Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Pasadena Job Fair Aids Thousands of Wildfire Survivors, Offers Support and Path to Employment

More than 2,417 wildfire survivor families — 6,043 individuals — attended a recovery-focused job fair at PazNaz Church in Pasadena on July 19, according a hosting organization that help stage the event.

Five hundred job opportunities were reportedly pledged and hundreds benefited from access to support services, according to Global Empowerment Mission.

The initiative, titled “Hire a Survivor,” connected 1,035 applicants with dozens of employers offering on-the-spot hiring for roles in public safety, skilled trades, and construction.

Resources extended beyond employment, including resume support, job coaching, free food, family-friendly activities, and access to long-term recovery services. Programs like Los Angeles County’s Youth@Work and the Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program participated in offering tailored support.

Congressmember Judy Chu delivered remarks highlighting the importance of sustainable recovery. Among community volunteers were actress Katie Cassidy, star of CW’s “Arrow” and a third-generation Los Angeles native affected by the Palisades fire, and actor Stephen Huszar of Hallmark Channel.

Global Empowerment Mission reported distributing $986,073.52 in in-kind goods and services and $925,000 in direct cash assistance via BStrong. The nonprofit organization has provided more than $9 million in aid across Los Angeles County to date.

GEM is transitioning toward long-term recovery operations. Its logistics hubs in Downtown Los Angeles and San Pedro serve as multi-agency centers supporting fire relief groups throughout the region.

“Hire a survivor, because it’s more than just a job. It’s a direct investment in healing and rebuilding our communities,” said GEM founder Michael Capponi. “Steady employment creates the foundation for long-term housing stability and personal recovery. This initiative shines a light on fire survivors and calls on all of us to take part in their journey forward.”

The event was made possible by a collaborative network that included Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Team Rubicon, America’s Job Center, Outsmart Disaster, Hope Crisis, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Altadena Libraries, U.S. Small Business Administration, California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and dozens more.