FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 22, 2006

BarnRaising.Org Creates Massachusetts’ Model in New Bedford,
Invites Public to “Barn Raising™” Event on Thursday, November 30th

            BarnRaising.Org,™ a community-based, nationally recognized 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals find employment or start their own business, announces a successful partnership with the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Greater New Bedford Career Center, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and BankFive. 

The general public is invited to attend a “Barn Raising™” Event hosted by BankFive on Thursday, November 30th, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in New Bedford [174 Union Street] to see how an innovative collaboration between local business, career center, the state, and a non-profit organization are working together to help residents find employment within Massachusetts.

In rural America, whole communities gather to help each other “raise” or build their barns. Taking a cue from this tradition, BarnRaising.Org offers a uniquely effective and affordable process for individuals in career transition to help each other find new work.  It is equally effective in assisting entrepreneurs to jump-start their businesses.

Ed Denney, Executive Director of New Directions, lead operator of the Career Center, shared his excitement about creating a model program of collaboration:  “We have a new opportunity, right here in New Bedford, to have all community sectors working together to help our customers get back to work quickly.”  He added:  “It is great to have BankFive as part of this formula.”

Andrew Guilbeault, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at BankFive, expressed his bank’s interest in doing all it can “to help community members through this difficult period of career transition.  We are glad to be part of this community effort.”

The success of BarnRaising.Org can be attributed to sponsors such as BankFive; host sites, such as the Greater New Bedford Career Center; and funding from foundations, as well as a recent grant for $150,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development.

Please come to the “Barn Raising™” on Thursday, November 30th. See for yourself why this innovative program for job-seekers is getting the attention of government agencies, corporations and the media.  

Refreshments will be served, and there is no cost to attend.

For further information about attending this event or about becoming a host site or sponsor, call 508-358-2299 or e-mail Dr. Dana Aaron, Executive Director, at Dana.Aaron@BarnRaising.com.