In response to the nationwide economic downturn, East Orange Mayor Robert L. Bowser and his administration hosted the Working Families Initiative Saturday morning to offer residents information about finding jobs, avoiding foreclosure and tenants? rights.

The event was held at East Orange Campus High School to provide people with resources, information and strategies on coping with recent job loss. Representatives from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, as well from other city and state agencies were present to answer questions and give advice.

According to a representative from the mayor?s office, during the planning session for the initiative, they realized many residents who may have been laid off recently would have no experience in getting help from local agencies. They say the program was designed to help them maximize the assistance they can receive.

Organizers say the Working Families Initiative will go on for the next two weeks, and city workers are being trained to answer questions about the current economic crisis.

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