Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA
 "helping is our middle name"
​
part of the Ask Professor John and  helping-Brands network
Founded 1.27.2011
15 years and counting...
​

NhNUSA is a fantastic resource for career advancement. With a web portal, LinkedIn group, Facebook group, and a large network of members and volunteer leaders, it is a well-rounded platform for professional growth.
​

NhNUSA: A Lifeline for Career Growth and Community
​
Founded 15 years ago during the Great Recession, NhNUSA (Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA) emerged from my own experience with long-term unemployment. Today, it stands as a powerful, volunteer-driven platform for career advancement. With a robust web portal, active LinkedIn and Facebook groups, and a nationwide network of members and leaders, NhNUSA empowers professionals with the tools, support, and community they need to grow, connect, and succeed.
​

New pages and efforts of NhNUSA
​

Open-to-Work Support Program - on LinkedIn
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NhNUSA member profile pages 
​

​Using AI tools for Job search and career advancement

​Employment news

LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the U.S.

Here’s a snapshot of the latest employment news and trends based on recent reports and updates:

1. U.S. Job Market Performance

• Job Growth: The labor market remains soft but stable. Economists expect around 54,000 jobs were added in December, following 64,000 jobs in November. This is far below the pace seen in previous years, signaling a slowdown in hiring. [money.usnews.com], [cbsnews.com]
• Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate is currently 4.6%, the highest since 2021, reflecting cooling demand for labor. [bls.gov], [cbsnews.com]
• Sector Trends: Health care and construction saw modest gains, while federal government employment continued to decline. [bls.gov]
• Layoffs: Weekly unemployment claims fell below 200,000 at the end of December, suggesting layoffs remain historically low despite slower hiring. [pbs.org]

2. Economic Outlook

• The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point in December and may reduce rates further in 2026 to support employment. However, hiring remains cautious due to trade policy uncertainty and AI-driven productivity shifts. [money.usnews.com], [bloomberg.com]
• Job creation averaged 35,000 per month since March, compared to 71,000 in the previous year, indicating a significant slowdown. [pbs.org]

3. Employment Law & Workplace Changes

• California: Over 20 new workplace laws took effect in 2026, including bans on “stay-or-pay” clauses, expanded pay transparency, and mandatory employee rights notices. [yahoo.com], [hrdive.com]
• Massachusetts: Employers face new pay transparency rules and updates to paid family leave benefits. Minimum wage proposals could raise rates to $20/hour by 2029. [natlawreview.com]
• Federal Level: The Supreme Court issued a landmark decision on reverse discrimination claims and clarified ADA protections for retirees. [hrdive.com]

4. Wage & Hiring Trends

• Wage growth in 2026 is expected to be strongest in sectors with skill shortages, such as healthcare and logistics. Remote work remains a priority for many employees. [consumeraffairs.com]
• AI in hiring is under scrutiny, with lawsuits alleging bias in HR software tools. States like California and New York have introduced AI compliance laws for employment practices. [natlawreview.com]​

Articles of interest

​US December Hiring Misses Expectations, Capping Weak 2025

Yes, AI Is Really Impacting The Job Market. Here’s What To Do.

US Unemployment Applications Rise More Than Expected  Dec 11,2025

New Jersey’s Minimum Wage to Increase to $15.92/Hour for Most Employees on Jan. 1 2026

Hiring stalls with US companies reluctant to expand in an uncertain economic landscape

Signs of slower hiring pile up

US Employment Picture Darkens With New Data

Governor Hochul and Business and Union Leaders Celebrate New York State Paying Off Multi-Billion Dollar Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Debt

​Top 50 colleges for career success

Is Job Hopping Bad for the Careers of Gen Zers? We Asked Experts for Their Insight

How to Handle The Optimism-Pessimism Paradox of Gen Z at Work

​
​On January 2026 we will have reached 15 years helping the community, and advancing the careers of our members,  NhNUSA was founded in River Edge, NJ on January 27 2011, by John R. Fugazzie, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors has fostered a “ pay it forward ” culture, starting with a weekly meeting program, then transitioned to virtual meetings since covid and now offering one-on-one volunteer approved mentor/coaches for career advancement, job search and support services navigation.

We are always looking for volunteer leaders to help with our members.
​
We exhibit and encourage a strong community based culture. We also set up rapid response efforts when large groups are out of work suddenly. 
The sessions offer advice in job search strategies, techniques and tools, support, motivation, leadership and networking opportunities. Developing the skills of conducting a job search campaign and career advancement.

Consulting One on One sessions are available with the ​founder John R. Fugazzie
​

4905 members

1631 + members

Over 2000 success stories

(NhNUSA) is supported by an award winning web portal site, LinkedIn group, facebook group and a large network of members and volunteer leaders built over the past 14 years.

Resources include one-on-one mentoring by the founder and approved mentor/coaches, virtual meetings, connection to other resources and guest presentations are offered over the internet and video conferencing platforms to help our members advance their careers and expand their business and contacts and expand their professional network.  

The group culture is based on a pay it forward model with a focus on networking and support.  See Mission
​                                                                     
Our networking efforts and free web portal resources are designed to help anyone in career advancement and career transition including:

• unemployed
• underemployed 
• recent college graduates
• looking for career advancement
• veterans
• persons re-entering the job market
• preparing for career advancement
• struggling small business​
• building leadership skills
• volunteer community based work

Our organization has helped over 2,000 people during our 14 years in existence though meetings, special events in over 50+ locations, and virtual meetings after COVID. We have partners with many organizations locally, regionally. nationally and even with a partnership in Madrid Spain. 

We continue to evolve as an organization, step up and help with community situations that we can be of help. All the organizations and members efforts revolve around our core founding and guiding principle of helping our Neighbors. 

​Creating collaboration with other organizations, providing leadership training, encouraging companies and individuals to give back to their community, and to start efforts to address social issues that need attention.

Neighbors-helping Neighbors USA (www.nhnusa.org) founded on January 27,2011, is supported by an award winning web portal site, Active LinkedIn group, https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3892534/ ​a Facebook group and a large network of members and volunteer leaders built over the past 15 years.

LinkedIn Top Companies 2025: The 50 best large employers to grow your career in the U.S.

Free Skills building online classes from Metrix Learning ​
​​https://metrixlearning.com/catalog/

New York

Metrix Learning

• Nationwide e-learning portal (~300 skill tracks, certifications)
• Not currently free in NY—available in PA, NJ
  👉 metrixlearning.com [metrixlearning.com]

​New Jersey

​​Bergen County 
Passaic County
Morris-Sussex-Warren Co.
​Essex County
​Newark
​Hudson County
Union County 
Monmouth County
Ocean County
Atlantic County

Virginia 
​
City of Alexandria and Arlington County are offering FREE online training for our residents and employers.  Click Here To Skill-Up

see new          VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI 

Capital Region

Oregon

​Oregon Workforce Partnership together with Oregon’s Nine Local Workforce Boards Launches Free Online Training Program to Support Jobseekers and Skill Development

5/13/2025 design by Matthew Fugazzie

Click on Image to buy anything on Amazon

1.21.2013

1/3/2013 design by Tyler Fugazzie

Members · 30,625

John R. Fugazzie.com

John's LinkedIn Articles

John R. Fugazzie founder of Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, and helping-Brands.

​“Profit with Purpose. Impact that Matters.”

​“A socialpreneur is an entrepreneur dedicated to driving positive social or environmental change through their business ventures. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs who primarily focus on profit, socialpreneurs strive to align financial success with meaningful purpose, tackling societal challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.”

www.rwjbh.org/careers

​​Come work with us
​@ RWJBarnabas Health

Apprentice Video 10-17-25

MLT employee trainee story 1

​CMA ​employee trainee story 2

1,302 followers

4.5K friends

NhN one-on-one tools

www.askprofessorjohn.com/job-search-tools.html

nhn_1_on1_meeting_agenda_5-23-25.docx
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Middlesex County
​Somerset - Hunterdon
​Mercer County
​Burlington County
​Cumberland County

NEW JERSEY

Pursuing your professional goals and take advantage of other education and training opportunities available to you:

🎓 Education & Training Resources

1. Community College Opportunity Grant – Free tuition at your local community college if eligible.
   👉 https://thebridge.rwjbh.org/human-resources/ccog.aspx

 

1. State Grant for Bachelor’s Degree – Funding for a degree at a NJ state college.
   👉 https://thebridge.rwjbh.org/human-resources/gsgg.aspx

 

1. Metrix Learning – Free Online Courses – Access 5,000+ courses for 180 days.
   👉 https://nj.metrixlearning.com

Sign up here for free online classes Metrix SkillUp America

Popular Beginner-Friendly Courses:

• Customer Service Essentials
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project Management Fundamentals
• Workplace Health & Safety
• Leadership Fundamentals​

​

New Jersey Department of Labor​

• Press Release & Registration Info
  Includes registration link and 180-day free access details
  https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2021/20210518_skillup.shtml
• Career Services – Training & Education (SkillUp NJ info)
  https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/education-training/skillup-nj/
• Unemployment Insurance – Training & Education Programs
  Details available training for UI claimants
  https://www.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/jobseekers/training/

📌 NYC & New York State Government-Sponsored ProgramsNYC Data Analyst Training Accelerator (DATA)Provided by NYC SBS / Fullstack Academy

• 18-week, full-time immersive program: Excel, SQL, Python, AWS, analytics + career prep
• Open to NYC residents, unemployed/underemployed earning ≤ $45K
• Application via [Jobs NYC program page]citeturn1search8turn1search11
  👉 jobs.nyc.gov/data-analyst-training-accelerator-data

NY State Dept. of Labor – Coursera (Online Learning with Coursera)For unemployed/underemployed NYS residents

• No-cost access to ~4,200 Coursera courses: data science, machine learning, metrics, etc.
• Use standard Coursera platform via NYGov ID
  👉 dol.ny.gov/online-learning-coursera
  👉 Also listed in NYPL Career Services Guide [dol.ny.gov], [resources....ualaid.nyc] [nypl.org]

Program of Study credits:

• NYS 599 Training Program
• Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
• WIOA-funded options: use ETPL directory
  👉 apps.labor.ny.gov/ETPL_V2/
  👉 dol.ny.gov/training-opportunities [apps.labor.ny.gov] [dol.ny.gov]

CUNY Upskilling Initiative & CUNY Continuing EdFree virtual trainings—data, IT, business

• NYC residents register on CUNY site
  👉 jobs.nyc.gov/cuny-upskilling-initiative/ [jobs.nyc.gov]
• York College CPEC Workforce Step-Up: bookkeeping, project management, basic analytics
  👉 york.cuny.edu/cpec [york.cuny.edu]

NYPL TechConnect + General Assembly + Per Scholas + NPowerFree tech and analytics classes (in-person / online)

• NYPL TechConnect: coding, data basics, workshops in Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island
  👉 nypl.org/techconnect [nypl.org], [pulse.nyc]
• General Assembly: free intro to data analytics in NYC (Excel, Google Sheets, SQL)
  👉 generalassemb.ly/education/free-introduction-to-data-analytics/new-york-city [generalassemb.ly]
• Per Scholas offers free IT/data careers training across all five boroughs
• NPower NY provides free tech certifications for young adults / veterans
  👉 pulse.nyc/free-technology-training-programs-in-nyc [pulse.nyc]

New York State “Empire AI” Pilot (AI/Machine Learning) 🎯

• Free for NYS employees (~1,000 participants in 2025)
• Training includes responsible AI tools via InnovateUS & Google Gemini
  👉 governor.ny.gov/.../artificial-intelligence-training-pilot-program-new-york-state [governor.ny.gov]

• NYPL Career Services Directory

• Free Coursera certificates for NY residents
• Lists job training, apprenticeships, virtual workshops
  👉 nypl.org/education/adults/career-services/resources-directory [nypl.org]

• NYC Open Data Workshops / NYC Data Clinics

• Free public training sessions to learn use of city data/APIs
  👉 opendata.cityofnewyork.us [opendata.c...newyork.us]

Here are some of the best websites for finding remote jobs—ranging from hand‑vetted listings to AI-enhanced matching and freelance platforms:

🌟 Premium/Vetted Platforms

• FlexJobs – Subscription-based, hand-screened listings across full-time, part-time, and freelance roles. Known for high-quality, scam-free opportunities. [linkedin.com], [hrstacks.com]
• RemoteEngine – AI-driven platform tailored to tech professionals. Matches verified global opportunities and streamlines the hiring process. [remoteengine.co]

🖥️ Popular Remote-Only Boards

• We Work Remotely – One of the largest remote job boards, mainly for tech, design, marketing, and customer service. Free for job seekers. [linkedin.com], [writingstudio.com]
• Remote.co – Features remote jobs plus articles, interviews, and best-practices guides. All listings are hand-picked. [linkedin.com], [hrstacks.com]
• Remote OK – Free; tech-heavy listings with filters for salary and benefits. [hrstacks.com], [writingstudio.com]
• Jobspresso – Curated remote roles in tech and customer support. [hrstacks.com]
• Working Nomads – Aggregates curated remote jobs; offers both free and premium tiers. [hrstacks.com]

📈 Specialized & Niche Boards

• RemoteWeek – Curated, fully remote openings with clear salary and timezone info; includes helpful job search guides. [writingstudio.com]
• Remote100K – Focuses on high-paying remote roles ($100K+), ideal for senior professionals. [writingstudio.com]

💼 Freelance & Contract Marketplaces

• Upwork – Massive platform for contract and freelance gigs across various industries. [linkedin.com], [hrstacks.com]
• Hubstaff Talent – Free directory for full-time, part-time, and freelance roles; no fees for job seekers. [freakingnomads.com], [careersidekick.com]

🌐 Aggregators & Job Networks

• LinkedIn – Use the “Remote” filter to find remote roles across all industries. Offers networking and recruiter access. [linkedin.com]
• Indeed (Remote) – Broad aggregator with remote options; less specialized but offers wide reach. [opportunit…mentor.com]

🔍 Expert Platforms

• Arc – A marketplace matching experienced developers, designers, and marketers with remote roles via curated vetting and recruiter support. [arc.dev]
• Scale.jobs – Unique service combining job listings with human-powered application support (resume, cover letter drafting). [scale.jobs]

✅ How to Choose

• For highest security & quality: FlexJobs or RemoteEngine
• For volume and variety in tech/design/marketing: We Work Remotely, Remote OK, Jobspresso, Arc
• For freelancers/contractors: Upwork, Hubstaff Talent, Scale.jobs
• For broad search across industries: LinkedIn, Indeed

Here are 12 websites to find a remote job in 2026:

1. Remote Rocketship
↳ Insights into flexible jobs and company culture. [https://lnkd.in/gsDv9XVz]

2. Eztrackr:
↳Track the progress of all your job applications effortlessly, gain valuable insights, all in one place. [eztrackr.app/?ref=anuj]

3. Remotive
↳ Vetted remote tech jobs in marketing and sales. [https://lnkd.in/gzsUPCHE]

4. TryRemotely
↳ 16,000+ remote jobs from growing companies. [tryremotely.com]

5. JobBoardSearch
↳ Curated remote jobs in 200+ categories. [jobboardsearch.com]

6. Remote. co
↳ Fully remote job board with resources and tips. [https://lnkd.in/gzsUPCHE]

7. LinkedIn
↳ Discover remote jobs and connect with employers. [linkedin.com]

8. WeWorkRemotely
↳ Top roles in engineering, design, and product management. [weworkremotely.com]

9. Working Nomads
↳ Find work-from-home opportunities across industries. [workingnomads.co]

10. FlexJobs
↳ Access 26,000+ quality remote job listings. [https://lnkd.in/gsDv9XVz]]

11. RemoteOK
↳ Simplifies remote job searches for all seekers. [remoteok.io]

12. RemoteHub
↳ Community-driven platform with diverse job listings. [remotehub.io]


1) Google AI Essentials
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2) Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
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3) Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
https://lnkd.in/eaJ43iNb

4) Machine Learning Specialization
imp.i384100.net/K0ybaa

5) Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
imp.i384100.net/e1kzdg

6) Machine Learning
https://lnkd.in/eaJ43iNb

7) IBM Data Analyst
https://lnkd.in/eaJ43iNb

8) IBM Data Science
imp.i384100.net/6yVj2N

9) Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
imp.i384100.net/3JmQbv

10. Introduction to Generative AI
https://lnkd.in/gnSN7HP2

11. Learn Python Basics for Data Analysis
https://lnkd.in/gMXMsS_Z

12. Data, ML, and AI in Google Cloud
https://lnkd.in/gQ46XgH4

13. Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Networking and Security in Google Cloud
https://lnkd.in/eaJ43iNb

14. Google Advanced Data Analytics Capstone
https://lnkd.in/eaJ43iNb

15. Data Analysis with R Programming
https://lnkd.in/gX8Qk4tX

16. IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate
https://lnkd.in/gyG6GmMu

17. Introduction to Web Development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript
https://lnkd.in/geSFnj4s

18. IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate
https://lnkd.in/g9Ye3z6Z

19. IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate
https://lnkd.in/eaJ43iNb

20. IBM Python for Data Science, AI & Development
https://lnkd.in/gpUt7UUW

​​Places I have called Home
​
River Edge NJ              1955-1981
Hillside NJ                   1982-1983
Whitefish Bay WI       1983-1984
Maplewood NJ            1984-1991
Parkland Florida          1991-1996
New Providence         1996-1997
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ            1997-2008 
Allendale NJ               2008-2010
River Edge NJ             2010-2015
New City NY               2015-2016
Nanuet NY                  2016-2026

next TBD to ........

​Named Top 100 Websites 
For Your Career by Forbes.com

Job Search Tools

​Lists of Job Search Groups
​and Clubs

Professor John Job Search Tools

JobScan.co

NhNUSA founding Library
​River Edge Library ​
​
​Opened January 27, 2011
to September 18, 2014

NhNUSA's longest Library Partner
Westwood Public Library
​
Thanks to all our former meeting locations over the past 14 years

Westwood
Monmouth Co
Middletown
Women's Rights Info
​Fort Lee
Wayne
Cranford
Waldwick Library
Cresskill
Bergenfield
Oakland
Ridgewood
Fair Lawn
​Dumont
Lodi
Garfield
Hawthorne
Closter
Englewood
Maywood
Howell
Ringwood
​Wanaque
Lake Hiawatha
Maplewood
Mahwah
Warren Co Library
Monroe
Colts Neck
Cliffside Park
Emerson
Oradell
​Rockaway Twp.
​Sussex County
Norwestcap Phillipsburg
Boston Public Library
Mt. Pleasant Wash. DC
ProNet-Orlando FL
Microsoft store Boston
Microsoft Store Bridgewater
Microsoft Store Virginia
Microsoft Store San Diego
Montclair State Univ.
Rutgers Business School MBA
Career Connections
​Cresskill Library
​Raritan Valley CC
​Hudson County CC
Community College of Morris
Bergen Community College
​Hudson County One Stop
Berkeley College - Marcal