One year ago River Edge resident John Fugazzie's brainchild came to life - to create a free community based organization to bring neighbors together and help one another search for jobs in a tough economy. On Jan. 27, 9:30am to 11:30am, the group will host a One-Year Anniversary Seminar and Networking Event at the Ridgewood Library with a gold panel of speakers.

Since its creation, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, has seen 38 success stories and expanded to libraries across Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Sussex, Monmouth, MIddlesex, Union and Warren Counties. NhN has fostered an environment in which group members assist each other in job search techniques and suggestions based on personal experience plus personal and professional networking. NhNpartners with our community libraries to assist with meeting locations, training sessions  and other useful resources.

“Not feeling alone or powerless are critical factors in a job search, particularly for those who have been out of work for an extended period of time,” explained John Fugazzie, founder of NhN. “Support, discussion and information sharing can make all the difference. It helps re-build the confidence needed to successfully land a job. During our initial seven months, seventeen group members – including myself – found jobs as a direct result of regularly attending meetings and putting to use the tips and techniques the group provides.”

The panel will include Natasha Peter, New Jersey State Library; Daragh O'Connor, River Edge Public Library; Al Tretola, Gotham Search Group; Anthony Fasano, Powerful Purpose Associates; Cynthia Clark, Clark Consulting Corporation & Career Quest Coaching, Inc.; and Richard Bahner, CDNA Distributors NA, President &  SuccessDNA, Partner.

Peter will be illustrating how New Jersey State’s Library mission is helping in the economic recovery of the state by giving libraries the tools they need to expand services to the unemployed and underemployed.

While O'Connor, as the first library director to embrace the NhN mission, will discuss how River Edge helps those in its community that are un- or under-employed.

Combining their skills and expertise Tretola and Fasano will partner to deliver a seminar covering the dos and don’ts of resumes both traditional and online.  

Clark is a Human Resources Consultant with more than twenty-five years of Human Resources experience, and specializations in Training, Recruiting, and Executive and Career Coaching.

Bahner, an expert in the field of talent and change management will bring his unique talent to NhN’s anniversary event to help them navigate the ever-changing employment market.

To register for the seminar and networking event, sign-up here.

NHN holds weekly meetings at the following libraries: River Edge, Bergenfield, Hawthorne,Westwood, Ridgewood, Closter/Dumont, Waldwick, Wanaque, Cresskill, Wayne, Englewood,Mahwah, Maplewood (starting Feb. 1), and Cedar Grove (starting Feb. 9).