Van Nuys, CA (PRWEB) November 09, 2012
The independently operated Center for Living and Learning, which has helped erase barriers to employment for over a decade now turns its attention to helping Americas Veterans return to work after serving their country. With a new social enterprise business called ALL ABOUT YOU: Answering and Customer Service Solutions, the Center will pay veterans as they receive on the job training and acquire work skills essential to find good jobs.
The Center is also pleased to announce that it has just been honored with several Congressional Certificates of Recognition as a Veteran Friendly Train to Hire program. (Full list of awards below).
Since 2001, the-not-for-profit Center for Living and Learning has run programs that help people acquire and hold stable employment, and become contributing members of society. The vocational apprenticeships have offered PAID training to at youth-at-risk and disadvantaged adults, like those leaving substance abuse treatment centers, rehabilitated ex-offenders, single parents transitioning from welfare and now veterans. The job preparation and development program gives people the skills, support and structure they need to successfully re-enter the workforce.
During the 12-18 month program, apprentices receive training in computer skills, data entry, customer service and business administration. Further, once they have completed training they have the option of continuing on to advanced classes in the field of their choice. The Center also offers preparation courses teaching vital job skills, including application and interview techniques. The course is tailored to each client’s needs based on background, goals and skills.
Over 200 apprentices have already been assisted through the Centers programs, which include the successful Cars4jobs, a vehicle donation charity that accepts car donations, including truck and motorcycle donations through http://www.cardonations.org, and the newly launched ALL ABOUT YOU: Answering and Customer Service Solutions, as the next part of their expansion to help a growing population that needs to find work. All About You will provide a 24 hour answering and customer service center for small business owners who cant afford the expense of a full time employee. The company is US based and provides services in both English & Spanish.
Available for interviews is Executive Director Maria Alex Alexander, herself one of the Centers graduates and now considered an award winning mentor and instructor. Alex began as an apprentice in 2002, after completing a residential drug treatment for 6 months. She had been homeless due to a severe addiction. After treatment, the job search process was frightening but finding a place that did not hold her background against her was a relief. The Center not only got her job training but also assisted in getting her children back and getting an apartment. Alex continued training at higher levels in administration, until eventually completing an Executive Management Program and named the Centers Executive Director. Alex says, I could not have dreamed when I came here where I would be almost 9 years later. To be able to make a living giving back and helping others like myself get a step up is a privilege and an honor. I am so grateful for this organization!
To arrange interviews, or get more information please contact Kelly Hargraves at Kelly(at)counterintuity(dot)com or 818-848-1700
Additional links:
For more information on the Center for Living and Learning go to: http://www.center4living.lle.org/
More Center for Living and Learning success stories:
http://www.cardonations.org/success-stories.html
Recent Center for Living and Learning Awards and Honors
Congressional Certificate of Recognition from Congressman Howard Berman for Extraordinary commitment to our brave men and women who have served our country.
Congressional Certificate of Recognition from Brad Sherman in recognition of Outstanding and invaluable service to the community.
City of San Fernando Proclamation as a “Veteran Friendly Train to Hire Program/Organization”
Assemblyman Mike Feuer, Certificate of Recognition as a “Veteran Friendly Train to Hire Program/Organization”
Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, Certificate of Recognition for participating in the “Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet” Job and Resource Fair.
State of CA, Senator Carol Liu for as a veteran friendly organization
County of Los Angeles as a “Veteran Friendly Train to Hire Program/Organization”
Recent Press:
Time Warner News
Center for Living and Learning is a 501 c 3 charity.
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