The West End Civic Association and the West End Community Center co-sponsored a Job Readiness Open House May 10 where over 70 attended. The open house is the beginning of a job readiness initiative, with the ultimate goal being to secure grant funding for a permanent job readiness program under the auspices of WECA and WECC.The focus of the event was to connect Hartford residents with agencies specializing in job training and placement. The Open House was a success, and I wish to thank the following people for their contributions: David Barrett, Darrell Garner, David Klein, Dore Thomas, Sylvia Reid, John Barlow, and numerous other volunteers who gave their time. Thanks to the West End Community Center staff and the tenants of the WECC offices for their cooperation. Acknowledgements to the following businesses for their generosity: Capitol Workforce Partners, Sheldon Oak Central Incorporated, Donut and Bagel Stop, Dunkin' Donuts, and Wood n Tap. Last but not least, special thanks to WECA Administrative Assistant Brenda McCumber, who worked the hardest of all of us to pull this event together.

David Samuels