staff) are very helpful ,respectful and patient. They try their best to help get each participant the assistance they need..
"Keep up the good work""

Ms Ebony David.

My experience with the Arbor Work Advantage Team was/is great. They helped me achieve two of my main goals, which was to get into a GED program and find my first job. They helped make a better future for me and my daughter. They also helped me clear some barriers so i can completely fulfill my goals. I would like to thank the whole team for all their help. Even thought I have a job. I Still attend workshops on my days off to brush up on my life skills .

Participant s take Advantage of On Line Access

Thank you!!!!

A Huge Thank you goes out to all the generous people who contributed to our clothing drive..

Thanks to the contributions we were able to build a small closet of interview gear to further help us assist our Participants in their Job search..

A sincere thanks from the CAB Work Advantage team....

Expecting Work Advantage Career Specialist

(left to right) Ms. Q Mitchell,Ms. J Rose(Non employee)Ms. N Mazyck

All the Arbor Babies are due this Fall --Congratulations Ladies.....

Cab Resident attend Customer Service Training......

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Attention, Arbor Work Advantage Job Seekers!

I know at times it may feel like things are not working out in your favor. As you pursue employment the odds may seem to be against you, but having the tenacity and the self belief makes you a winner already.

Visualizing yourself in a desired position gives you the courage and motivation in order to conquer your goals no matter the adversity your faced with.

So remain outgoing, resourceful and keep a positive spirit. Always speak with optimisim and avoid pessimists.

You can accomplish all that you put your mind to. The world is yours and it's up to you to take full advantage of all opportunities presented to you.

Having a course of action and an idea of how you intend to reach your destination. A plan of action consists of;

1. SETTING and IDENTIFYING GOALS
2. ESTABLISHING AN OBJECTIVE and SPECIFIC TIME FRAME TO ATTAIN YOUR GOAL
3. EMPLOYING the PERFECT STRATEGIES and/or METHODS that will help stay the course and reach your goal or desire.

Good Luck and hope to see you in the workforce soon!!

Written by: George Billips
(Field Manager)

(Photos taken by Ms Martha Marquez Career Specialist)

Sector Training Customer Service 101

Arbor Customer Service Sector Training Huge Success!!!!

This week (6/23/08) the Arbor Work Advantage field team kicked off its Customer Service Sector Training at the Genesis youth facility in Brooklyn. During our week long training participants were instructed in the skill sets needed to become successful in the Customer Service Sector. After an intense breakdown of the sector and in-depth, real world case studies and scenarios participants were able to show suitable proficiency in Customer Service and now possess the employable skills needed to be competitive in today’s workforce. Upon the completion of the course each participant received a certificate of completion and was asked to give a brief statement about how they felt about the training and their future in the workforce. Here is what a few of them had to say:

“Interesting… a new experience”
- Jessica Cox

“The Arbor (Work Advantage Team) is trying to change the community by helping the youth”
- Christian Oben

“The guys at Arbor want to get the job done!”
- Akeem Benjamin

“During my week in the Arbor program I learned about Customer Service. It was very interesting. Before this program I didn’t know how to handle bad situations or the way to talk to the customers. Now after this program I’ve learned how to deal with those situations the correct way. This is a good program and I will tell my peers about it.”
- Charisma Taylor

The Arbor Work Advantage field team would like to thank the staff of Help 1, Genesis, and the Boys and Girls club for making this training such a success.

Written By : Mr Joel Williams ( Trainer)

Identifying The Right Reference For Your Job Opportunity

References available on request. You see the phrase at the end of many sample resumes, and decide to include it on your resume. But it's important to know whom to include on your reference list, what information you need to provide to your references, what information to provide about your references, and how to use your references in your job search.

Make Your Reference List Purposeful

References are individuals who can attest to your qualifications for a particular position. They can discuss your skills and attributes. It's a good sign if an employer asks for your references it means you are still in the running for the job. Your references can confirm your abilities, so it's important to select people who can provide the information the recruiter will seek.
When selecting references, consider two questions:

Does this person know you professionally and know you well?Your relationship with the person is more important than the person�s name or job title. For example, if you have interacted with the president of your university a few times, but meet with the adviser to your student group weekly, the adviser is the better choice for your reference. He or she can discuss your skills using more specific examples. Avoid using personal references whenever possible. Mom, dad, or your neighbors may know you well, but can they address your skills, rather than your personality? While personality is important, the recruiter is also focusing on your skills and abilities!

Will this person give you a positive recommendation? Make sure the person you are considering as a reference will be a good one. If you do not have strong professional relationships with people, start developing them. A reference who can't say much about you can hurt your chances as much as one who would offer negative comments.
Consider asking supervisors from internships, full- or part-time jobs, or volunteer work; professors; academic advisers; or student group advisers to serve as your references. (And make sure you ask before you give someone's name and contact information as a reference!)

How to Help Your References Help You!

Here's how you can help your references provide positive insight about you to an employer:
Inform your references of your career plans and the types of positions for which you are applying.
Provide each of your references with a copy of your resume. It provides a good picture of who you are and what you have accomplished. It also gives your reference talking points when speaking about you or writing a reference letter.
Contact your references after you have interviewed with an employer who asks for your reference list. Give the reference the company name and the position you have applied for, and the duties and responsibilities of the job. That will help your reference prepare for contact.
Keep your references informed of your job-search progress. Notify them when you�ve accepted a position and write a thank-you note for their assistance.
Stay in touch with references. You may need to call on them again.

The Customer Is Always Right, Some Food For Thought

It takes a long time for a self employed business owner to build up a reputation for great customer service. I am a caring person, and putting customer service first is something I hold very dear as an important aspect of how I do business. And recently, I almost blew it. In a fit of irritation over a client's request for help, I made a very poor assumption -- and almost made an idiot of myself in the process.
As I reflected on that experience, I came up with these four elements of providing great customer service as a self employed business owner. I share them as a model of how to think about your own customer service interactions (especially those that occur via email) and as a reminder to myself too. I call it the CARE model of email customer service.
C = already a Customer!
Gaining a new customer is 5-10 times more expensive than keeping an existing customer. So doesn't it make sense that we should treat them accordingly? It's easy, when you are in a rush, to forget all the work it took to get them to be a customer in the first place. And never underestimate the wrath of a customer scorned -- a disgruntled customer is much more likely to talk to others about that one bad experience they had with you, than all the good experiences that came before it.
Customers are precious -- remember to treat them that way!
A = Attitude
Having a bad day? In a rush to get to an appointment? If you respond to a customer under those circumstances, chances are that your annoyance or hurry, even if it is not about them, will creep into your response. The words you choose are very important; doubly so if you are responding via email. It's hard to choose the best words if you are peeved or if your mind is elsewhere!
So, take time and care to respond. Find a time when you can take a few deep breaths and set aside any distractions. If you can't find the time, or feel yourself unable to curb your negative energy, get someone else on your team to respond.
R = Relationship
EVERY customer interaction is a link in your relationship with that customer. A good customer interaction, where you solve their problem and make them feel better in the process, makes for a solid, strong relationship. On the other hand, a careless response puts a weak link into the relationship. And a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!
Customer retention is all about how you make your customer feel. Use polite, professional (but not necessarily formal) language, take care to re-read what you've written before sending, and thank them, even if they are complaining. And always ask, at the close of your email, if you've solved their problem or answered their question adequately. These little things can make a big difference.
E = Extra
How can you go the extra mile when interacting with your customers? Can you deliver more than they are asking for? Or just add an unexpected measure of kindness in your response?
Include additional information or advice related to their request. Or, if you can't answer their question, do a little research and point them to a helpful resource. Add a P.S. with a personal note about their health, family, a recent trip, etc. Following up with a hand-written card or note can also be a nice touch.
Treat your customers with CARE, every time, and they will come back, time and time again.
Terri Zwierzynski is a self-employed business strategist and marketing consultant to solo entrepreneurs, and a grassroots promoter of the solo entrepreneur lifestyle. She runs Solo-E.com, the resource website for the self-employed which attracts thousands of solo entrepreneurs and home business owners monthly from over 100 countries on six continents (2007 finalist for “Website of the Year” in the 4th Annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business). Visit Solo-E.com and get our new ebook, "25 Surefire Ways to Capture More Clients, Get More Done in Less Time, and Make More Money -- in 90 Days or Less."

illegal Hiring Questions

Employers need to avoid asking illegal questions when interviewing potential employees. These are questions that would indicate that the employer is basing the hiring decision on some illegal discriminatory criteria. Even if the employer naively asks the question with no intention to discriminate, it could form the basis of a discrimination claim if the particular candidate is not hired.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In order to avoid potential claims of discrimination in violation of the Act, employers should avoid asking the following questions of potential employees.
What religion are you?
What church do you go to?
Are you married?
Do you have children?
Do you plan to start a family?
Are you a citizen?
What country do you come from?
What is your maiden name?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits employment discrimination against qualified employees with disabilities. To steer clear of violations of this Act don’t ask potential employees these questions.
Do you have a disability that will prevent you from doing this job?
Will your disability interfere with your ability to do this job?
How many days were you sick last year?
Do you have (name of disease)?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits age discrimination against individuals who are forty years of age or older. In order to avoid claims of age discrimination you should not ask questions such as the following.
How old are you?
When did you graduate from high school?
The Immigration Reform and Control Act prohibits employers from discriminating in employment on the basis of citizenship or national origin. The questions mentioned in the section above on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 regarding citizenship, country of origin, and maiden name could form the basis for claims of discrimination under the Immigration Reform and Control Act as well.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Defined

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the Federal agency that enforces this Act. The EEOC receives and investigates complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace. When investigating complaints of sexual harassment, the EEOC looks at whole records including the circumstances and context in which the alleged incidents occurred and makes its determinations from the facts on a case-by-case basis.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. There are two types of sexual harassment recognized by federal law: quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Quid pro quo refers to situations where employment decisions such as hiring, firing, or promotions are contingent upon the employee providing sexual favors. Examples of quid pro quo sexual harassment are when a supervisor threatens to fire an employee who does not submit to sexual advances or where a supervisor promises to promote an employee in exchange for sexual favors.
Hostile work environment sexual harassment refers to situations where the employee's work environment is made intimidating, hostile, or offensive due to the unwelcome sexual conduct and the conduct unreasonably interferes with the employee's work performance. This could take the form of unwanted sexual advances by a fellow employee, but it need not involve sexual advances at all. Examples of hostile work environment sexual harassment include making offensive sexual comments or jokes, discussions about sex, and the display of sexually oriented materials.
The victim of sexual harassment may be either a man or a woman. The harasser may be either a man or a woman as well. The victim and the harasser do not have to be of the opposite sex. The victim does not have to be the person to whom the sexual conduct is directed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
It is the employer's responsibility to maintain a workplace that is free from sexual harassment. The employer may be held liable for sexual harassment committed by their employees whether or not the employee is in a supervisory position. The employer may also be held liable for sexual harassment committed by non-employees. Therefore, it is in the employer's best interest to prevent sexual harassment in the work place and, if sexual harassment occurs, to take remedial action as quickly as possible. Employers should establish a policy for the prevention, reporting, investigation, and punishment of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Thank you.....

Well,

This being my first time in a DHS Facility where you get to know the unknown.

The Arbor Career Specialists Team really made my job search a true dream. Ms. Marquez, Mr. Davis, Mr. Billips, Mr Williams and Ms. Mitchell, with Ms Marquez as my Career Specialists she has made my job search experience a joy.

First of all, Ms. Marquez hooked me up with a fresh new hair cut at The Empire Hair Salon in Manhattan, after that I was sent to the Bottomless Closet and was fitted with 2 brand new outfits from head to toe, and when I say head to toe I mean head to toe shoes, jewelery and purse!! What!!!!. This was a great start for me. Then once I gain employment I will be sent back to the Bottomless Closet for 3 more outfits. Can't ask for more than that!!.

All of you have worked very hard on my behalf, and I Thank-You!

You will be truly missed.

Cassandra Murray

Career Specialist Resource Corner

Arbor's Career Specialist connect Participants to a variety of resources.

Clothing , Grooming, Social Services and Educational Resources.

Clothing sources:
Bottomless Closet (Women only)
GBCDC (Volunteering Necessary)
Bowery Misson (Men only)
Grooming source: Empire Beauty School (unisex)
Atlas Barber School(Men only)

Social Service sources:
Mercy First preventative services
Groundwork
South Brooklyn Developing Justice
CEO(Ex-offender Program)
Doe Fund(Ready,Willing and Able)

Educational Sources:
Arbor Youth Program
Non Traditional Employment for Women
Brooklyn Woods Training Program
Brooklyn Networks Innovations(Cable Installation )
Red Hook On the Road(CDL Training)
List of GED Classes available

Written By: Martha Marquez (Career Specialist)

Arbor Work Advantage Program Kicks Off "Sector Training" at HELP USA 1

PURPOSE:

Sector Training remarkably addresses both the needs of the employer as well as the employee. Assuring that all job seekers possess the matching skills, knowledge and know how to get the job done and excel professionally. Furthermore, it gives confidence to the employer that the perfect
employee was hired. All employers and employees serve a purpose and as Arbor's Work Advantage Program implement Sector Training into its curriculum, trainees will now have the opportunity to gain the qualifications that will lead to job and/or career retention and success. While employers will be assured that the job seeker(s) are right for the job and viewed as an asset to the company. Each sector training accelerated course will last for one (1) week and will consist of; theoretical, educational, practical, role playing using reality based customer service scenarios, and questions and answers. Furthermore, the Arbor Work Advantage team will collaborate with sector professionals who will serve as motivation/career speakers to further encourage, energize and provide hands on insight to the trainees. Upon successfully completing Arbor's Work Advantage sector training, trainees will be awarded certificates recognizing them as being work ready. This will enable trainees to make a smooth transition from training to employment. Our kick off date is set for June 16, 2008 at HELP 1 USA in the MULTI PURPOSE ROOM at 10:00 AM. The focus will be "CUSTOMER SERVICE 101". Refreshments will be served. See you there!

Arbor's Work Advantage Program, will focus on and provide sector training in the following industries;

* Customer Service 101 (JUNE 16, 2008) AT 10:00 AM (Multi Purpose Room)

* Secretarial Legal

* Receptionist and Information Clerks

* Telemarketers

* Housekeeping/Maids

* Cashiers

* Waitresses

* Food Service

* Janitor and Cleaners

* Sales



Written By: George Billips (Field Manager)

A Convincing Resume For Job Opportunities

A Convincing Resume For Job Opportunities

One of the most important aspects of the job search process is the submission of a resume. The resume serves as your pre-introduction to the employer, so it is vital that you provide a detailed and to the point description of your experience, background, and training. On the episode of the Cosby Show, when Denise brought her new husband to meet the Huxtable family for the first time, Dr. Huxtable described this introduction as a steak and potatoe dinner served on a garbage pale lid. This analogy can also be used to describe a mediocre resume. A job seeker can have several college degrees and a stellar work history but if their resume does not impress the employer the odds of them getting a call back are very slim. It is important to realize that a resume not only shows the employer your work history, but it gives them a brief glance into your work ethics. A detailed and well put together resume shows the employer that you are willing to take the time to do a job correctly. Finally the most important piece of your resume is listing your job duties in the Employment History section. This is your opportunity to show the employer what you are capable of. Remember not to sell your self short! Take this time to tell potential employers exactly what you are made of. Use action words, numbers, and percents. For example

Maintained corporate database which consisted of 350 members, companies, and contacts.

Remember, your resume is your baby! It will only look as good and be as effective as you want it to. Good luck in your employment search!!!!!!!


Written By: Joel Williams (Employment Trainer)

H.O.P.E. "Helping Other People Everyday"

H.O.P.E.
HELPING OTHER PEOPLE EVERYDAY

Throughout our daily travels we come across others who are in need of help. Whether it’s the homeless person panhandling, a family member who’s in a crisis, a co-worker who is under stress and needs direction or maybe a consumer who needs assistance. The point is that we should all be open to helping someone else during rough times. Just take a second to think about the times when you needed help and someone reached out. Or maybe no one reached out and it made you feel like no one cared about your situation. Did that make you feel alone? Do you treat people how you want to be treated?

At some point, we were all helped or requested assistance to defeat adversity, road blocks and/or barriers. Helping other people everyday is my slogan and it’s one of the laws that I abide by. Life can be a roller coaster ride, but helping another person may be just what they needed to forge ahead in life. I believe we all have special gifts and it’s up to us to tap into those gifts in order to utilize them for the good. Helping other people comes in all forms and shapes, but the blessings that are bestowed upon those that do are plentiful.

I’m a strong believer that everyone wants to be helped if they are faced with constant struggles. But the key is “how do the helper is responding to the helpee”. People can sense when someone cares about them or have interest in seeing them become empowered or self sufficient. And those that they feel are sincere, they gravitate towards. So if you feel as if you have your life under control, do you have the decency to help other people? Do you like to see other people in good spirits or are you a “hater”. Are you optimistic or pessimistic? It’s not every ones duty in the world to help others, but if you have the means to why not help change a person’s circumstances and put more positivity in the universe.

Written by: George Billips (Field Manager)

Why Do I Want Work Advantage

Why do I want Work Advantage?

Many families living in the Shelters run by NYC Department of Homeless Services may have heard of the Work Advantage Program (WAP). However, they may not know all the benefits associated with the Work Advantage Program. The program offers a full year of rental assistance paid directly to the landlord. All you pay is $50.00 a month for a year. There is also an additional possibility of second year extension to families who work at least 20hours per week, display a continued financial need, and paid there $ 50.00 monthly rent payments on time to landlords. This program actually rewards the working family, who saves up to 20% of the rent amount (Which will be matched by DHS). Sound like a good idea? Well here is what you need to do:


*Live in the shelter 3months or more.
*Work at least 20hours a week and for 30 days or more.
*Have a single issue case or active public assistance case.
*Open a bank account to save all that money that DHS will match.

Are you interested now well meet with an Arbor Career Specialist if you require employment, and they will eagerly assist you with the process of gaining employment with a team a professionals ready to assist you. Did you say you need a resume, haven’t been on a job interview in years well there is a Arbor Trainer ready to assist you. Now that you have covered the basic tools necessary for seeking employment, get prepared to meet the Arbor Employment Specialist; who is going to set you up for that interview and new job.

You are on your way to becoming the self sufficient family provider you planned to be for you and your family.


Good Luck !


WrittenBy: Nicole Mazyck (Career Specialist)

Job Fair Outcome 6/5/08

Arbor Education and Training in conjunction with DHS (Department of Homeless Services, HRA (Human Resources Administration) held a general sector job fair held at L.I.F.E. on June 5, 2008 which was very inspirational. This was actually a city wide initiative that included a Employers Breakfast with presentations by ;
HRA Business Link, Employer Incentives Program, Marc Brodsky
HRA Assistant Deputy Commissioner Raymond Singleton
HRA Commissioner Robert Doar
DHS Associate Commissioner of Transitional Services Julia Moten
DHS Commissioner Robert Hess
Arbor Chief Operating Officer, Diane Rath
Arbor President, Paul Dunn
Arbor Regional Vice President, Ruth Vaala-Strong

Many of the attendees had the opportunity to meet employers face to face as they interviewed and competed for jobs. Upon entering the fair, attendees appeared to be prepared as they were dressed for success with their resumes handy. The Arbor & L.I.F.E. staffs designed this event in order for attendees to visualize the many different opportunities they have as it relates to employment and making career transitions. By providing attendees with this forum allowed the staff to take snap shots of participants “now” in their current states as well as in the “future”. As one of the Field Manager’s for Arbor’s Work Advantage Program, I constantly promote the importance of each consumer taking total control of their lives. It is this type of motivation, support and concern that gives residents hope to strive for excellence.

We are in the business of social work and helping others become empowered should be our daily motive. Seeing the excitement on the faces of attendees gave me a sense of accomplishment. Society can be very neglectful to some, but witnessing the level of energy and involvement on the attendees behalf only further proves that people want to be helped and challenged if done in a empathetic helpful manner. The atmosphere was filled with job seekers looking to establish employment and those employers searching to enlist the perfect staff for their perspective businesses. Throughout the duration of the fair, it was a site to see participants employing the many skills and character traits they have developed as a result of attending Arbor’s job preparation workshops. Furthermore, each attendee truly experienced the benefits of possessing transferable skills. Participants also displayed their networking abilities as the entire day was very interactive.

The primary benefits for attendees was to establish employment and meet and network with New York City and New York State employers and career professionals, but they left with such a wealth of information. Various employers and career professionals such as; WAMU, TMA, Sunny Side, Security Works, Inc., Sacs Inc., Reliable Community Care, People Care Inc., OPMI, NYCES, NYC DCAS, NY State Police, NY Army National Guard, New Era Employment, Netpique, HRA, Business Link, Global Business Institute, FJC Security, First Care, Fed Ex Ground, Fed Cap Homecare, Dress Barn, Dagostino’s, CP International, Citi Bank, Citi Health, Central Harlem Crisis Center, BX WF1 CC, Brooklyn Workforce 1 Innovations, Brooklyn Chambers of Commerce, Arbor E&T, Arbor WF1, Allen Health Care, Addie Mae Collins Head Start New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department, New York City Department of Corrections, New York City Department of Sanitation, Cablevison, Chase Bank, Good Temps, ASA College, Cornell University, All Metro Health Care, Ace Computers and Paradise Shops were just a few of the vendors who supported the affair.

Overall, the outcome was a success. Everyone who attended the event was a winner and was able to accomplish their goals for the day. On behalf of the Arbor L.I.F.E staffs, I would like to thank all those who participated in this ground breaking event. The Arbor and L.I.F.F. staffs have already began planning the next job fair for the month of October 2008, see you there.

Written By: Mr. Billips (Field Manager)
Photos By: Ms. Marquez (Career Specialist)