The ribbon was officially cut this morning on a new employment center in Pittsburgh which will provide access to services and job opportunities with a goal of ultimately strengthening the 16 West End neighborhoods.
The West End Works Employment Center and Pittsburgh CONNECTS Public Computer Center is located at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Elliott and has been open since October 1.
The new center provides support for city residents with employment, career and technology training, and health and wellness. Services include on-site networking with companies, resume and job search planning, skills and interest assessments, help with online job applications, free computer courses, free access to quality training and financial aid, and lessons on the use of the internet & social networks.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who cut the ribbon, said he is thrilled about the center's mission “connecting local neighbors to local jobs, and this neighborhood employment center in the West End will be a great resource for the residents of this district.”
Ravenstahl said while there are more people working than ever in the Pittsburgh area “but there still are people struggling that need help and need assistance and that’s what programs like this allow us to provide for them.”
Councilwoman Theresa Smith, who represents District 2 which includes the West End, said the district has been waiting for this opportunity.
"The center will provide the residents with training and access to services that will directly aid them in finding work, improving their education and advancing their understanding of technology, all critical in today's economy," Smith said.
Funding for the West End Works Employment Center and Pittsburgh CONNECTS Public Computer Center came from the city of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Foundation, Neighborhood Learning Alliance, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation and Broadband USA.
