Church-led job fair offered fresh start to job seekers

The recent Revealing Truth Ministries Second Chance Job Fair in partnership with Better Together helped some attendees find employment. [Submitted photo]

On April 30, 2025, the Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center hosted its inaugural Second Chance Job Fair in partnership with Better Together. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the church campus in Ocala welcomed 129 job seekers looking for a new opportunity.

The event was part of the Nationwide Day of Second Chances, a movement aimed at helping individuals who have experienced barriers to employment. Some had career gaps, others had been involved with the justice system and many were simply ready for a change. The fair welcomed anyone in the community who needed support in finding work.

Better Together helped coordinate the event and a wide range of employers and resource partners participated. Organizations included Hilton Ocala, Comfort Keepers, Team Cone, Zero Hour Life Center, the Marion County Housing Authority and Marion County Public Schools. The jobs and services offered spanned industries from healthcare to construction to education.

By the end of the afternoon, eight people had been hired on the spot, 113 interviews had been scheduled or conducted and 28 individuals received one-on-one job coaching. Nearly 80 percent of attendees said they left feeling more confident about their employment future.

One attendee had three interviews scheduled before leaving the building. Another, a domestic violence survivor, connected with community services and received help with food and housing.

“At Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, all we do all day long is schedule interviews,” said Patti Wallace. “I had more people today than I’ve had in the last week show up to my office. I completed a total of 25 interviews onsite today, six scheduled for tomorrow and I have four more candidates to follow up with. This turnout—and I do job fairs all over Lake, Marion and Sumter counties—best turnout I’ve ever been to.”

Volunteers from the church and community welcomed attendees, offered guidance, provided bilingual assistance to Spanish-speaking job seekers and prayed with those who needed encouragement or support.

To learn more, visit revealingtruthocc.org and bettertogetherus.org