FAIRFIELD, Ala. — First Step Staffing opened up Fairfield’s first-ever employment agency on Saturday, and the company is ready to get to work fighting unemployment in the city.
The company is based out of Atlanta, Ga., and aims to employ those who struggle most to break their own cycles of poverty, giving preference to those who have recently experienced homelessness, military veterans, and individuals who have been previously incarcerated.
With success found already in Georgia, The Fairfield Business Alliance hopes that the company’s efforts can help find jobs in their city, and help cut down on crime, increase property values, and draw in more businesses.
“We came to Fairfield for that very reason,” Kortni Sheffield of First Step Staffing to WVTM. “So that we can help empower the community again. Let them know that it’s not the end. Basically just opening up doors.”
First Step works with local employers to find out when jobs become available and provides them with experienced and prepared options. The company assists job candidates in building resumes, prepping for interviews, and ultimately refers qualified candidates to employers.
Fairfield’s Mayor-Elect Edward May II said that First Step’s job will be easier if the city can attract new businesses to open up shop in town.
“I know that there are people who are interested in doing business in Fairfield, but one of the things that they wanted to see was the leadership that has the right attitude and the right relationship with the business community to make sure that not only the businesses that come here are successful, but that the city itself will be committed toward their success,” May told WVTM.
