LISC looks to partner with businesses to create employment opportunities

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The Local Initiatives Support Corporation cut the ribbon on two new Financial Opportunity Centers on Tuesday in Newark.Rhonda Lewis, executive director of the Greater Newark LISC, said of the centers:

“(They) offer a bundle of services where clients can come in and get financial coaching for a job, retirement or education, help holding a checking or savings account. And there’s an employment aspect where they can get employment assistance and training.”

The centers work in conjunction with businesses to create opportunities with individuals who are economically at risk.

For instance, LISC’s partner, The New Community Corporation, has partnered with ShopRite to provide cashiers for its local outlets.

The group also demonstrated its health care training at the event.

“Health care is one of the largest growing segments of the employment industry, and (The New Community Corporation) happens to have a real ally in the training, so they help people become phlebotomists and have a nursing program,” Lewis said. “So, employers can feel comfortable and can know that person is trained.”

For any business looking to get involved with these programs, Lewis said it can contact The New Community Corporation or the Urban League of Essex County, which will each operate one of the new centers.

 “Both of those entities have trained individuals if there’s a specific job,” she said. “They can find a niche.”

These programs are funded by The Nicholson Foundation, Prudential Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Capital One, Synchrony Financial and Greater Newark LISC.