Northridge nonprofit opens new job resource center to support local job seekers

NORTHRIDGE, LOS ANGELE -- A local non-profit that feeds those in need has expanded, adding a new job resource center offering everything from forklift training classes, interview classes, nutrition classes and cooking classes. It's called Christy's Foundation, which is at Northridge Fashion Center mall.

"Teaching people how to interview, teaching people how to prepare their resume and what to say and what not to say during a job interview," founder Christy Dawson said.
Plus, nutrition and cooking classes to help give ideas for what to do with the ingredients that are handed out downstairs at the existing food distribution center.

"What happens is people kind of pick what they like, but if we give them like a little recipe pamphlet. Then I think we can move more of the food because they can say, oh, I can get this and this and make something," board member Sheree Zampino said.

Zampino will help teach some of the classes, turning the non-profit into a comprehensive support center for local families in need.

"We're growing, our numbers are increasing. We're looking at serving by the end of the year, maybe like 5,000 plus. And that's just in people, not families," said Dawson. Christy's Foundation hopes to not just provide immediate relief with food, but also long-term solutions to improve quality of life.

"We have people coming in from Panorama City, Pacoima, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, from all over. And so, it warms my heart to see when people come, and then before they leave, they're, like... Thank you, Christy. Thank you, Sheree. Thank you, guys, for doing this. Thank you to the volunteers. Thank you for doing it. Thank you being here," said Dawson. "My hope is that they feel the love, you know, they feel the passion, they fill the care, they feel held and seen," said Zampino.

The food distribution events happen every Thursday from 12 to 2pm at Northridge Fashion Center, across from Old Navy. They're always looking for donations. If you'd like to help, go to www.ChristysFoundation.org

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