Career Connections

BY KATIE MARSH

It’s no secret that the job market has changed significantly in recent years. Employers have struggled with a shortage of manpower to meet the demands, but in the middle of this, we’ve seen unprecedented measures to recruit. In an effort to address the employment challenges -- the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Shallow Ford Foundation and Forsyth Technical Community College’s Small Business Center, has created a unique series of events to connect employers with candidates who have a specific interest in specific industries.

Denise Heidel, the Executive Director of the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce, shared, “Career Connections is meant to bring a strong educational component to the table. When we began brainstorming this idea, we were adamant that we did not want to create a job fair. Instead, we wanted something more purposeful and strategic because we know that not all industries will attract the same audience.”

To that end, Career Connections is divided into five categories: • Trade (September 7) • Education (September 14) • Hospitality / Retail (September 21) • Medical / Health (September 28) • Finance / Insurance (October 5)

“Each program day will feature a variety of panelists who are experts in their industry, but also who represent different facets of the industry,” explained Denise. “For instance – on Trade Day, our panelists represent everyone from commercial and residential construction, HVAC, plumbing, and even property management. Similarly, the other industries have a variety of panelists representing different aspects of their fields. Our panelists are respected industry leaders who can educate job seekers on the opportunities they are interested in.

“Career Connections is for job seekers at any level – whether the soon-tobe or recent high school graduate, the mid-career job seeker looking for new opportunities, or a recent retiree who still wants to work – but wants to try something new! We are excited to welcome job seekers at any stage of their career!” Denise continued, “We don’t want to waste anyone’s time. We know job seekers are looking for rewarding and purposeful careers. They want to feel valued and that what they are doing matters. These panelists can show them how that happens. And, of course, we have allowed plenty of time for networking so that job seekers can meet with potential employers in a smaller setting.

“Everyone we’ve talked to is super excited about Career Connections. We feel confident that this will provide a great bridge between local employers and serious candidates.”

Career Connections will be hosted at the Historic Broyhill at 3540 Clemmons Road in Clemmons. This is a free community event for job seekers, and the Chamber also has opportunities for Vendors and sponsorships. Please contact Denise Heidel at Denise@Lewisville-Clemmons.com for more information.

The primary objectives of Career Connections are:

• To bring awareness of job opportunities in the community. • To educate others on specific fields who have a high demand and need for employees. • To connect employers with job seekers.

A special thank you to our event sponsors!

• Marzano Capital Group • Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools

Child Safety Series

BABY SAFETY MONTH

BY TARYN JEREZ

Each month this series will provide important facts and tips surrounding child safety, in an effort to support parents and caregivers as they navigate reducing risks and creating the safest environment possible for the children in their lives.

Founded by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) in 1983, “Baby Safety Month” occurs annually each September. Whether you are a new mother, a seasoned parent or grandparent, or other caregiver, this month offers a great opportunity to brush up on the latest safety standards and protocols to keep your babies safe!

This month we’ve rounded up some helpful tips across several categories to help give you the education and assurance you need to avoid safety hazards with your little ones.

Newborn and Infant Feeding

Whichever feeding option is best for you and your baby, make sure to follow safety guidelines to ensure they are receiving clean options and enough nutrition to keep them healthy.

If breastfeeding and/or pumping, be sure to wash hands before handling breastmilk and baby.

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, ask a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for help, especially if feedings are painful or your baby isn’t gaining weight. Don’t microwave breast milk, as it tends to heat up unevenly and can burn your baby, as well as damage the breast milk. Instead, use warm water, testing the temperature before feeding the baby. Always follow the CDC guidelines for proper storage and preparation of breast milk to avoid contamination and illness.

If formula feeding, always be sure to check the “use by” date on the can and store it accordingly. Never waterdown formula to make it last longer, as this can be detrimental to your child’s nutrition.

If bottle feeding (breastmilk or formula) you’ll want to sanitize all pump and bottle parts, using hot water and soap, and cleaning thoroughly with a bottle brush. Never “prop feed” (placing bottle against an object to allow for milk to flow without a care holder holding the bottle for baby), as this can be dangerous and increase risks of choking, aspiration, and suffocation.

Safe Sleep Practices

The sleep environment deserves a lot of attention when it comes to safety.

Make sure your crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play has a firm mattress and your baby is placed on their back to sleep, as recommended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs). All sleeping arrangements should be made away from windows to avoid cords or strings that could lead to strangulation. Avoiding crib bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, low hanging mobiles, and any other items that can reduce airflow is crucial. Utilizing safe sleep products, such as swaddles and sleep sacks, up until their appropriate recommended expiration times or milestones can help keep babies warm and comfortable.

Car Seat Safety

Taking your little one on trips to the pediatrician, to visit family, or to the park for a nice stroller walk? Always have a federally-approved car seat installed, preferably one you can confirm has never been in an accident previously or had any recalls. If you are unsure, have a certified car seat specialist check that you’ve correctly installed your car seat in your vehicle. Some local firehouses provide this service. Infants should be rear-facing in the backseat until two years old or they reach weight and height requirements provided by the manufacturer. Never use aftermarket add-ons that were not originally made for your car seat, as these can impede safety in the event of an accident.

Bath & Water Safety

Bathing your baby can be a beautiful time for bonding, just make sure to pay attention to details. Gather all bath supplies, such as baby wash, towels, washcloth and more, before turning on the water and never leave a baby alone in their bath. Even 1 inch of water can be deadly to an infant. The Mayo Clinic recommends setting your hot water heater below 120 F (48.9 C) to avoid the water temperature getting too hot ever to cause burns. Have a bath thermometer handy to check the water temperature and aim for it to be around 100 F (38 C). Always check the water with your hand before placing your child in the tub, to make sure it feels safe.

Taking Action If Injury or Accidents Occur

When possible, have all immediate caregivers get infant CPR certified in case of an emergency. Always have a First-Aid kit close nearby as well as any important documents or phone numbers with contact information for pediatricians and emergency contacts. If you are unsure about the severity or care of an injury, but have concern, don’t wait to head to your nearest emergency room or call 911.

Helpful Resources to Learn More:

• Juvenile Products Manufacturers

Association (JPMA) - www.jpma. org {ONLINE ARTICLE HYPERLINK: https://www.jpma.org/page/baby_ safety_month# }

• Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov {ONLINE ARTICLE

HYPERLINK: https://www.cdc.gov/ breastfeeding/recommendations/ handling_breastmilk.htm}

Growing with the Times: Truliant at Work

When the COVID-19 pandemic began to materialize for businesses, Truliant Federal Credit Union realized the need to reinvent its Truliant at Work outreach program. The program has been agile and continued to evolve, improving online resources to better meet the needs of workforces that suddenly migrated to home offices.

Supporting Employees At its core, Truliant at Work is a financial education and wellness program that aims to benefit businesses who offer their employees membership in the credit union. Once an employee joins Truliant, they can open accounts, apply for loans, receive specialized financial education and services, and attend many on-site or virtual financial seminars that support their individual financial needs and goals. “One key component missing at many companies is how financial health is correlated to the mental health of employees,” said Kim Alderman, Truliant’s vice president of member experience and the executive in charge of Truliant at Work. “When employees are comfortable with the elements of their personal finances, it makes them healthier and more productive at work. It helps them adjust and manage the added stress of financial changes.”

More Resources Truliant has enhanced online resource pages and added a learning center to help make engaging with the program easier in a remote environment. Employees can now access Truliant’s new video series on personal finances, and schedule appointments with specialists who are available to speak with them about their personal financial situation. “Financial education is so relevant right now,” Alderman said. “There is a large gap in many people’s knowledge. Truliant at Work aims to ensure that all our members are financially stable and better able to enjoy their lives.” Truliant at Work currently has six employees who teach classes, handle relationships with business partners, develop curriculum and on-board new business partners. For employers, the program’s experts are able to meet with Truliant at Work member businesses and discuss relevant financial topics like identity theft, retirement planning, credit reports, budgeting and estate planning. The program currently offers 25 classes.

Business Partnerships The program has more than 1,000 business partners. Several presentations are geared to specific age groups. Last year, Truliant at Work held 297 classes and scheduled about 300 individual appointments with employees. It is also engaging in market research to identify trends and demographic groups that can benefit from additional financial education. Truliant at Work offers a survey for employees who work for business partners. The survey anonymously gauges where the employees are in their financial lives. It also allows employees to set up a review session of their own personal finances. Truliant at Work is working on long-term programming incorporating financial education into formal wellness programs. For example, one business partner is offering points for employees who attend financial education webinars, seminars and personal financial checkups. The points an employee accumulates can be used to reduce their personal healthcare insurance costs.

The Truliant at Work team. Truliant “Financial education is so relevant right now. There is a large gap in many people’s knowledge.”

Call today for your FREE consultation!

Salem Smiles

Orthodontics for Children & Adults

• New iTero Scanner eliminated gooey messy impressions! • Many treatments last only 15 months • Eat without restriction • Great for an active lifestyle

1063 W. Northwest Blvd. • Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-725-5757 • www.SalemSmilesOrtho.com

Fairway

MAKING AN IMPACT

How Volunteers are Supporting Women Facing Unplanned Pregnancies

BY MARY HOLLOMAN

“I want to be a part of the solution.”

That’s the mantra of Angie, a volunteer serving at The Pregnancy Network in Greensboro, North Carolina. For her, getting involved with the nonprofit’s mission was a no brainer—especially in light of current events. As the nation swells with a variety of responses to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe, many women like Angie are searching for opportunities to provide practical support.

“We have to make sure each woman in our community knows she is loved, her baby’s life is valuable, and that there are resources available to help her walk through her unplanned pregnancy without fear,” says Angie. She gives of her time by fulfilling a variety of administrative tasks at The Pregnancy Network—tasks that ensure women get the quality care and resources they need.

The Pregnancy Network, a non-profit that exists to empower women to face their unplanned pregnancies without fear, has been serving the Triad of North Carolina since 1985. The organization provides pregnancy tests, limited OB ultrasounds, STD testing and treatment, pregnancy and parenting classes, material resources, community referrals, a mentorship program, and more—all at no cost to clients.

Medical services are administered by staff registered nurses. But it’s volunteers who carry out many of the day-to-day administrative tasks as well as facilitate classes, serve as peer advocates, assist with organizing donations, and ensure fundraising events come together smoothly.

“We like to say that we are volunteer-led and staff-supported,” says TPN Director of Partnerships Allison Herrington.

Lauren is a physician’s assistant who volunteers at TPN as a class facilitator. She is currently being trained as a peer advocate and recognizes the importance of men and women who give their time. where as many as 4 in 10 pregnancies are unplanned and many women feel pressure to make a quick decision, a volunteer’s time can make all the difference.

For Lauren, it’s about coming alongside women and offering both compassionate love and practical support. “[We want to] show them that they aren’t alone,” she says. “There are resources and people who love and want to help support them.”

Rose, a volunteer nurse who administers STD tests and serves as a peer advocate, views her role at TPN as an undeniable link between love and action. “Women with unplanned pregnancies need to see the love of Christ through his people,” she says, “[and this] is demonstrated by providing support, resources, and mentorship.”

Carol, a retired school teacher who has served as an administrative volunteer every week for over a year, believes The Pregnancy Network is worthy of the time investment.

“I am ever more impressed with the education, resources, and mentoring given to prepare women for motherhood,” she says. “All is done in a well-organized manner and with care and kindness.”

Current TPN volunteers feel confident that new volunteers are adequately prepared.

“Attending a First Look class will give you a thorough overview of what types of volunteer opportunities there are as well as an explanation of TPN’s mission,” says Carol. The “First Look” is a monthly event offered by TPN at both Greensboro and Winston-Salem locations. This is the first step for all potential volunteers who are interested in getting involved.

volunteer involvement multiply over the last 11 years. She believes it’s because community members want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. “No matter where you serve, every person makes an impact on the life of another.”

For Angie, Carol, Lauren, and Rose, it’s all about reaching more women with the love of Christ.

“The way the staff and volunteers love on the mothers and babies is a beautiful testament to the passion of this organization,” says Lauren. “It’s a reflection of the love of God.”

And their message for those who are considering getting involved? Don’t wait.

“I would absolutely encourage anyone who is considering it to attend a First Look to see the many ways you can get involved,” says Angie.

“You have a vital role to play in this mission,” says Roderick. “There is a place for you here.”

If you are interested in finding your place at The Pregnancy Network, you can get started by visiting their website at thepregnancynetwork.org/volunteer.

AUTHOR BIO: Mary Holloman is the Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network, where she has served in a variety of roles since 2012.

The Pregnancy Network WINSTON-SALE M

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

thepregnancynetwork.org/wswalk 336-274-4901

Together, we can empower women to face their unplanned pregnancies without fear.