Job Point prepares employees for market

Rhonda Kelly Matthews had to give up her job as a certified nurse assistant because of medical issues. Looking for a new career, she turned to Job Point, a not-for profit employment agency based in Columbia that serves mid-Missouri.

Matthews graduated from the Job Point office technology training program and now has a permanent position as a legal assistant for the Missouri Bankruptcy Center.

Job Point, started in 1965, has a staff of about 50, said Brenda Overkamp, director of marketing and research. It operates in Columbia, Jefferson City, Moberly, Wright City and Marshall. Columbia locations include 2116 Nelwood Drive and 1500 Vandiver Drive.

“We serve about 2,000 people a year, providing career planning and occupational skills training to individuals who have any type of barrier to employment or those economically disadvantaged who have not had the opportunity for employment,” Overkamp said.

This past year, Job Point placed more than 200 individuals entering employment at an average hourly wage of $8.57, she said. Almost 70 percent of adults hired maintained employment for at least 90 days.

“We specialize in preparing people to enter the workforce and at the same time provide a critical need for the business community,” she said

David Townsend, president of Agents National Title Insurance in Columbia, is on the Job Point board of directors. He turned to the organization when looking for an administrative assistant and hired Stephen Neville, 24, who is legally blind. Neville, a college dropout, had been looking for a job for six months.

“I filled out job applications every day,” Neville said. “Job Point showed me how to get a job. They push you and show you how to work. They were very helpful.”

Townsend said: “We make all the necessary accommodations for him, but it doesn’t slow him down on bit. He works as hard or harder than anyone in the office.

“Job Point does a great job in preparing all their clients for job skills and interviewing. They are a pretty neat, progressive group.”

Skills training funding is provided by sponsors such as United Way, Department of Mental Health, Division of Family Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, city of Columbia and others. In some cases, a fee is charged.

Full-time instructors provide hands-on training. Advisors serve as case managers who work with the individuals and help them handle things that affect their ability to keep or maintain employment.

Other staff members contact local businesses and let them know of people who are ready to go to work.

Training provides entry in various fields including clerical, manufacturing, custodial, food service and construction. Training programs can range from four to 36 weeks. Certificates are awarded to individuals who complete graduation.

Employers of Job Point graduates can receive a Work Opportunity Tax Credit designed to move people from welfare into gainful employment. Tax breaks include $2,400 for an adult hire and $1,200 for each summer youth hire.

Job Point offers a Youth at Risk program for participants ages 16 to 24, usually high school dropouts who are economically disadvantaged. Youth are engaged in class work to earn their GED while being trained in skills such as single-family home or highway and road construction.

Job Point
Wilkes Center, 400 Wilkes Blvd. Ste. A
449-3431 Contact: Gary Taylor

Resource Center
1500 Vandiver Dr. Ste. 109, 777-1500
Contact: Mark Eye