Searching for a job takes a unique blend of patience, determination, and confidence.
Patience to stay focused and never give up.
Determination that the right job exists.
And, confidence that the best days are ahead.
It isn’t easy. But with workers in high demand across many industries, there are organizations and resources that can help.
For clients of Our Sisters’ Closet (OSC), a nonprofit in Mobile, Alabama, serving people who need help with employment, Founder Terri Kearns is focused on “people in crisis.”
Domestic violence survivors. People recovering from addiction. The homeless and those recently released from jail. Each with their own needs. Their own hopes. Their own potential.
“Our work is to help people in the job market who do not know how to look for a job,” Kearns said. “More than that, we also aim to help people keep a job, move up in that job, and grow. We offer the total job package of resources that a job seeker needs to be successful.”
Every year, OSC serves between 500 and 600 people along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Building a resume. Identifying skills and strengths. Going through the application process. Interview coaching. Career planning. At every turn, OSC is there. Clients learn about OSC through partner agencies that are supporting them through whatever challenge they are working to overcome.
And don’t underestimate the importance of what potential employers see. Specifically – clean clothes. New or gently used professional attire that reflects not only the potential someone has – but also the strength of character they’ve already proven through their diligent work to secure a better future.
The services are for men and women alike.
Once on the job, OSC continues helping with items like steel-toed boots or other uniform attire.
“The old saying, ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression,’ is so true,” Kearns said. “When clients enter the boutique, they are awestruck at the options available. It provides an extra boost of confidence they need to go out and have a good interview.”
Regions Bank has provided more than $13,000 in funding to the OSC mission. Mobile Market Executive Christian White said the financial support is part of the bank’s mission to make life better for all who live along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
“We’ve worked hard to build an economic climate in South Alabama that provides jobs and opportunities for all people,” White said. “Our Sisters’ Closet does incredible work in helping people get those jobs. Regions Bank is committed to supporting organizations that help train and prepare people to be job ready, so our work with Our Sisters’ Closet is directly tied to our bank’s priorities for community engagement.”
Kearns said having the support of an organization like Regions helps the nonprofit stay focused on its mission.