Churches help job seekers

Offering job networking, skill building, job counseling and career services has long been a part of the ministry of several churches in metro Atlanta, and their services are particularly invaluable during this poor economy.

With free workshops, résumé-building seminars and seasoned professional advice from corporate and business leaders, these ecumenical programs are open to individuals of all denominations and faiths. “One of our goals is to connect people with people who have jobs,” said Caroline McKoy-Hansen, who has run the career ministry at Kennesaw’s St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church for five years. Participants are asked to dress “business casual,” and bring a résumé if they have one. Here are a few programs in metro Atlanta. Many are in northwest part of the city, but attract people from across Atlanta.

• Career Quest: Begun in 1986, Career Quest at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Marietta is the oldest active job network in Atlanta. “We see people who are unemployed, workers at risk [of losing their jobs] and others who are looking for a change,” said John Marotto, director. It is staffed by heads of local businesses, division heads of major corporations and other self-starters. Self-help workshops provide basic tools to locate jobs; résumé reviews also are available, and attendees are encouraged to network. Meetings begin at 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Information: St. Ann’s, 4905 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-552-6400, Ext. 6104

• Career Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw offers presentations by corporate and business leaders, and maintains a jobs list on its Web site. Meetings are 6:30 to 9 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month, except holidays. Call for more information. The next meeting is Thursday. Information: St. Catherine of Siena, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, phone 770-794-6651. Another Career Ministry program at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta will begin in February. For information, contact St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.

• CareerCare at Transfiguration Catholic Church offers spiritual support, networking, job leads, an industry guide program and job seeker workshop. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays. Information: Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Road N.E., Marietta. Contact Mike Lang at 678-642-3727.

• Career Crossroads Networking at Roswell United Methodist Church and other churches in metro Atlanta. Includes résumé review, networking, and an industry guide program. At Roswell UMC, meetings are 6:30-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays. Dinner is offered at 5:55 p.m. The next meeting is Jan. 12. Information: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd. 770-993-6218.

— Rebecca Rakoczy, for the Journal-Constitution