Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at a press conference following the Frederick Seventh-day Adventist Church's job fair, 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. Photo: Melvin Donadelle
The Frederick church held a job fair on March 18, 2025, aimed at assisting federal workers affected by layoffs. Wes Moore, Maryland governor, April McClain Delaney, U.S. representative, and other state and local officials attended the event.
More than 1,000 job seekers attended the event and connected with more than 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 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.”
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. Photo: Melvin Donadelle
After the event, the governor held a press conference where the pastoral staff stood alongside state and local officials to address the Marylanders' economic challenges. 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.’”
~Author Evan Knott is the Chesapeake Conference's communication director and photographer Melvin Donadelle is the conference's assistant communication director.
The original version of this story was posted on the Columbia Union Visitor news site.