Adam Nelson worked for the same insurance company for four
years. But when it downsized in 2011, Nelson found himself
unemployed. Nelson picked up a few temporary positions, but
was discouraged that he could not find the full-time position
he was searching for.
Nelson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business
mathematics, saw an advertisement for Catholic Charities’
Christians Are Networking (CAN) while at Mass at St. John
Neumann Church in Reston.
“When I see things like that, I usually never act on them,”
said Nelson, 33. “But I figured it was worth a try. And now,
I’m definitely glad I went there.”
Nelson was the 100th person to find meaningful employment
since the CAN’s inception in June 2009. He is a contractor in
Fannie Mae’s quality control department.
CAN originated after Elizabeth Lucas was laid off after 26
years with the same company. She sought help from a job
ministry at McLean Bible Church, but wanted the ability to
look to her own Catholic faith community for support.
“I had forgotten what it was like to look for a job,” she
said.
She approached Bill Hummel, vice president of a federal
consulting firm, about the idea of creating a Catholic job
ministry. They pitched the idea to Catholic Charities, which
readily embraced it.
“We recognized that there was a need for this program and
that this was a way for the church to be more visible,” said
Hummel, who also serves on the Diocese of Arlington finance
council. “We knew that Catholic Charities could play a strong
role in it.”
In its ministry, CAN supports people looking for work or a
career change by providing a venue where job-seekers can
receive free career counseling and networking opportunities.
Volunteer mentors lead weekly meetings.
Lucas and Hummel created a workbook with chapters on
identifying career passions, writing a resume and cover
letter and preparing for an interview. The workbook is given
free to all attendees so they can take charge of their own
job search.
About 350 job-seekers have used the services of CAN with as
many as 50 people attending meetings during the height of the
recession. On average, about a dozen job-seekers attend each
two-hour meeting.
Sessions are held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the St.
Martin De Porres Senior Center in Alexandria. Each opens with
a prayer. Presentations on topics such as developing an
“elevator speech,” setting goals and dealing with stress are
given by mentors or outside speakers. From there, one-on-one
mentoring provides an important personal touch.
“Our help is geared to each job-seeker specifically,” said
Karen Beck, a retired federal government recruiter. “We help
them focus on their strengths so they can realize what God’s
mission is for their lives.”
Nelson praised volunteers for their approachability and
willingness to help. He said he felt more confident and
encouraged while attending the sessions because it was easier
knowing there were other job-seekers fighting to overcome
similar obstacles.
Charlie Dietz, a partner in a CPA firm and a CAN volunteer
since its inception, worked with Nelson, giving him tips on
rewriting his resume and suggesting networking tools. Dietz
believes in an economically strong middle class where jobs
provide a sense of self-worth.
“And that’s what CAN is,” he said, “a resource to help people
find their purpose and determine their vocation.”
McKean is a development associate for Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities is supported by funds from the Bishop’s
Lenten Appeal.
