County Executive Bellone announces annual Fresh Start Career Expo

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced on March 9 that the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs will host its Annual Fresh Start Career Expo in Hauppauge on Wednesday, March 16^th. This event connects individuals that are facing employment obstacles due to justice involvement with potential employers from various industries such as sales, manufacturing, warehouse/distribution and more.

“For job seekers, finding employment as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic can be hard enough without the obstacles faced by individuals with previous convictions,” Bellone said. “The Fresh Start Career Expo is designed to help any and all job seekers re-enter the workforce regardless of their past. On top of that, we are hosting a number of career events in March for our residents to explore new opportunities and work towards furthering their career.”

The Fresh Start Career Expo will take place at Long Island Cares Inc. in Hauppauge from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance.

Professional attire is available through the Suffolk County Department of Labor’s Career Couture, a program that offers individuals proper business attire free of charge. With the proper attire, most qualified individuals will have a better opportunity of obtaining their next job.

Each of the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs workshops and career events are held through the SCDOL’s One-Stop Employment Center. The One-Stop Employment Center functions as a full-service human resources facility that brings together both employers and job seekers, residents are provided with a streamlined approach to job search. The center supplies job seekers with all the tools necessary for a self-directed or staff-assisted job search, and provides employers with facilities and workforce support.

"Finding employment can be difficult enough, regardless of the barriers that those with justice involvement may face," said Rosalie Drago, the Suffolk County Department of Labor Commissioner. At a Fresh Start, job fair attendees will receive guidance and learn proven strategies for a path back into the workforce. We encourage individuals that may be struggling to find meaningful employment to attend any of our career events as they see fit. Our job is to assist residents and job-seekers gain employment and potentially life-changing opportunities."

To register for the Fresh Start Career Expo, click here.