Faces of First Source

Welcome to Faces of First Source, a monthly spotlight on the great success stories within First Source- a program that is helping put Providence residents to work by matching talented job seekers with available jobs in industry and making a real difference in the community.

The Genesis Center is a perfect case in point. "A fantastic hire was made due to the support First Source Providence provided" says Shannon Carroll, Senior Vice President of Operations at The Genesis Center. As a recipient of funding through the City of Providence, Genesis began posting all of their job vacancies directly into the new First Source web-based system launched in early 2013. This new interactive tool allows employers like The Genesis Center to review resumes of Providence residents who have registered in First Source. Employers large and small are finding this "new and improved" automated First Source system a tremendous resource in their search for local talent and desire to hire Providence residents.

On the job seeker side, Providence resident Angela Salavarrieta, had been laid off and brought many great skills to the table in her job search , in particular her skills in finance and banking and a burning desire to continue assisting Providence families in learning ways to build assets and become more financially empowered. Angela registered with First Source when she became unemployed and was immediately matched and presented for an interview with The Genesis Center which was looking to hire a "Family Support Specialist" to lead trainings and workshops on financial empowerment to low income families. It turned out to be a match made in heaven! Angela is now employed with The Geneisis Center, in Providence's Southside, where she readily shares her expertise and experience with their many participants.

"The stuff I talk about is where one-on-one comes in…helping people improve their skills and improve their lives," Salavarrieta says. Some of the specifics she teaches include: credit repair, debt management, bankruptcy issues, identity theft and avoiding scams; her workshops are always full!

First Source is a City ordinance dating back to 1985 designed to ensure that Providence residents are given consideration in hiring by those businesses and organizations which have benefited from funding by the City of Providence. Dormant for many years, its new director, Natalie Lopes has breathed new life into the program.

For more information contact 401.680.8416 or email nlopes@providenceri.com. First Source information can also be accessed at www.providenceri.com/economic-development/first-source