Project H.O.P.E. to host job fair at SiMT in Florence

On Wednesday, Project H.O.P.E. will host the Job and Resource Fair on at the SiMT on the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Funded by Johnson Controls and United Way of Florence County, Project H.O.P.E. is a program aimed at addressing the causes and effects of unemployment in the region.

Organizations slated to participate include Johnson Controls Inc., Honda of South Carolina, United Way of Florence, The Morning News, the U.S. Air Force and Bravo! Event and Party Rentals, among others. Project H.O.P.E. representatives will also be available to discuss the resources available to jobseekers throughout the year.  Attendees are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume and to speak with hiring officials at the event.

“This job and resource fair gives unemployed and underemployed Florence County residents the chance to showcase their talents and skills,” said Les Echols, Project H.O.P.E. director. “Many are ready and willing to work hard, but often need a place to start. We are happy to help in any way we can to improve the employment rate in the area and help residents to jumpstart their career.”

“Johnson Controls is a proud sponsor of Project H.O.P.E. and was involved in the development and funding of the program in order to bring the necessary resources and support to the area,” said Steve Ewart, Johnson Controls Florence Battery Recycling Center Plan Manager. “These events are an important opportunity for area residents to connect with businesses looking for talented and qualified applicants.”

Project H.O.P.E. launched in August 2011 with funding and support from the Johnson Controls Foundation and United Way of Florence County. The organization aims to coordinate job training services and facilitate job placement in the Pee Dee.

For more information on Project H.O.P.E. or to learn how to get involved, visit www.uwflorence.org or contact the United Way of Florence County at 843-662-2407.

About Project H.O.P.E.

Launched in August 2011, Project H.O.P.E. is a comprehensive program, coordinating job training services and aiding in job placement. H.O.P.E. stands for “Helping Our People gain Employment,” and comes at a time when Florence County unemployment rates remain in double digits. This long-term, community-wide project serves the unemployed and underemployed by identifying their skills and matching them with employer needs, as well as rallying financial and volunteer support for job training services.  Project H.O.P.E. connects individuals to better opportunities for themselves and their families, while simultaneously serving employers by promoting a better screened and trained talent pool ready for available positions.