Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is breaking down employment barriers by hosting a series of background-friendly job fairs on April 16 and 18 as part of its Nationwide Days of Second Chances. The nonprofit is hosting events in partnership with churches across the country – including Florida, Kentucky and Washington, D.C. – and invites local job seekers and hiring employers to register.

To support job seekers who are faced with challenges to re-entering the workforce, Better Together’s Nationwide Days of Second Chances brings churches, volunteers, businesses and nonprofits together to host two coordinated days of job fairs that promote the power of second chances for neighbors facing barriers to employment. These barriers can include incarceration, homelessness and lack of transportation or child care, or gaps on a resume due to unemployment.

Job fairs will feature employers who are prepared to interview job seekers and offer jobs on the spot.

Nationwide Days of Second Chances events will be hosted on April 16 and 18 at the following times and locations in Southwest Florida:

• Fort Myers – April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Church, 2415 Grand Ave.

• Lehigh Acres – April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rise Christian Church, 50 Bell Blvd., N.

Nationwide Days of Second Chances is part of Better Together’s workforce outreach, which has helped 42,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 22 states. At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and 1 in 4 receive a job offer on the spot. Some 70% find work within six weeks.

The church-based job fairs not only connect job seekers with local employers who offer on-the-spot job opportunities, but also provide resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are made available to job seekers to review resumes and interviewing skills, and additional services, such as free haircuts and clothing, are also encouraged.

Nearly all job seekers leave with hope in their hearts as the Better Jobs model encourages celebration of their wins. One way that’s done is through the opportunity bell, which rings whenever anyone gets a job offer or interview.

Job seekers, employers and churches interested in participating in a Better Together job fair for Nationwide Days of Second Chances can visit “http://BetterTogetherUS.org/NWDSC” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>BetterTogetherUS.org/NWDSC for more information on local events and the latest list of participating locations. Job seekers may also text “JOBS” to 844-987-3949 to register for an area job fair.

For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.