book | Journey

National Read Across America Day is Monday, March 2. The holiday celebrates the importance of reading and the birthday of beloved author Dr. Seuss.

Across America, thousands of schools, community centers, and libraries will participate in the day by reading to groups of children and teenagers. Even if you aren’t involved with these literacy programs, you can still take advantage of the day by picking up a good book or learning about the importance of literacy when it comes to your career.

There’s no shortage of statistics on literacy and its effect on the lives and welfare of people across the world. Still, it’s easy to take the ability to read for granted. Celebrate National Read Across America Day by reading to a child, picking up a good book on leadership, checking out some job search articles here on Movin’ On Up, or even catching up with some of your favorite Dr. Seuss stories.

This year, the book being honored on Read Across America Day is the Seuss classic, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Your job search, education, and career are open paths for you to travel, and you can shape your future by taking proactive steps today. As Dr. Seuss said in his famous book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

How will you celebrate National Read Across America Day? Share your ideas in the comment section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

As the American economy continues to recover from the Great Recession of 2008, Express Employment Professionals, the nation’s largest privately held staffing firm, released a book titled “Portraits of Hope,” a compilation of inspirational stories from people who have found success despite the shaky economy. In this book you’ll hear about how Express Employment Professionals has helped people find work and how having a job has made a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. These encouraging stories are sure to inspire you, highlighting people who seized opportunities to build a better life. Some people were helped by friends and neighbors, while others were guided by faith and determination. Each person persevered through struggle and was able to pick themselves up, find work, and press on.

Some of the individuals featured in “Portraits of Hope” include:

Janice Andrick – Rossville, KS

Janice, born with cerebral palsy, was brought into a society that offered few opportunities for quadriplegics like her, but found hope in the support and therapy provided by the Capper Foundation for Crippled Children in Topeka, KS. There, she also found her first job. The 1990s brought the Americans with Disabilities Act and new technologies that made it possible for Janice to do a wider range of work. Through Express, she found a position doing clerical work with the State of Kansas Department of Disability Services.

Garrett Fairbanks – Kenosha, WI

A native of Kenosha, WI, Garret Fairbanks lost his job during the Great Recession. He found himself homeless, carrying a bag on his back, and selling aluminum scrap just to put money in his pocket. After finding a church program that offered him a place to sleep, Garrett found Express, and within a week after filling out an application, he was hired as a machinist. Today, he’s proud to be financially stable and living in his own apartment. In 2012, he was recognized by Express as the Wisconsin Employee of the Year.

Inder Narang – Northridge, CA

Born and raised in New Delhi, Inder Narang graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in India, but the only work he could find paid little, and there was no room for advancement. He decided to follow his brother to the United States in hopes of finding a job. But, he soon realized he lacked the necessary experience for the engineering jobs he applied for. He took a job as a department store sales associate. Before moving to L.A., Inder and finding an engineering job through Express — one that he enjoys and allows him to pay the bills.

“Read these stories and you understand why we do what we do,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “Finding people a job so often means giving people hope and a chance at a better future. I’ve seen it over and over: a life can be drastically changed by just one job.

“We feel privileged at Express to have played even a small part in the lives of these remarkable individuals, whose determination to succeed allowed them to overcome tremendous challenges and to make it in America. I’m inspired by them, and I’m sure they’ll inspire others.”

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

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