By Janice Phelan,
                                                									June 15, 2020
                                             
                                                
                                                
The University of Central Missouri is partnering with several community organizations
                                                   to launch the Job Skills for New Careers initiative. The program is designed to help
                                                   break the cycle of poverty by providing free job training for in-demand fields. Other
                                                   organizations involved in the collaboration are Truman Heartland Community Foundation,
                                                   Community Services League, Herndon Career Center and Mid-Continent Public Library.
                                                
                                                 
                                                
                                                “Getting a better job is an opportunity to build financial security for you and your
                                                   family,” said a representative from the Community Services League.
                                                
                                                 
                                                
                                                Through the  qualifying individuals receive access to free job training as well as support in
                                                   securing a new job. 
                                                
                                                 
                                                
                                                “We believe these organizations bring unique assets to the table and by working together,
                                                   we can help people get connected to the trainings and resources they need to get on
                                                   the path to a better job and a brighter future,” said Phil Hanson, president and CEO
                                                   of Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
                                                
                                                 
                                                
                                                Through this initiative, Community Services League will match applicants with financial
                                                   counseling, community resources through Mid-Continent Public Library and opportunities
                                                   for free training available through Herndon Career Center and UCM. The training is
                                                   in fields that pay living wages and are in high demand in the region, including healthcare,
                                                   other medical fields and skilled industrial trades.