Port City United hosts 2nd Annual Fresh Chance Friday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Getting a fresh start at a new path for success. That’s the aim of Port City United’s Second Annual “Fresh Chance Friday.” 

Friday’s event was just as well attended as last year’s inaugural event.  

Fresh Chance Friday connects New Hanover County residents with employment opportunities and legal help. 

“We help people find jobs and obtain careers, but we do this by looking at any challenges they may have,” said Naari Honor, Step Up Wilmington’s Program Manager. “So, we work a lot with justice related backgrounds, those who may be getting through sobriety, maybe experiencing homelessness.”

Last year’s event helped many of those who attended get on the right path to success.  

“Last year we got a lot of feedback that a lot of people were able to get those things off their records, which allowed them to get better housing, a lot of people were able to get into school,” said Lameisha Green, Event Organizer. “A lot of people are now working. So, that was the hope that this would be a continuation of it, so at some point we don’t have as many people who are in need of some of these resources in the community.”  

“We take the holistic approach, so we’re addressing any challenges that may prevent them from finding a career,” said Honor. 

As many people lined up for no-cost legal consultations, businesses, local career development programs, and other county departments helped people determine what next steps they can take.   

“They were just offering a whole bunch of different services, and you know, just resources for our community,” said Program Participant, Antoine Nixon. “It’s all about our community getting stronger and building with each other. So, I was just like, greatly appreciative of this. This was very nice.”   

Port City United says they were pleased with the turnout from community members this year. 

“We had quite a few people. We actually had some people who were here at 9:30 this morning, even though we didnt start until 1. We moved them through pretty quick with a lot of crowd control to make sure everybody could touch everybody. But, I think we had a really good turn out. I’m excited with it,” said Green.    

Port City United is hoping to make “Fresh Chance Friday” an annual event, and to help more people overcome obstacles to employment.