Pictured L to R: Chris Ross (Reconcile Board Chair, Caitlin Scanlan (Reconcile Chief Development Officer, Chassidy Carter (Reconcile Alumni Advisory Council Chair & Board Member) , Vincent Giardina, CPA (President of Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust), Lisa Romano, CPA (Vice-President of Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust), Kheri Billy (CEO of Reconcile New Orleans), Jaseirra Kennedy (Reconcile Graduate and Trainer Advocate Apprentice), Toya Crosby, CFSWC (Reconcile Employment Program Manager), David Carney (Reconcile Board Member), Lindsey Wands (Reconcile Board Member)

Reconcile New Orleans Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Oscar J. Tolmas Career Exploration Center with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Reconcile New Orleans celebrated the grand opening of the Oscar J. Tolmas Career Exploration Center with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, 2024. Reconcile board members, Interns, Alumni, and community partners gathered to celebrate and recognize the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust’s investment and continued support of young people in New Orleans.

The redesigned and fully equipped career center on the 4th floor of Reconcile New Orleans is a professional learning and workspace dedicated to workforce training, education programs, and networking opportunities to support young people as they take the next steps toward their careers.

“The Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust believes in New Orleans’ young people,” said Kheri Billy, CEO of Reconcile New Orleans. “Their philanthropy ensures that Interns feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Our Interns now have a vital resource -- a safe, supportive, and professional workspace equipped with the tools they need to unlock their potential and take the next steps in their growth and development.”

Reconcile New Orleans’ workforce training program is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between young people and the abundant opportunities that await them. Reconcile’s approach integrates three critical elements: individualized social service support, job readiness training, and career exploration.

Through career exploration, Reconcile Interns focus on activities that prepare them to enter the workforce and choose pathways that best match their talents and abilities, extending beyond hospitality to various professional or educational opportunities. Eighty-six percent of participating Interns successfully connect to education or employment pathways through Reconcile’s training program.

The Oscar J. Tolmas Career Exploration Center provides a supportive and professional space where Interns focus on:

Mock Interviews: These practice sessions help participants build confidence and refine their interview skills, providing valuable feedback to improve their performance in real job interviews.
Resume and Cover Letter Design: Reconcile workshops guide participants in creating professional resumes and cover letters that highlight their skills and experiences, making them stand out to potential employers.
Worker Rights: Reconcile educates young people about their rights in the workplace, ensuring they understand important legal protections and can advocate for themselves effectively.
Professional Communications: Training in professional communication helps participants develop essential skills for interacting with colleagues and employers, including writing emails and participating in meetings.
Career Coaching: One-on-one coaching provides personalized guidance and support, helping individuals explore career options, set goals, and create a plan to achieve their professional aspirations.

“We choose to support Reconcile because they promote education and careers,” said Vincent J. Giardina, CPA, President of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. “We know the Oscar J. Tolmas Career Exploration Center is an important resource that will positively impact young people. By donating to Reconcile, we feel we are doing our small part to create a better community and New Orleans for all of us.”

“Support from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust is an investment in the future of our entire community. Each young person who finds a good job and starts their career strengthens New Orleans and helps our local economy thrive,” added Billy.