Men on a Mission group announces Nov. 5 job and resource fair to ‘eliminate the excuses’
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Summary
A group of local men calling themselves "Men on a Mission" told council they will host an Opportunity Job and Resource Fair at the Opportunity Center on Nov. 5, aiming to connect jobseekers with employers, credentialing services and on-site resume help.
A newly formed community group called Men on a Mission presented to Monroe City Council and announced its first public event: an Opportunity Job and Resource Fair at the Opportunity Center on Nov. 5.
“A job fair again is to eliminate the excuses,” said Aaron Lavender, one of the group’s organizers. “There’s too many kids in our community, even adults, that make excuses of why they don't have a job or why they can't get the resources that they need. We decided that's the first thing we're going to do — eliminate the excuses.”
The group described itself as a faith‑based coalition of volunteers and said it formed out of earlier programs including a “Dads in Dialogue” event in June. Chief among the group’s priorities is connecting residents — including those seeking second‑chance employment — with employers, training and credentialing organizations. Leaders said they have arranged participation from unions and career‑service partners and invited the Monroe Public Schools and Michigan Works to take part.
“We're gonna create jobs. We're gonna bring them to the jobs,” Lavender said, adding that the library will offer resume help at the event and that the group had spoken to union representatives about skilled trades opportunities. Director of Public Safety Chad Tolsted, who introduced the group to council, described the initiative as a community response to support and mentorship.
Members said the core group — which they described as a “core 11” — includes Anthony Hoskins, Chad Tolsted, Ike Smith, Keith Dodson, Larry Aaron, Manuel Leto Mendez, Rosie Barnes, Stefan Piestack, William Parker and Willie Hall, among others who were named in the presentation.
Council members and staff commended the initiative and noted partnerships already in place with the Opportunity Center, the library and local employers. The group asked residents and agencies to publicize the Nov. 5 event and commit volunteers and resource partners.
No council vote was required; the presentation was received as a communication.
