Project CARE, schools, local businesses collaborate for annual job fair

Leaders of the Project City Administrators Ready to Engage, or CARE, and area-wide schools are collaborating for their third transitional job fair on Tuesday (Nov. 19) at the Nettleton Baptist Church. The “Spotlight on You” themed job fair will feature 55 vendors, keynote speaker Nathan Anderson, breakout sessions, and more.

Project CARE, a non-profit created in August 2022 by Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver alongside Project CARE Co-Founder Mary Housewright, serves the local special needs population. There are approximately 50 participants representing area schools, programs, businesses, health-care partners and state services collaborating to serve the special needs population in Northeast Arkansas.

The Project CARE Transitional Job Fair is an opportunity to connect special needs 10th – 12th grade high school students with entry-level jobs and continuing education upon graduation. Over 200 students from 11 area schools are expected to attend.

Project CARE has partnered with Summit Community Care, Arkansas Total Care, and The Reform Alliance as leading sponsors of the annual job fair.

“The unwavering commitment of our sponsors to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities embodies the spirit of inclusivity at the heart of this event,” said Housewright.

More than 50 vendors will offer various resources and opportunities for after graduation. Interactive breakout sessions including “Spotlight on Success: Building Work Ethic to Get Hired and Stay Hired” as well as “Connect and Conquer: Building Communication Confidence” will educate students on necessary skills for future endeavors. Each vendor and session topic provide students with the resources they need to explore opportunities after graduation, whether they choose to enter the workforce, attend trade school, or pursue higher education.

“We sincerely thank all our sponsors, donors, vendors and volunteers for their support in making the Transitional Job Fair possible,” said Laura Pope, Head of the Transitional Job Fair Committee.