Laid-off workers are finding jobs with the help of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and one of its partners.
In May 2015, Jennie-O Turkey, Austin, Minn., laid off workers due to an outbreak of the Avian flu. Of the 233 employees who lost work, 97 reached out to Somali Community Resettlement Services, Faribault, Minn., a Refugee Employment Services provider under contract with the department. The agency helped laid-off workers apply for unemployment insurance and seek suitable employment.
With help from the provider and LeSueur Employment Agency, within a short time, 33 of the 97 workers were placed into jobs in Le Center, LeSueur and Owatonna, Minn. Jennie-O Turkey recalled 11 of the workers. Somali Community Resettlement Services is working with the remaining displaced workers to find jobs in Rochester and Faribault, Minn.
“It is remarkable to see what this agency has been able to accomplish, and the ongoing support that staff are providing to the former Jennie-O Turkey employees,” said Rachele King, state refugee coordinator in the department Resettlement Programs Office.
See the DHS refugee program webpage for more information.
