Recognition

West Warwick Public Library

Since its founding in May 2009, Job Club RI has been proud to call the West Warwick Public Library its home. The library has played a key role in the club’s foundation, organization, and continued success.

Director Colin McCullough and his team have been — and remain — essential to our mission. Their support has allowed us to grow and better serve the community.

We’re deeply grateful to the entire library staff, past and present, for their unwavering commitment and partnership.

Volunteers

We also wish to thank these volunteers that devote their talent and time supporting us. Our sincere appreciation goes out to our presenters:

Allison Amente 

Steve Bradley 

Gary Convertino

Tony Parente

 Deb Stabile

Congratulations to Steve Colella for being selected as one of Providence Business News 2023 Leaders & Achievers award recipients!

Steve has shown unwavering dedication to our community through his tireless efforts in helping individuals navigate their job search journeys. His leadership, compassion, and mentorship have made a lasting impact—this recognition is well deserved!

PBN’s Leaders & Achievers honors individuals over the age of 50 who have demonstrated notable success, strong leadership, and a long-standing commitment to both their industry and the broader region. Honorees are recognized not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their commitment to mentoring and community service.

Congratulations again to Steve and all of the incredible 2023 Leaders & Achievers honorees!

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Elaine Martin and Stephen Colella receive Chancellor’s Awards

Advancing the mission and community service honors presented at employee recognition dinner

By Sandra Gray

UMass Medical School Communications

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Community Service honors an individual UMMS staff member or team that provides service to the community that reflects dedication to a spirit of commitment to those in need of assistance; passionate engagement resulting in a meaningful impact to our community; and strengthened relationships within the community.

Colella fulfilled these criteria by establishing, entirely on his own time and with his own money, Job Club Rhode Island to help the long-termed unemployed in his hometown of Warwick, R.I., particularly middle-aged workers who previously held well-paying jobs, a population that has been underserved by traditional unemployment programs. The program has been recognized by the White House for helping two-thirds of its almost 800 participants obtain employment at an average salary of $23 an hour since its inception in 2009.

“Your incredible journey from West Warwick to the White House demonstrates the true content of your character and the true extent of your commitment to the local community. While unassuming by nature, you have assumed responsibility for helping Rhode Islanders get back to work,” Collins said upon presenting the award to Colella.

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LEADERSHIP RHODE ISLAND

Each year, Leadership Rhode Island brings together graduates from the Core Program and College Leadership Rhode Island Program with members of the greater Rhode Island community to honor our state’s most inspiring leaders at the Annual Inspiring Leaders Awards Luncheon.

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The Rhode Island Community Service Award for 2016 was granted to Stephen Colella, Job Club RI. The Rhode Island Community Service Award recognizes an outstanding individual in our state whose extraordinary vision, commitment, and leadership have made a significant impact upon our community. Congratulations to Steve!

” I would like to take this time to personally thank Mr.  Steve Colella, all the volunteers at JOB CLUB RI and the attendees last evening for all the comments of support and congratulations. 

During my search to renter the work force, Steve and his team have been there for me 100 % of the way and supportive on all of my efforts including very constructive improvements suggestions. His special guest speakers each week have also added there level of expertise to assist. I am extremely grateful to have joined this organization, gone through the program and continue to be part of this effort of continuous improvement.

THANK YOU AGAIN STEVE!  YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE THE VERY BEST!!”

-Tony

“I have first learned of the Job Club through a friend back in 2010 and started to attend several sessions with Steve.  I realized that I had to build confidence in myself, self worth, and most of all, the ability to network with others within the group and to sell yourself. The support system at the Job Club is fantastic and I would recommend anyone that can relate to this to be a part of this program. I am currently employed from the help of the Job Club, but still networking. And now, I am bringing a friend for some support and job searching.”
-Denise

“After being out of work for almost nine months, and getting very worried about when my next opportunity would come, Job Club offered me great support and help looking for a job. It was nice to know I was not the only one out of work. Steve and the group are a great asset to the state!”
-Will

“After losing my job I found something at Jobs Club Rhode Island that I hadn’t found anywhere else, hope. Steve brings practical state of the art guidance, advice and technical help grounded in good old fashioned common sense. I don’t know what I would have done without Jobs Club and Steve Colella.”
-Vic

“The job club is an avenue to lift your spirits and prepare yourself for interviews with perspective employer in the area. You provided me with encouragement, support and guidance. You helped me to keep the faith and to stay positive. I feel truly blessed to have met so many supportive people during time in my life when I needed it most.  I am forever grateful and want to give back, once I get settled on my new job. Thank you for making a difference.”
-Pam