Employment services in Kimberley are not what they used to be since the full-service Alpine Employment closed its doors last spring as the provincial government remodelled delivery of services, but some help is available.
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) Kimberley, as well as Work Place BC will have staff available at the Kimberley Public Library in the upstairs meeting room every Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, CBAL Kimberley is also available on Thursday afternoons at the Library to provide literacy support and information for adults.
Kimberley Public Library had been seeing an increase in unemployed patrons seeking to use the Library's free computers after Alpine Employment closed. Work Place BC and CBAL Kimberley are now hoping to alleviate that pressure on the library by renting the upstairs room.
This is a limited employment service, says Kari Gjerten of Work Place BC.
"We have some computers so you can access job postings, we can offer some tips on resumes and cover letters. But it's self help. It's a very very limited employment agency. But we can also refer you to a case manager who visits Kimberley weekly."
CBAL is there to support as well, said Pam Bailie.
"We are just here to help with more specific literacy skills," she said. "If you have no idea how to do a cover letter, we can help. We don't do resumes but we can help you do it yourself."
On Thursdays, literacy issues for adults are more the focus.
"I am here for any type of adult literacy support. We are really trying to reach out to the community to help with reading, computer skills, math skills. We offer free tutoring."