OCCC employees in training to support CareerSource 

With unemployment rates rising to unprecedented levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 23 full-time Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) employees volunteered to virtually support CareerSource Central Florida in providing guidance and assistance to citizens completing the Reemployment Assistance applications.

The OCCC remains committed to supporting those in need. With more than 2 million claims submitted to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity due to the pandemic, there was a need for assistance. By collaborating with CareerSource, OCCC employees are able to help relieve the burden placed on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, as they work hard to deal with the considerable increase in demand.

OCCC employees will be responsible for providing guidance and support to citizens completing the 10-page Reemployment Assistance application. The team will also be connecting callers to the appropriate destination should they have additional queries.

Featuring employees from all sections of the OCCC, the diverse team includes staff members from Business Administration, Event Operations Administration, Event Utilities, Exhibitor Services, Sales and Marketing and Communications. With a culture that embraces giving and community support, the OCCC is proud of the team for demonstrating the Center’s core values of excellence and customer service.

With so many across the community in need, the volunteers are motivated to help in any way possible.

“It is hard not to feel compassion for those impacted by the pandemic,” said Savi Gholar, administrative assistant for the OCCC Marketing and Communications division. “We all know someone who has been devastated by the virus – whether it is a friend, family member or ourselves personally. I feel their pain, I understand their frustration, and while I may not be able to personally help them, it is encouraging to know that I can support others on their journey to getting back on their feet.”

To date, the OCCC team has handled more than 4,200 calls, and will continue to support the region over the coming weeks.