Add One Job campaign celebrates six months of helping Hoosiers

Job after job eliminated, Hoosier after Hoosier out on the streets in the heart of the great recession, with no way to make a living, and no direction in life. The last few years have been a frustrating time for men and women in Indiana.

"Having a purpose does make a difference," said Terri Todd.

Todd, and hundreds of others have gotten back on their feet, in part because of companies stepping up and being part of Fox59’s Add One Job campaign.

"The other avenues, they were a dead end street,” said Todd, who is now an executive assistant. "This one was wonderful because I got an answer so quickly."

It has been six months since Fox59 first launched the "Add One Job" movement. Fox59 has shared story after story of Hoosiers who desperately needed an opportunity and finally got one from companies that were willing to step up and add just one job.

The Add One Job campaign has led to the creation of hundreds of jobs and it has helped out Central Indiana’s economy. It also has raised the community’s spirits. It all boils down to people finding work, people like Ryan French.

"The things I have learned so far is just amazing,” said French. "I can definitely see myself doing this for a long time."

Ever since he was 16, Ryan French had been in the fast food business. He said he hit a point in his life where he wanted to do something different. That is where D1 Mold & Tool in Daleville came in. The 10-year-old company that started with just eight employees, was looking to add its 22nd.

"Slow and steady growth, that is kind of our M.O.," said Tony Dungan, D1 Mold & Tool owner.

French applied, and impressed decision-makers.

"He seemed like a good, hardworking kid and someone who was eager to learn,” said Dungan. "That is just the type of person we were looking for."

French said his new job came along at just the right time.

"I had my kid on Sept. 2 and started working here on Sept. 19,” said French. "It has definitely kept the bills paid and I have learned a whole bunch."

Right now, a lot of French's duties include a dirty floor, a dust pan and a broom. He said he knows if he is willing to put in the work, there are better things to come.

"Now I come home and I have pride, I did a hard day’s work and I made my living the harder way,” said French. "It is more physical work, instead of making sandwiches, it is definitely a great thing."

It is a real sense of pride for French and Todd. Frustrated, and looking for work online, Todd went to the web after seeing an Add One Job story on Fox59.

"It was a lot quicker than the other avenues that I had tried,” said Todd. "Within two to three weeks I had an answer, which is remarkable."

Realtor Cindy Cherf said she put her job posting on Fox59’s Add One Job site, after other searches came up empty.

"I had been searching all year long and was not getting very good talent,” said Cherf. "I just thought, okay, I watch Fox59 every day, so I thought I would go to Add One Job. I put my needs on there and low and behold my email was blowing up with great talent."

Todd has been on the job for three months and loves what she does,

"I like working behind the scenes, not being out in front, that is not my forte,” said Todd.

Todd said Add One Job helped her take care of herself too.

"Having a purpose definitely does make a difference,” said Todd. "Knowing that you have a place to go and that you are welcome there and that you know you are making a difference, that does make you feel better about yourself."

Add One Job, three little words that have made a big difference for hundreds of Hoosiers, and it is just the beginning.