With the growing number of unemployed and "underemployed" citizens in Carroll County, the Flora Presbyterian Church is responding to this need by hosting two events to assist people in preparing for employment and in finding jobs.

On July 1 job seekers are invited to the first event where they will find out about the resources and training available to build skills, write resumes, prepare for interviews, and search for employment. This event will begin with a free meal at 6:30 p.m.; babysitting will be provided.

Everyone who attends will receive a voucher good for one interview/career "outfit" they can select at either the Thrift Shop in Flora or Deacon's Closet in Delphi on days especially set aside for participants in this event.

Assisting with the July 1 event will be WorkOne, Purdue Recruitment Office, and IVY Tech State College.

On July 8 job seekers are invited to come meet with potential employers at a job networking event. This evening will also begin with a free meal at 6:30 p.m. with babysitting again being provided.

Dinner will be followed by a "job fair" where participants will be able to meet potential employers, pick up applications, discuss job qualifications and talk more with representatives from WorkOne.

Some of the employers that will be represented include Indiana Packers, U.S. Aggregates, Camp Tecumseh, Freedom Lawns, Alco and other area merchants and grocery stores, fast food restaurants, area banks, and others.

Both events will take place at the Flora Presbyterian Church, 211 South Center Street, Flora. Parking is available in the lot behind the church and on the street.

"Everyone we have contacted has been so supportive of our effort," says program chairman, Barb Mayfield. "Our Carroll county businesses tell us they want to encourage job seekers, even if they don't currently have openings. WorkOne, Purdue, and IVY Tech are all going out of their way to provide expertise to help job seekers gain fresh insights and skills they need to find employment. Even though they are all overwhelmed in their workload they were all very excited to be a part of these events."

Mayfield, an elder in the Flora Presbyterian Church, will facilitate the events.

Questions should be directed to the church office at 574-967-3907. Any area business that would like to participate in the July 8 event, should also call the church office.