ACTION's FFIT Program: Displaced Fishermen, Families Gain New Job Skills in Gloucester
The first group of trainees in the Fishermen & Families In Transition (FFIT) Program is nearing the completion of its course in computer training and general job preparation. For three months, they have been attending sessions at ACTION's Elm Street, Gloucester location and the Hard Disk Cafe on Main Street.
ACTION is the Massachusetts community action agency that serves Gloucester and surrounding Cape Ann communities.
The program, which is funded by Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston, was implemented as a response to the crisis in the fishing industry. It aims to prepare eligible individuals to compete for jobs and retain them.
The participants in FFIT engage in multi-tiered training which focuses on their particular job training or preparation needs. While computer skills are an important component, other skill areas are included depending on the participants' individual plans.
Ronna Hammond Resnick, Coordinator of Employment and Training at ACTION, balances the computer course with job preparation modules. The training group members are required to write a resume highlighting accomplishments and skills. They also address the areas of making a good first impression, dressing both for the interview and the workplace, and understanding the interview process. Resnick's belief that 'its a job to get a job' guides the training activities.
During the training period a strong peer support network was formed. Information exchanges are common as is help with overcoming barriers to participation in the labor market. The group became cohesive as they shared past difficulties and barriers to employment.
On the final Tuesday of the training program, the group discussed the importance of this experience and its overall effect on their lives.
All of them related just how nervous they were in the beginning of the training. They spoke of how their uneasiness was relieved by Hammond Resnick's skills and patience. Jennifer Valle felt that she was doing something for herself, getting out of the house and having meaningful conversations with adults.
Many in the group related that a certain camaraderie developed. Deborah O'Leary felt that the group experience showed her that she was not alone.
A certain confidence level was evident as each member gave his or her account of recent job hunting. Dick Lowe had a good interview experience with a computer firm and felt positive about the experience and his chances for employment. Members of the group also reported an increase in self esteem.
The words the participants used to describe their experience included therapeutic, enlightening, and opportunties. In particular, Pam Souza felt that she was motivated to follow through with the training, that she was committed. Grace Parisi voiced pride, while Patricia MacDougall declared her experience inspiring.
Many participants reckoned that they would have to leave the Cape Ann area to find work. One trainee, however, believed there are many local small businesses that could benefit from their training.
By the second month of training, a waiting list for interested applicants was established because of the demand for the training program. There are currently 29 people seeking admission; 10 slots are available. Staff at ACTION is seeking funding to maintain the current level of programming and to increase our capacity to provide for the demand.
This article was originally published in 1998 and was placed on MASSCAP's Web site in Fall, 1999.
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