The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Thursday at Kelsey’s Place, a non-profit organization offering job readiness classes for adults in Chilton and nearby counties seeking employment.

“Our goal is to reduce unemployment in North Central Alabama by providing assistance with job-seeking skills such as workplace etiquette, filling out applications, job search, interview skills and resume writing,” Kelsey’s Place Director Renee Smith said.

Kelsey’s Place provides a Job Readiness Program for the recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through the Chilton County Department of Human Resources.

Established in 2011 under Renee Smith and Associates, Kelsey’s Place became a non-profit in 2013 when Smith and her staff realized they needed to operate as a non-profit organization in order to apply for grants and seek donations to accommodate a growing number of participants.

“By becoming a non-profit, we felt that we could be a more active part of the community and serve more people in the area,” Smith said. “We would really like for local businesses to let us know when they have [job] openings.”

In 2013, Kelsey’s Place served more than 70 individuals seeking employment.

Smith said Kelsey’s Place was named for her daughter, Kelsey Smith, who helps with research and participates in activities associated with the organization.

Kelsey’s Place receives students through Chilton County Department of Human Resources and Shelby County DHR.

“We are talking with other organizations in the area in hope of expanding in the near future,” Smith said. “Donations are always needed.”

Kelsey’s Place is located at 950 Lumac Road in Clanton.

For more information, call (205) 755-7101.