Maryland Governor, officials visit Frederick Church for job fair supporting displaced federal workers

Story by Evan Knott, Photos by Melvin Donadelle, Chesapeake Conference

The Frederick church held a job fair on March 18 aimed at assisting federal workers affected by layoffs. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney and other state and local officials attended the event.

More than 1,000 job seekers attended the event and connected with over 70 public and private sector employers offering career opportunities. The high turnout reflected ongoing reductions to the federal workforce. The Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates recently predicted that 28,000 Marylanders could lose their jobs under the new presidential administration.

The event was the third job fair the Frederick church has hosted in recent years. Church leaders organized the event in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor.

Lead Pastor Morgan Kochenower (Pictured left with Gov. Wes Moore, Associate Pastor Alareece Collie, and Fredrick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater)said the church decided to host the event to support and encourage those facing unemployment. “We want to engage with people where they are and with what matters most to them,” Kochenower said. “Right now, in our area, with people losing their jobs, this is important. Job loss is a very personal struggle, and we want to provide hope and solutions.”

The governor held a press conference at the conclusion of the event, where the pastoral staff stood alongside state and local officials to address the economic challenges facing Marylanders. They emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to assist those in need.

Christian radio station WGTS 91.9 was also present, broadcasting live from the job fair and offering prayer and encouragement to attendees.

Associate Pastor Alareece Collie expressed her hope that the event would help people connect with the church. “People need to know that [we] are a church that is open, that is welcoming, and that [we] have a tangible presence in the community,” said Collie. “So when we host these events, it’s our way of saying, ‘We’re here.’”