
Education and Employment
Supporting the dignity of workers
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas values education and believes it adds to a person’s ability to earn a sustainable income and maintain future financial stability. Our Workforce Development Programs guide and support individuals who are seeking education to improve their employability or those that desire to earn a higher, sustainable working wage.
Our services are available to refugees, immigrants, unemployed and under-employed individuals who want to receive industry-recognized credentials, earn gainful employment and become more self-sufficient members of society. This program is life-changing to those who take advantage.
 FAST FACTS FROM 2024
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206
individuals boosted their job skills and advanced their education through our St. Rita program, including 91 graduates who attained their academic or certification credentials.
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$21.69/hr
the average full-time wage of participants who engage in Workforce skill building programs.
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121
unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking greater economic sustainability achieved this through our Workforce programs.
The St. Rita Program has significantly impacted my life in various ways. The program’s support enabled me to persist and achieve my goal of becoming an RN, surpassing my own expectations. [...] I express my hope for the program’s continuity in aiding individuals in need and directing students on the right path, even in seemingly dire circumstances."
Workforce Development Programs
Workforce Development programs are offered as part of a continuum of services intended to help individuals facing educational or employment barriers. These programs aim to give individuals the skills needed to find employment that respects their dignity and supports their families. Participants are also connected with the additional support of our Family Support Centers.
St. Rita Program
ReCONNECT
Employment Services
Are you an employer in the Kansas City area?
We would love to have you partner with us!
A partnership with our Workforce Development program is mutually beneficial as highlighted benefits include:
- Increased workplace diversity
- Tapping into a previously unexplored talent pool
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)Â
- Pre-screened referrals
- Assistance with onboarding processes
- Continued support after initial placement
For more information please contact us at [email protected].

Get Involved with Workforce Development
The Workforce Development program has many opportunities to get involved or donate! Individuals who come to us for help are often struggling financially and/or emotionally. With your help, we can ease their burden. We accept gift card donations for program participants, so that they can purchase clothing for interviews or required work uniforms. Additionally, a financial gift can also help a struggling student pay for bills they are unable to afford on a students’ salary.
TESTIMONIALS
Kershana's St. Rita Program Success
Click "play" to watch video.
Gregory's Journey
Workforce received a referral from the FSC site manager in Lawrence for a gentleman that needed a new career path. When the Workforce Specialist met with Gregory to help him apply for the Employment Program, it was discovered that he had disabilities that were making it difficult for him to find an employment opportunity he could do. Once Gregory was approved for the program, he immediately started working on creating his resume and completing the Workforce Program’s online soft/hard skills training to prepare him for employment. The Workforce Specialist reached out to Cottonwood, Inc. that works with individuals that have mental and physical disabilities and was able to set up a time for Gregory to meet and tour the location. Gregory really enjoyed the atmosphere and was able to…

Workforce Development Program
Hope Stories
Hope Stories & Blog Posts About Our Workforce Development Program

A Workforce Story – Gregory
Workforce received a referral from the FSC site manager in Lawrence for a gentleman that needed a new career path. When the Workforce Specialist met

A Workforce Story – Haley
Rasmussen University has been a great partner of the St. Rita Program to connect with students in their Practical or Registered Nursing programs who need

Supporting the Dignity of Workers by Removing Barriers to Employment
A Special to The Leaven What does it take to achieve financial stability? For most people, it starts with a steady job and fair wage. Yet,
Contact Us
Use the form below to contact the Workforce Development team.
Please submit other questions to our general Contact Catholic Charities page.
Resources for the Community
Please browse helpful files below.Â