ST. LOUIS — Hope was restored on Friday for the dozens of workers who found themselves unexpectedly unemployed just days before Christmas.
The sudden closure of Northview Village Nursing Home in North St. Louis left 170 employees without a job and uncertain about their future.
A union spokesperson stated that the employees received the final paychecks they were due before they left the facility on Friday.
In response to this crisis, St. Louis' Agency for Training and Employment, known as SLATE, took swift action by organizing an emergency job fair. On Friday, the Job Center on Market Street became a hub of opportunity as approximately 17 employers, including senior living facilities, health facilities, St. Louis Public Schools and other businesses, set up booths to connect with the displaced workers.
Betty McCanery, who dedicated 30 years of her life to Northview Village, expressed her disappointment and shock at the abrupt closure as she walked through the room.
"Really disappointed," she said. "We're just in awe because never thought he would do that. If he's going to close, he could have given us warning. Some type of warning."
Shannon Johnson, Executive Assistant at SLATE, emphasized the urgency of the situation
"Some people out here are living check to check, and they don't know where they are going to get that next meal from," she said. "If nothing else, this check was going to go towards gifts and everything else like that to bring the family together, so it was our obligation to ensure that we were able to give that support for everybody to bounce back and gain some hope."
The employers participating in the job fair made the process seamless for the affected workers. All they have to do is walk up, grab an application, and express their job preferences. Some fortunate individuals, including McCanery, left Friday with scheduled interviews.
Terry Signaigo, representing HRN Social Services, highlighted the importance of compassion in their industry.
"You can always teach a skill, but you can't teach people to care, and people that are in the industry know that they truly care about what they are doing," Signaigo said.
"I think we all are just so grateful for this. People that care about other people. You know, I'm saying. So yeah. This is a blessing," McCanery added.
SLATE will hold another job fair for displaced employees on Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at 1520 Market St in the first-floor conference room.