Charity teams up with Fresno City College to offer residents necessary life skills

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- New skills for success in life is the goal of a partnership between Fresno Catholic Charities and Fresno City College is offering to people who are looking for a job.

Monday morning marked a new beginning for Catholic Charities in Downtown Fresno. Their career and education center opened the doors to a dozen people who want to take that first step in looking for a job.

"Some of them have never used a computer before," Catholic Charities executive director Kelly Lilles said. "Some of them don't know how to create an email account. Some of them have never learned ten-key or how to put a resume together or look for a job."

Lilles said for the next two weeks a group of men and women will learn those skills along with lessons on communication, teamwork and professionalism.

"Many of them want to go back to work," she said. "Many of them are looking to provide for their families and, unfortunately, because they don't have the skill set, they can't do it."

The course is free; Fresno City College is providing the instructor and the lesson plan. All the computers in the classroom were donated to catholic charities. Bus tokens are also provided to those who need transportation.

Lilles said each person in the class has had a personal struggle in life and this is an opportunity to help them get back on their feet.

"We want them to understand that they are all value and they all bring something to the table," she said. "They all have something to offer. We just have to enhance their skills and give them confidence."

Pamela Martin is one of the students in the course. She expects to gain a lot in the next few weeks but was surprised to be inspired on the first day.

"The class is awesome," she exclaimed. "I've learned a lot in one day already. Watching the videos, learning how to keep pushing on, just get everything done because tomorrow is not promised to us."

When students complete the course they will get a certificate of completion and a $50 gift card. Catholic Charities plans to have another two-week session in October.