Salisbury Jobs for Life is currently taking applications for spring classes which will begin in February. Jobs for Life is an eight-week, faith-based job and career readiness program that helps people not only get job and career direction, but make decisions about whole lifestyle changes. It is designed for those who are currently unemployed or underemployed due to chance, previous choice or other circumstances.

An orientation of Jobs for Life titled “Eight Weeks to Change a Lifetime” will be presented in the dining hall of Rowan Helping Ministries, 217 N. Long St., on Thursday, Jan. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for those who are interested. Representatives will be there to make a short presentation, answer questions and help potential students with the application process

Jobs for Life consists of 16 two-hour sessions that focus on vocational planning, resume writing, interviewing skills and networking opportunities like many other readiness programs, and it also uses ancient and modern faith stories to remind participants of the importance of courage, hope and service to mankind. In addition, each student is assigned his or her own personal mentor who will assist in classwork and homework assignments. These mentors join with the teams of instructors, administrators and hospitality volunteers who surround participants with encouragement and support at each meeting.

Classes are limited to 10 students each, and two classes are currently being scheduled. Both will meet on Sunday and Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with supper being served just before class which is free to students.

Applications can be downloaded at www.fbcsalisbury.org or picked up at First Baptist Church-Salisbury, 223 N. Fulton St. between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday until Jan. 18. Interviews will begin on Monday, Jan. 11, and applications must be filled out before an interview is scheduled. A meet and greet with all students and faculty is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. Classes will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

There is also training scheduled on Wednesday nights in January at 6:30 p.m. for those who may be interested in volunteering for Jobs for Life. Mentors, job and career representatives and mock interviewers are needed. Contacts, or “point persons,” from local churches are also needed to add to the career network.

For more information contact Rod Kerr, Salisbury Jobs for Life site director, at 704-633-0431 or by email rod@fbcsalisbury.org .