Businesses Show Hospitality To Jobless
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – With the Great Recession showing no signs of letting up, the job market continues to suffer. It's making getting a job even more difficult, especially for people who may be homeless without access to better their lives before an interview.
That's why the Hospitality Institute put together a program on Friday to train and hire Miami's homeless. It's a joint program with the Doubletree Grand in downtown Miami; and it's come at a perfect time for many people.
"It's been a great opportunity," said one participant. "And I really appreciate it."
Another person at the event said, "I just feel like you guys, you guys gave me the tools to go out there and serve."
A total of 55 people graduated from the Hospitality Institute, which is a four-day program that instills workers with skills they need to land a job.
"They come out with self-confidence," said Jeff Wahl of the Hospitality Institute. "They can go out and get a job and we're here after the fact to help them achieve that."
Dachon Jones, 27, spent 10 years working in restaurants, but this spring he lost his job after some medical problems with his eight-year-old son. The program allowed him to learn skills in service training, how to dress, and preparing for an interview.
"It was a great experience," Dachon said. "I learned a lot of things I didn't know."
After the graduation, the Hospitality Institute hosts a job fair for entry level positions with companies like the Palms, Staples, and the Intercontinental Miami and others.
"It's a great way that the business community can connect with those in need and they can fill positions and have great employees with this group of people and it gives an opportunity for them to turn their lives around," said Julie Grimes of the Hilton Bentley.
For more information on the Hospitality Institute, click here.
