Stark State College is partnering with CommQuest Services to offer education and career services to clients in its opioid treatment program.

Career specialists in Stark State’s Office of Career Services and Workforce Development will work with CommQuest clients to complete a career exploration assessment, match their interests to the certifications and skills development needed for in-demand jobs and coach them on soft skills, such as resume writing and interviewing.

“We’re happy to add CommQuest to our extensive list of community partners,” said Mandy Hinkel, director of Stark State’s career services and workforce development. “Many people are unaware that the career and workforce resources offered at Stark State are available (and free) to the public.”

“Stable employment not only helps clients meet basic needs for themselves and their families, but also can provide structure, meaning and a sense of purpose that supports and sustains recovery,” said Kimberly Friley, LPCC-S, clinical coordinator for the program. “Partnering with Stark State gives clients even more opportunities to explore possibilities and connect to in-demand skills. Working with other great organizations to tackle tough problems not only helps individual clients, but also is fundamental to strengthening our community as a whole.”

CommQuest’s opioid treatment program includes medication-assisted treatment, counseling and other behavioral health therapies. The program is part of CommQuest’s broad non-profit mission to advocate for and provide quality addiction recovery, mental health, and social support services to the community.