|
The Riverside Osteopathic Hospital in Trenton closed their doors after more than 50 years of service on Nov. 15, leaving 520 full-time, part-time and contingent employees jobless. SEMCA, which is part of the committee known as the Joint Action Committee (JAC), is determined to help these individuals remain hopeful and find jobs. According to the News Herald, Riverside was downgraded from a full-service hospital to an emergency services facility in July. In October, Henry Ford Health System told employees the hospital would close all together, citing decreasing patient volumes. In an effort to help the laid-off employees, a committee made up of Riverside workers and union representatives, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA), Michigan Works! Southgate Service Center which is operated by the Downriver Community Conference (DCC) and the Michigan Department of Career Development have been meeting to come up with ways to reach out to the dislocated workers, 80 percent of which have worked at the hospital for more than 15 years. |
 Josie Guajardo greeted Riverside staff with a smile at the Southgate Service Center. |
|
“A lot of the workers came to the hospital right after graduation and this is all they know,” said Sharon Mena, HR representative of Riverside Osteopathic Hospital.
“Many employees are also scared they will face age discrimination and are fearful they won’t find anything, but if they remain optimistic and network it can get them somewhere,” said Josie Guajardo of DCC. Ron Olesky, Michigan Department of Career Development, said one of the challenges is encouraging people to take advantage of the many services offered while they are still collecting some type of income. So far, the DCC has hosted a workshop series on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get the former employees familiar with the Michigan Works! system. In the first session, individuals learn how to use the Michigan Talent Bank and organize and strategize their job search. The second session includes developing attractive resumes and cover letters and using internet and other options to assist in their job search. The third phase consists of interviewing techniques and creating a thank you letter. |
 Former Riverside employees received help with re-entering Michigan’s workforce. |
| The committee is planning to host more informational sessions and send former Riverside employees a newsletter, which will get them acquainted with all the resources offered through Michigan Works! programs. |
Return to Working Together main page
Return to Main Table of Contents