Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) will host a free workshop Aug. 15 on “Market Yourself: Landing the Job You Want” in Potosi.

The workshop will cover building a resume, how to dress for an interview and other interview skills.

The workshop will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the basement of the Washington County Library, 235 E. High St, Potosi. Savannah Vandegriffe, Family Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership coordinator, with Phelps County PHA, will give the presentation.

“These classes are beneficial for people who feel they need assistance with budgeting and life skills,” Vandegriffe said. “This particular class is going to focus more along the lines of landing the job you want, but I’d encourage any interested participant to attend, as the program will hit on skills that will be beneficial for other aspects of daily life, as well.”

Workshops are offered at no cost to the participant. Please RSVP by calling Vandegriffe at 573-265-4200 ext. 132.

Free training classes are a part of the MRPC and PHA’s efforts to help prepare families who are first time homebuyers for homeownership and make them aware of the resources available to assist with homeownership.

These partnerships are a part of MRPC’s outreach efforts in partnership with senior citizen housing groups and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which assists with grant funds to renovate senior citizen housing complexes throughout the region.

For more information on the homeownership program and workshop, contact Vandegriffe.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 23, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

MRPC provides staffing to the Phelps County Public Housing Agency that provides rental assistance to over 700 low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city limits of Rolla) and Washington counties. The PHA also offers the Family Self-Sufficiency Program where clients develop a goal-oriented, five-year plan that moves them toward self-sufficiency and independence from government programs.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.orgor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.