By John Sammon
Felton -- Barbara Burkhart is one of those rare people who make a difference in other people's lives. The Felton resident previously ran a nonprofit women's shelter, a safe-house where women and their children could take refuge from husbands perceived to be dangerous.
"We would take a woman into a shelter if the husband was a threat," Burkhart said. "We offered counseling and possibly a restraining order against the abuser."
Partial funding for the program ran out in 2002, forcing Burkhart out of work for the first time in 18 years. A senior citizen collecting unemployment, she knew she got the most enjoyment helping others. So, it's a little bit ironic she would find a new calling as a volunteer helping others attain what she had lost -- a job.
"I discovered a program through the California Economic Development Department called Profile," she said. "I began teaching courses there that help people seeking employment."
Burkhart said the organization gives people the tools to find a job starting with how to write an effective resume.
"The technique of writing a winning resume has changed greatly over the past 20 years," she said.
Burkhart said the old way of simply laundry listing every job you've ever had starting with the most recent at the top, will no longer suffice for employers looking for specific skills.
"The key is to explain your accomplishments and show what you have achieved to a prospective employer," she explained.
Students' resumes are critiqued in class. In addition, students are taught interview skills.
"People used to go into an interview and meet with the employer, and they were not asked in-depth questions like they are today," Burkhart said. "Today, the process is much more formal."
Burkhart commutes three days a week from Felton to the EDD office in Capitola to teach. In addition, she acts as a part-time event coordinator for a firm called Values Technology, a company that helps businesses identify values and objectives. She finds time to serve as president of New Music Works, a program in Santa Cruz that performs new chamber works. She has also volunteered for UC Santa Cruz Affiliates providing scholarships for deserving students.
In addition, she participates on a coordinating committee for the annual Santa Cruz County Job Fair, to be held this year from 4-7 p.m. at the Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
A retired widow with grandchildren, Burkhart is busier today as a volunteer than she was when she had a full-time job. She said helping is the greatest joy.
"I suppose I'm a professional volunteer," she said. "Just this past month, nine people who we helped found jobs. When you can see people succeed, it makes your own life richer."
More information on the Job Fair may be reached at access2employment.org.