By Diana Shinall and Katie Danielson
Northside Early Childhood Zone

Have you ever wondered why things seem to always go wrong when you try your best? Have you ever tried to get a job but always get turned down because of your past? Have you ever wanted to take up a trade, but never knew what trade would fit with your interests or skills? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Northside Ready Set Go! (NRSG) is a program for you.

NRSG is an employment and training program named by the Northside community and open to all Northside adults that focuses on communication skills, goal setting, confidence building and conflict resolution — those pre-employment skills we all need to succeed. NRSG takes a holistic approach to overcoming barriers to getting and keeping employment. The 6-week training program will run Tuesday and Thursday nights, starting Oct. 9, from 4 pm–8 pm at Lakeview Lutheran Church, 4001 Mandrake Rd.. Childcare and dinner will be provided.

Diana Shinall, an education and employment specialist with the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, will lead the program. Shinall successfully led a similar program called Madison Apprenticeship Program (MAP) in the Allied Drive area and is looking to replicate some of the key concepts and experiences with Northside residents with NRSG.

The program will help participants with the soft skills needed for employment and provide them with the tools be more successful for the long-term in the workplace. Diana shares some of her own story with program participants to create a safe space for all.

After the 6-week program is completed, there will be an opportunity for the students to get additional individual support for resume writing and job interviewing skills. Diana aims to engage local businesses — particularly those that have open positions — and she’ll be working to connect program graduates with those  potential employers. There will also be a graduation ceremony — complete with caps and gowns and a cake — for the students and their families and friends.

We are currently looking for two paid child care coordinators as well as volunteers to assist with childcare.

To get involved, contact Diana Shinall at DShinall@chw.org or 608-218-0891.