By Eddie Chau, Dunnville Chronicle
Welland – WELLAND
The Job Gym helped shape the career of Kristy Paningua.
When Paningua was searching for a career related to her field of study, police foundations, the path towards her choice work was tough. The only work experience the Niagara College student had at the time was retail.
Using the programs and services available to her at the Job Gym’s former location on Niagara St., Paningua was able to secure a volunteer position at a probation office.
“The Job Gym really helped me bridge the gap between myself and employment,” said Paningua, who now works at the company as a councillor in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program.
“I liked the one-on-one interaction between councillors. They really helped me a lot.”
With a growing number of clients increasing every year, the Job Gym was outgrowing its facility at 620 Niagara St. and needed to expand. The organization, along with its parent John Howard Society of Niagara, have moved to downtown Welland at 225 East Main St.
Manager Deanna Villella said the new facility can now serve up to 300 clients a year with employment, justice, education and prevention for the whole region under one roof.
“We brought in more staff and the building is totally accessible,” Villella said. “The clients have wanted this. The Job Gym is now bigger, better and brighter.”
Julie Morrison, manager of the Summer Youth Program, one of the many services offered at the Job Gym, said the new facility gives clients plenty of opportunity to help them find their employment needs.
Twitter: @EdChauTribune
