Detroit Women 'Invest in Themselves' with Free Employment Training, Makeup Consultation

SOUTHFIELD, MI — With guidance, a helping hand and resources, approximately 30 economically disadvantaged Detroit women soon may get back on their feet and into the workforce, courtesy of Verizon Wireless and JVS. The companies will present a free, innovative job-training program called Invest in Yourself for these women from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at Verizon Wireless' Southfield office.

Invest in Yourself will focus on employment topics. Wayne Laviolette, JVS training coordinator, and Yolitha Hill, JVS coordinator of customer service for the Food Stamp Program, will present interactive activities that encourage each participant to look at her own mindset and how it may impact her in the work place. Jackie Underwood, Human Resources consultant for Verizon Wireless, will introduce participants to job retention-related issues, including punctuality and attendance, effective communication skills, dealing with work place problems and the need for professionalism.

The participants, who are clients of JVS' Food Stamps and Work First programs, which are funded by the Detroit Workforce Development Department, will also each receive a gift of makeup and bath/body products from The Body Shop At Home Independent Consultants. Representatives from The Body Shop will also provide makeup application consultations to the women at the event.

"The goal of this seminar is to help these women develop the skills they need to take the next steps in seeking employment in today's work place," said Michelle Gilbert, public relations manager—Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. "Verizon Wireless is committed to making a difference in the community. What better way to make a difference than to help individuals who want to help themselves."

"Verizon Wireless has provided a great opportunity for JVS to enhance our employment readiness services to help at-risk women become successful in their work life," said Leah Rosenbaum, COO of JVS. "By bringing together these resources, we are better able to help the participants achieve self-sufficiency."

Because some of the women lack a permanent address or telephone, making it difficult for prospective employers to contact them, Verizon Wireless is donating a personal voice mailbox to each participant for up to six months. The voice mailboxes, which can be accessed from any landline or wireless phone, will help restore a sense of privacy and offer added convenience for the women during their job search.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 40.4 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.  

About JVS
JVS is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides state-of-the-art programs and services throughout metropolitan Detroit on a non-sectarian basis. Each day, JVS helps people from all walks of life meet challenges affecting their self-sufficiency by providing counseling, training and support services in accordance with Jewish values of equal opportunity, compassion, responsibility and the steadfast belief that the best way to help people is to make it possible for them to help themselves.

About The City of Detroit Workforce Development Department
A Michigan Works! Agency, the mission of the City of Detroit Workforce Development Department is to promote the economic self-sufficiency of Detroit residents and to provide qualified workers to local employers through the delivery of cost-effective, high quality employment, training, and education services in partnership with businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies.

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