By Judy Wakefield
Monday marks the beginning of the work week for most folks.
Appropriately, Monday is also the day "Pressed for Success" members meet at Merrimack College to talk about jobs and map out their plans for finding new ones.
Members have lost their jobs and gather to talk about preparing for their next job interview. It's a new support group of volunteers for any worker who has lost a job or wants to find a new one, and membership has ballooned in this down economy. There are recent college graduates alongside experienced workers who found themselves downsized.
"When we started last December, there were three people. Now, we have 50," said Arleen Bradley, founder volunteer manager of Pressed for Success.
"People want to meet others going through what they are going through and they want to be with other people," she said of the ever-growing membership. "It's a chance to network and find out if a company is hiring."
So far, nine members are adding "former" to their Pressed for Success memberships as they have found new jobs, said Bradley.
"Our group helped each of them prepare," she said.
John Anton Cleaners, 357 North Main St., has been lending a hand for several weeks. Those in need of a drycleaned interview suit can get the drycleaning for free through Aug. 31. The promotion started in May and participants just need to have proof of a job layoff, like a letter from the state's unemployment office. Free drycleaning is limited to one suit a week.
"It's our way to help," said Chuck Anton who manages the Andover business. "You need to look good on a job interview. You need to dress for success."
Anton said his business been affected by the economy, as drycleaning is part of a person's disposasble income budget which is shrinking these days for everyone.
"We've been hit hard (by the economy) as drycleaning is expensive, I know. Many of our customers are now unemployed...it's tough out there," he said.
Also helping job-seekers look good are two other Andover businesses. Colonial Barbers at 211 North Main St. and Robert Jason Hair Salon at 92 Main St. donated gift certificates to Pressed for Success.
"These Andover businesses are very generous and the people in our group very much appreciate it," Bradley said.
Pressed for Success meets at various locations at Merrimack College each week. For more information, call Arleen Bradley at 978-682-8962.
