Education and Employment
Supporting the dignity of workers
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas values education and believes that it adds to a person’s ability to earn a sustainable income and maintain future financial stability. Our Workforce Program guides and supports individuals who are in or out of school and are seeking education to improve their employability or desire to earn a higher, livable 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 can be 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 months I spent with the St. Rita Program taught me so much more than being a technician. [...] My graduation that year was a victory for my whole family."
Lavaunte had always been passionate about auto technology. Unfortunately, he lacked the proper training, so his passion could not translate into income. Lavaunte needed more education, but as the youngest of five, no one in his family had ever had the option of attending college — until now.
The future looks much brighter for Lavaunte, who recently graduated with academic honors in Auto Tech. He is now gainfully employed by a company that is supportive of him obtaining his Diesel Technician certification.
Workforce Programs
Workforce programs are offered as part of a continuum of services intended to help those facing educational or employment barriers so that they can 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 program is mutually beneficial. Benefits include:
- Increased workplace diversity
- Tapping into a previously unexplored talent pool
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Pre-screened referrals
- Assistance with onboarding processes
- Continued support after initial placement
For more information please contact us at [email protected].
Workforce Partnerships
It takes a village to help ensure our program participants are set up for lasting success in both the workplace and at home. We are proud to partner with an expansive list of institutions across Kansas.
Get Involved with Workforce
The Workforce 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
Zipporah's St. Rita Program Success
Click "play" to watch video.
Lydia's Journey
When Lydia first entered the General Employment Services program, she was unemployed and struggling to afford her mortgage. Due to a disability, her physical mobility was limited, so job opportunities available to her were difficult to find. Even through her struggles, she had an optimistic outlook and was determined to do whatever she needed to gain employment and get back on her feet.
The General Employment program helped Lydia construct a professional resume and build a hiring profile on Indeed. In addition to career assistance, a case manager worked with Lydia to create a monthly budget. This led her to join one of our Financial Literacy classes.
Today, Lydia has reached 90 days employment at a local consignment shop where she is known as “Happy” because she always has a positive outlook and greets store customers with a smile. She plans on continuing her employment there until she is more settled.
Workforce Programs
Hope Stories
Hope Stories and Blog Posts About Our Workforce Programs
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,
Will You Give Until it Hurts to Help us Defeat Poverty?
A Special to The Leaven by Lauren Solidum What breaks your heart? Or put another way, what keeps you up at night about our world
Empowering Refugee Youth Through Mentorship & Support
A Special to the Leaven Refugees arriving in the United States as teenagers face numerous challenges, from adjusting to a new education system and culture
Contact Us
Use the form below to contact the Workforce team.
Please submit other questions to our general Contact Catholic Charities page.
