Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: New Hope Ministries, 5228 E. Trindle Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA
Attendees: Zahra Sultani, Olena Ivashchuk, and Andres Vega (International Service Center Staff)

The International Service Center team had the privilege of attending the Job Fair hosted by New Hope Ministries, an event that brought together job seekers, community partners, and employers with a shared goal — to connect people to meaningful work opportunities. During the recent Job Fair, there were 12 hiring agencies and 5 insurance companies present to market and promote their insurance plans. From the moment we arrived, the energy was positive and inspiring, reflecting the genuine commitment of each organization present to support individuals in building a better future.

Our first visit was to the UPMC booth, where we were warmly welcomed by Suzanne Belden (Senior recruiter -UPMC). Suzanne shared valuable hiring information and guidance on the application process through the UPMC Careers portal. She explained the importance of having a GED or high school diploma, preparing a strong resume, and staying proactive throughout the hiring process. She also provided updates on current openings such as Transporter, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomist, and Patient Family Concierge positions. Candidates interested in applying at UPMC Harrisburg can contact Abigail Varmicle at Harrisburg or Sarah Hartzel in Mechanicsburg for additional support.

Next, ISC staff met the team from ThredUp, who shared details about their apparel processing positions. We had a pleasant conversation with the hiring team and received the email contact of Chelsea Timberlink to refer interested candidates. ThredUp offers impressive benefits — including full benefits from day one, weekly paychecks, paid time off, growth opportunities, and flexible shifts. Their pay rates start at $17 per hour for morning shifts, $18.50 for evening shifts, and $19 for weekends, making this a great opportunity for ISC clients seeking stable and rewarding work.

We also visited the Asbury Bethany Village booth, where recruiters highlighted openings such as Personal Care Aide, CNA, LPN, RN, CDL Driver, Dining Attendant, Cook, Housekeeper, and Maintenance Technician. The recruitment team emphasized Asbury’s competitive health benefits, scholarship programs, and generous PTO. We exchanged business cards with Lana Saeed, CHCR, and built a friendly professional connection to refer qualified ISC clients for these opportunities.

At the Messiah Lifeways booth, we explored positions available for LPNs, CNAs, RNs, Dining Service staff, Home Care Assistants, Enrichment Specialists, Housekeeping, Laundry, and Grounds Team Members. Their team was welcoming and eager to share how they value compassion and care in their workplace.

Our next stop was High Hotels, Ltd., where Briana Boots, Talent Selection Agent, who shared details about openings in Front Desk, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Maintenance. She also explained their excellent benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and even travel discounts through Marriott and Hilton. Briana’s enthusiasm for teamwork and career growth was truly inspiring, and we assured her that ISC will refer qualified candidates to support their hiring needs.

We connected with Megan Brown from Members 1st Credit Union, who is hiring for entry-level teller positions. She mentioned that candidates must be Green Card holders, and we agreed to refer eligible clients accordingly.

The GIANT booth also provided valuable insights, offering details about employment benefits such as exclusive discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer opportunities, and a supportive work culture. Their team shared a QR code for easy candidate enrollment, making the application process accessible for our clients.

During the event, we also met with representatives from Sadler Health Center, who introduced us to their community health services including primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, laboratory, pharmacy, and women’s health programs. Ramlo Jire, their community health worker, kindly shared her contact information so that ISC can connect clients seeking affordable care options and patient enrollment.

During the Job Fair, the ISC team had the pleasure of connecting with Tom Hunter, the Stability Program Department Head at New Hope Ministries. He warmly shared his business card and spoke at length about the variety of services available for refugees and clients from different countries including Afghan and Ukrainian families. He explained how their faith-based nonprofit organization provides emergency food assistance to support those living in poverty or experiencing financial crises, youth programs to help children with homework, life skills, and community engagement, as well as housing and transportation support to help low-income families meet their basic needs. The conversation highlighted how deeply New Hope Ministries are committed to creating stability and opportunity for the most vulnerable members of the community.

The ISC team also met Kimberly Istvan, the Community Impact Manager at United Way of the Capital Region, who generously offered her business card and emphasized the importance of community engagement in transforming lives and supporting stability. We connected with Isela Mendez, Employment Case Manager, and Carol Hess, Director of Workforce Development at United Way’s Road to Success program. They shared insights about their wide range of programs and services, including health care access through Contact to Care, school readiness support through Ready for School, employment assistance through Ready to Succeed and tax return assistance through money in Your Pocket programs. They provided contact information and guidance on how clients can enroll in these programs, ensuring that ISC staff could connect refugees and other clients to trusted resources that can make a real difference in their lives.

The event was an incredible success — the ISC team built new partnerships with insurance and hiring companies and strengthened existing relationships with workforce development leaders. It was not just a job fair, but a true community gathering filled with collaboration, learning, and opportunities for the people we serve. Attending this event reaffirmed the importance of ISC’s mission — connecting people, breaking barriers, and opening doors to meaningful employment and a brighter future for every client we serve.