Meeting with Labor Secretary Perez

I have an article on AOL Jobs talking about my recent visit to Washington DC to meet with Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez. He spent 90 minutes with us and I also invited two leaders from PSGCNJ to come along Ken Hitchner and Kevin to join along with the 5 Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA long-term unemployed representatives.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/01/20/long-term-unemployed-labor-secretary-perez

During this trip I prposed the idea of Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA and PSGCNJ collaborating and working together to open a NhN weekly support and networking meeting at the Microsoft Store in Bridgewater. 

This idea was well received by his board and we moved to make this a reality to help job seekers in the Bridgewater area. See the page on the web site for more information 

http://www.neighbors-helping-neighbors.com/nhn-bridgewater-nj.html

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Inc. (www.nhnusa.org) is a cost-free, grassroots, nationally recognized, and respected, successful Peer-led volunteer weekly job search support and networking group targeted to adults who are actively looking for work and interested in reinvigorating their job search. Membership is open to anyone in career transition, including unemployed or underemployed individuals, recent college graduates, and military veterans in the fields of business, non-profit, and education, as well as persons re-entering the job market, struggling small business owners and anyone looking for part-time or volunteer work.

Founded by John R. Fugazzie and started in River Edge, New Jersey on January, 27, 2011, NhN has fostered a “pay it forward” give back and an accountability weekly meeting model.

          NhN Mission

NhN is a network of volunteer peer support groups that follow a community-based approach to help under-employed and unemployed residents get back to work.  NhN embraces a ‘pay it forward’ ethos, asking all associates to contribute to other members by sharing job search techniques, related professional career development resources, personal referrals and generally providing a forum where members feeling empowered, energized and focused on the job search. 

                Goals

• Provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support to members through networking, coaching, leadership experience, and camaraderie.
• Partner with community business leaders to match members with job openings and volunteer and or paid consulting opportunities.
• Expand network reach throughout local communities where there is a need and interest in the New York-New Jersey metro, Boston, and Washington DC area and expansion into other states.

        Core Behaviors

• Be positive in approach and encourage others to remain positive when facing the inherent challenges of the job search.
• Be compassionate and firm, as needed, to maintain productive meeting atmosphere and consistent results orientation. 
• Be active in respective home towns by developing the group and its role in each community.
• Take the extra step to help members by sharing personal network and job leads.
• Report your success story to help others stay motivated as they helped you to do.

Visit our Web site for more information -  www.nhnusa.org