Employment & Training Newsletter

DECEMBER 2023| ISSUE 1

MONTHLY Newsletter Welcome to our first SkillUP and Financial Opportunity Center newsletter!

Each month we will provide you with information, tips, upcoming events, and real success stories, so keep your eye out. Let’s dive in!

WHAT IS SKILLUP? SkillUP is a program for SNAP recipients to gain new work skills, receive training, and find better jobs. If you think you qualify, there are coaches waiting to talk to you!

Coach Spotlight:

Emily C.

I have been with CMCA since September 2023. I come from working with refugees and used to work with dogs. I have two dogs: Muffin & Chip and two fish: Concrete & Brick. My favorite animal is a gorilla, I love drinking Coke and I think Taylor Swift is overrated.

SKILLUP VS. SKILLDOWN Here in this section of the newsletter we will have tips, tricks and turn-offs for the working world. If you want to know more about how to interview better, build a STUNNING resume or just overall how to be a better employee--this is your section!

THE PERFECT RESUME VS THE RESUME EVERYONE WRITES It’s almost always a struggle to figure out what to put on your resume, especially if you have gaps or little experience. Instead of focusing on what you DON’T have, pay attention to the details within your everyday life. If you like to sew, say you have fine hand-eye motor skills and are detail-oriented. If you have been a stay-at-home mom for years, say you work well under pressure, can manage a schedule, and have childcare experience.

Once you have a list of skills, create a skills-based resume focusing on those skills, and then you can write a brief list of where you have worked. This method might help alleviate some of the stress from making a resume based on job history and it can open up more opportunities for potential careers! If you need help getting started, reach out to a SkillUP Coach today!

Refer someone to SkillUP

WHAT IS FOC? The Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) provides employment and career coaching, as well as, one-on-one financial coaching. We can also connect members with income supports such as SNAP, utility assistance, and affordable health insurance to bridge gaps as members work towards new career and financial goals.

Coach Spotlight:

Jamie W.

I have been with CMCA since March of 2023 and work 1x1 with families in our communities as well as local entrepreneurs from the Missouri Women's Business Center. I have been in finance for 18 years and bring a wealth of knowledge and networking connections to our area. I am a mom of 2 awesome kiddos, I serve as Secretary of the Prairie Home School Board, volunteer as a summer baseball coach, sit on several additional boards in our community and in the smidge of free time my son and I take in all the Bananana Baseball that we can!

Refer someone to FOC today!

FINANCIAL FREEDOM Here in this section of the newsletter we will focus on all the budgeting, saving and financial tips and tricks that you can utilize everyday to become financially free. Its safe to say money is a necessity in this world, but we do not need to be ruled by it!

Give Every Dollar a Job Every month, you should create a spending plan.

Assign every dollar coming in a job, whether it be to pay a certain bill or to save. That way, you are regaining control of your money and not letting your money control you!

Can’t get enough financial advice? Check out our FOC’s very own free podcast to learn more! Scan the QR code to see all the epidodes, new ones come out bi-weekly.

You won’t want to miss this!

CMCA Job Listings https://cmcaus.applicantpro.com/jobs/ Financial Resources https://www.centralbank.net/prosperu/

Upcoming Events

Holiday Events in Columbia, MO December 9, 2pm, Blackwater Christmas FestivalBlackwater, MO December 15, 7-8pm, Tractor Parade-Centralia, MO Jefferson City Holiday Events Calendar

Alerts and Reminders: Energy Assistance Disabled and elderly (age 60 or older) households may submit their applications as early as October 1, although the program does not officially begin until November 1.

For all other households, the program begins December 1, and applications will be accepted beginning November 1.

Agency Updates: CMCA Offices Closed: December 22, 25 and January 1

See You Next Time Make it to the end? Submit your answer to this quiz for a chance to win some CMCA goodies!

https://forms.gle/yJyZAKgTVJAzyYRV8

Any questions/concerns about the newsletter can be sent to: Leslie White; lesliew@cmca.us