Getting Americans back to work is the goal of some Atlanta-area churches. They've teamed up, joining the Crossroads Career Network, to help the unemployed not just find a job but also discover their purpose.
Justin Kimbrell, a basketball fan, graduated from Kennesaw State with a degree in sports management. He soon landed what he considered his dream job at a consulting firm as an NBA talent scout.
"People say they see everybody, if you have the talent, they'll find you. That is true. You do look far and wide to find the best players that are out there," said Kimbrell.
But it wasn't long before his dream had to be deferred. He was laid off.
"I was working other jobs in other industries that I had no desire to be in long-term. It was just kind of a weird time there," said Kimbrell.
Kimbrell's situation is not uncommon. Not only are millions of Americans out of work, but according to a recent survey, half of all 18-34 year olds say they've taken a job they didn't want just to pay bills. But a network of churches, known as the Crossroads Career Network, is hoping to change that by helping the unemployed find not just a job, but their calling.
"And for a lot of people we get a job, but it's not something we're passionate about. This program is helping you understand not only your gifts and skills but what passion do you have that you'd like to use in your career," said Jeff Westerberg of Crossroads.
The network is a national community of churches providing faith-based, job search and career transition resources. Workshops help you assess your passion and then give you the skills you need to go after it.
"They're coming seeking a little bit of comfort, but they're also seeking some skills. So we're trying to mix the two of them together. A little bit of the Christian comfort and a little bit of the business day skill set," said C.J. Trayser of Crossroads.
It worked for Kimbrell. He says the Crossroads workshop helped him land back in the seat of his dreams. He's now a researcher for NBA-TV.
"If you would have told me, even when I was working at my prior job, that in a few years I'd be doing what I'm doing now and working with the people that I'm working with and having the opportunity that I have, I probably wouldn't believe you. So it's definitely surpassed my expectations," said an excited Kimbrell.
More than 250 churches across the nation now have the program. This weekend there is a National Leadership Conference in Atlanta to train more organizations to bring Ccrossroads workshops to their church.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
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