That fire started Sunday night and it’s been two very emotional days for the owner and workers now in need of help.

The staff met again Tuesday– this time at a nearby warehouse not affected by the fire.

“A lot of people are still in shock. A lot of people came to me today and were recounting how shocked they were,” said John Ypma, President/CEO.

Ypma said he wants to do whatever he can to not let their emotional pain turn into financial pain. That’s why the company quickly put together what they’re calling a reverse job fair. With resume writing help and interviewing tips.

“Our goal is to get 100-percent of the people in productive jobs. And we don’t want to be a burden to society.”

So far, a number of temp agencies have agreed to come, along with plenty of employers, ready to hire.

One of the biggest opportunities might be with the Brownie Baker, based in Fresno. Right now, the company’s experiencing rapid growth and is looking to hire 15 to 20 people.

“We kind of put ourselves in the same boat and, it could happen to anybody. And so I thought the best way for us to help would be to reach out and maybe interview some of the employees over at Initiative Foods and see what we could do to help people,” said Dennis Perkins, The Brownie Baker Owner.

Perkins knows the experience at Initiative Foods would make the transition easy.

“in the food business, there’s a lot of training that goes on. And with their team, trained the way they are in food safety, that’s very inviting for us.”

For the folks back at Initiative Foods, that’s a ray of hope. And for Ypma, it goes in line with a special note he received from a rabbi.

“And his message of hope was, in Jewish faith that, when there’s a fire, after a fire, everybody gets rich. I don’t think it was meant monetarily, I think it was meant emotionally. And we’re getting richer every day.”

The job fair happens Wednesday morning at 8:30. It’ll be at the company’s Sanger warehouse off Industrial Way.

If you think you or your company can help, they say, come on out.

There’s also a go-fund-me account set up for donations and so far, its raised more than $13,000.

This Saturday, there will also be a food drive, also in Sanger.

Full info of the events below:
Job Fair
Wednesday, July 27th, 8:30am
Warehouse at 1913 Industrial Way in Sanger

Food Drive
Saturday, July 30th 8am-1pm
1880 Industrial Way in Sanger

Monetary Donations
https://www.gofundme.com/2gb36x8