Your local house of worship is offering more than just spiritual renewal these days. Dozens of Main Line churches and synagogues host monthly meetings to help members land a job. It’s a community trend that’s on the rise.
Joseph’s People started in 2003 at Saint Joseph Church in Downingtown. It helps with the job-search process by hosting résumé workshops, mock interviews and counseling sessions. The group holds meetings frequently at a variety of local churches, including St. Monica’s in Berwyn and Media Presbyterian. At the latter, a meeting called “Get Works” is held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Group leader Sue Kaiden says she has seen countless people attend.
One of those people is Patricia McVey, who was desperately looking for a new position after losing her job in July. Ultimately finding a job, she says she’s grateful for the emotional support she received. “I have been helped by Get Works in more ways than I could answer,” says McVey.
In Penn Valley, S.H.A.R.E. (Support Help Assistance Resources = Employment) offers meetings at Har Zion Temple that incorporate guest speakers and résumé reviews. Hope Kirschner attended these meetings, and her favorite part was the job workshops that were facilitated by professionals from various fields. She credits the meetings with helping her find a job.
“Being a part of S.H.A.R.E. was most beneficial and supportive,” Kirschner says. “It is great being a part of a group that is going through similar experiences.”
In addition to meetings, the Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood offers a “Brotherhood Job Bank,” providing the latest job postings and advice.
If you’re looking for a job and aren’t sure where to turn, you may want to give one of the below groups a try. They’re open to everyone, and you’ll be surrounded by positive, encouraging people—not to mention on the fast track to landing a new position.
Visit josephspeople.org, mediapresbyterian.org/missions/getworks, mlrt.org/community/brotherhood and harziontemple.org.
