Our new neighbors, piecing back together their lives in the hurricane's wake, don't know what the future holds for them. They may not return to New Orleans in the near future; they may or may not return at all. In order to help the more-than-150 Katrina survivors living at the Dream Center restore some order and stability to their lives, I organized a job fair Friday morning. My staff and I called local employers of all shapes and sizes all day yesterday in order to make the event a success.
And a success it was. The business community made a strong showing at the Dream Center, demonstrating that community spirit is still guiding reaction to Katrina. Federal Express, Albertson's, Ralphs's and Starbucks were eager to help people get back on their feet. The Hollywood and Northeast Worksource Centers, the state Employment Development Department, the Social Security Administration, L.A. County, L.A. Bridges II and the DMV all pitched in. And CD13's outstanding generosity was on full display: Cheryl Revkin of the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce got the word out that the Dream Center needed
a copy machine in order to keep processing new arrivals and job-seekers, and Netty's Restaurant and the Hollywood Free Clinic each donated copy machines in response. Cannon Business Solutions also donated a pair of copy machines for use at the Dream Center.
In addition to half a dozen employment agencies, these businesses came to the Dream Center to conduct interviews: Harbor House Restaurant, Willie's King Shop, Lacer Ranch, Sewing Art Center, Pacific Protection
Services, Central Refrigeration, Burbank Towne Center, Another Level Hair Salon, Stephan Plumbing & Heating, and Vulcan Material Company. Thank you to all.