Job Fair targets Ruskin community

By Don Bradley

Ruskin Heights is finally getting a job fair, and the person pushing the event says it’s long overdue.

Longtime community activist Beth Boerger says the Ruskin area’s eviction rate and student mobility rate clearly points out a need for more jobs and better jobs.

“People don’t have life-sustaining careers,” said Boerger, chief planner for the event. “That’s why we’re doing this. The need is great.”

The community job fair, organized by the Ruskin Heights Homes Association, is set for 9:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 16 at the Southside Optimist Hall, 11154 Blue Ridge Blvd.

Employers scheduled for the event include the U.S. Postal Service, Kansas City Police Department, Mid-America Regional Council, Compass Health Network, Missouri Department of Transportation, KC Scholars, Kansas City Public Works, Courageous Home Care, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Brillient Corp., Rising Construction Services, The Call, Salvation Army and others.

Boerger, a member of the Hickman Mills School Board, said as far as she knows the event will be the first job fair for the area.

“As a school board member, I obviously see how poverty affects education,” said Boerger, who was recently honored by the city for her community engagement efforts. “We’re doing this for anyone who needs a job.”

Sponsors of the job fair also include the Community Assistance Council, Martin City Telegraph and the Southside Optimist Club.