Although many people might not be aware of it, there is a place in Niles dedicated to improving the lives of local people with low to moderate incomes.

The Ferry Street Resource Center, located at 620 Ferry St., provides assistance with many different things, including:

• Issues with the Department of Human Services

• Filling out emergency relief forms

• Helping people find employment

• Free use of fax and copy machines

• Adult education

• Preparation and tutoring for GED

The non-profit organization’s list of services is long and continues to grow.

Earlier this week, the center’s executive director announced that it would be adding a new program designed to assist residents in their career development.

Greg Nasstrom said the new “Career Move” support group would help people find the jobs that they are most suited to do. This will be accomplished through the use of aptitude testing and career counseling.

The new group will meet at 5 p.m. each Thursday at the Ferry Street Resource Center.

If you need help in finding a job or just finding one that fits you better, we encourage you to take advantage of this free resource.

The center will also be offering adult basic education classes during the school year from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The school year begins Sept. 8.

For more information, or to enroll in classes, call (269) 687-9860.

If you don’t need either of these services, the center is always looking for volunteers to help it make a difference in even more lives. Many different volunteer opportunities are available from tutoring to mentoring. Stop in or call to find out more.

With so many people in need in the greater Niles area, it is good to know that an organization like the Ferry Street Resource Center is out there ready to help.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.