Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks and CareSource Georgia teamed up to host their signature Career Readiness with a S.M.I.L.E. Workshop as part of the CareSource Life Services program, which connects individuals to education, community resources, and essential services to support their overall health and well-being. City of Refuge, an organization to bring light, hope, and transformation to individuals and families in Atlanta, particularly those experiencing crisis and living on the margins, hosted the event at its office in Atlanta’s westside.
Throughout this free workshop, participants developed their career readiness with lessons in transferable skills, goal setting, interview tips, and personal mission statements. This training provided attendees with the knowledge and tools to take on the workforce at different stages of their careers.
“We are so grateful to partner with CareSource on the Career Readiness with a S.M.I.L.E. Workshop at City of Refuge,” said Camye Mackey, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “Everyone has a unique career path, and it’s important to empower individuals to feel confident in taking the next step in their journey. Training sessions like this are one of the many ways we can help level the playing field and provide essential resources to our community.”
Following the event, attendees took home a career-readiness workbook courtesy of CareSource for continued learning. The workbook includes additional resources to help prepare for their job searches, applications, and interviews. This workbook also provides tips, advice, sample activities, and job posting sites, as well as further details about the CareSource Life Services program.
“Health goes beyond what happens in a doctor’s office,” said Jason Bearden, Market President at CareSource Georgia. “We are committed to providing life services – including opportunities and resources like the career-readiness workshop – that empower the families and communities we serve. CareSource is honored to join the Atlanta Hawks in hosting the Career Readiness with a S.M.I.L.E. Workshop, and we thank City of Refuge for partnering with us on such an important initiative.”
In addition to the career readiness workbook, participants also took home co-branded merchandise from the Hawks and CareSource including notebooks and pens. Attendees were provided with lunch during the event and enjoyed a special appearance from Hawks Entertainment, including ATL Dancers.
“At City of Refuge, we believe every individual deserves access to the tools and opportunities that lead to meaningful employment and long-term success,” said Jeannie Ross, Director of Workforce Innovation at City of Refuge. “Partnering with CareSource and the Atlanta Hawks for the Career Readiness with a S.M.I.L.E. Workshop allows us to empower our community with real-world skills, confidence, and a vision for a brighter future.”
In September 2022, the Atlanta Hawks and CareSource announced a multi-year agreement that included initiatives focused on the health and wellness of the Atlanta community and underserved families. Earlier this year, they joined forces to pay tribute to the rich and vibrant cultural heritage and global influence of the African, Caribbean, and Latin communities during Culture Fest presented by CareSource at State Farm Arena during the Hawks’ game against Utah. The two organizations have also previously teamed up with the Latin American Association, an organization committed to the mission of offering Opportunity for All, to host a pop-up grocery giveaway packing and distributing meals to more than 450 families.
To learn more about the Atlanta Hawks’ community impact, visit Hawks.com/Community.
To learn more about the CareSource Life Services program, visit CareSource.com/members/tools-resources/life-services/.
