Meet Kate: Goodwill Employment Specialist
By Alana Sesow
Without access to resources and support, finding a job can be hard, especially for those facing different barriers to employment. Goodwill’s Job Connection Center at 1731 O Street exists to help people find meaningful work through skill development and personalized support from Employment Specialists like Kate.
In 2019, Kate applied to work at Goodwill’s Job Connection Center as a part-time intern, a position that has since turned into a full-time job. As an Employment Specialist, Kate connects with agencies and employers in the Lincoln area and assists walk-in clients with a variety of employment-related services, such as resume building, skills assessments, and assistance with online applications for work and continuing education.
“I even have clients who stop in just to say hi and let us know how they are doing,” Kate said. No matter what individuals are going through, Job Connection is a place they can always come back to, a place where they will be greeted “with a smile and no judgment.”
“Job Connection never turns anyone away,” Kate said. “Our clients know they can use the computer lab as long as they need to with no time limit, and if they need one-on-one help, they will get that assistance. There is always a smile when they walk through the door and someone willing to do everything they can to assist them until they find an answer.”
During her three and a half years of working at Goodwill, Kate has most enjoyed connecting with clients at Job Connection. While the clients have learned about employment skills and resources from Kate, Kate has learned from the clients, too.
“The individuals who come in and welcome us into their lives are what make this job something I love coming to every day,” Kate said. “It is a blessing to work with so many incredible individuals that I have learned so much from.”
Thanks to the funding from Goodwill’s thrift stores in Lincoln and York, Job Connection is completely free for public use. Job Connection is located at 1731 O Street and is open Monday-Wednesday from 9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM. Learn more by following Job Connection on Facebook and visiting our Programs page.
