RICHMOND, Va. -- Sidekick RVA was created to help those looking for a job as the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic hit Virginia.
"In a time like this people need community, people need support," said Patricia Bradby.
She works full time as the Director of Communication and Programs for Leadership Metro, buts she volunteers her time as a resume reviewer with Sidekick RVA.
Bradby says she started working from home on March 17 and the next day she got the call about Sidekick RVA, a program she says came from the idea of Nick Davis.
"Nick himself is a photographer and he was like I could donate headshots and help people get that professional look. That will give them that confidence... and so he was like 'could you help with resume review' and then he also gathered some other professionals who are good at coaching," said Bradby.
Within two weeks, Nick Davis began to see an outpouring of support from professional volunteers willing to help in any way they could. It's a support system built to help those in need of direction in a time where no one really knows what to do.
With her skills, Bradby shares she and other volunteers are working to do more for their mentees than just helping them prepare for the next steps in their careers.
"As you know a lot of times getting a job is not just what you know, but who you know. Even though on the website I'm referred to as a resume reviewer, but also helping to say well what is it that you're interested in? How can I help you with the network that I have?" asked Bradby.
"The work force is going to look a lot different and so I think its not about just getting the next job, but its about loving the next job. Its about creating the next job right... so what we want to do is help people think more creatively about what the next step could be," she added.
Sidekick RVA is completely free. You can sign up for either resume review, headshots or career coaching.
Right now Sidekick RVA is working to place their volunteers in specific industry groups to help those in need even more.
To sign up you for Sidekick RVA, click here.
Virginia Together: The Rebound Richmond campaign is here to help. Find information on who is hiring, investigations into unemployment payment issues, financial advice on making ends meet, and mental health advice on managing the pressures. These stories will be featured often on CBS 6 News and can be found by clicking this link.
