Dee Spalla, Mark Youngblood, Dayton Barkley and Larry Marczak share a passion for helping people pursue living wage jobs. Together they form the Employment Outreach Team, assisting job seekers in their journeys. Team members have worked in different industries and have diverse specialties including human resources, marketing, organizational development and manufacturing management. They use their professional backgrounds and perspectives in a variety of ways: skills identification, job searches, computer lab assistance, applications, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation.
The partnerships Interfaith Outreach is building with local businesses are essential to their success. Mark explains, “Accessing contact points within these companies is invaluable.”
The team is also sensitive to the emotional toll of a job search, which Larry describes as, “A slow process and [it] can be frustrating. Just being there to offer support helps.” Dee adds, “Equally important, we listen, advise, encourage and celebrate successes.”
Volunteering on the Employment Outreach Team is highly rewarding. Dee explains, “It helps me to live an intentionally purposeful life.” Mark adds, “The clients’ gratitude and expression of appreciation for becoming involved and working the process with them is truly rewarding — and what keeps me coming back.”
Thank you Dee, Mark, Dayton and Larry!
