Client Success Erica Sterling has a new job skill, a new job and a new life. Some would attribute this to fate, or being in the right place at the right time. Others might call it luck or divine inspiration. GenesisJobs calls it 'partnership' and thinks it is a new and better way to help people like Erica look for and find rewarding jobs along career paths. When GenesisJobs joined hands with Marion House, a transitional residence for women, it brought its WorkNet program to women there. One of these women was Erica, who had participated in Marian House's structured program of recovery and self-improvement. Erica completed the two-week WorkNet program which helps people better understand their own work strengths and needs while informing them about the work world's expectations of employees. "I don't think I would have traveled out of Marian's House to participate in WorkNet. Having it available where I lived definitely made it more attractive for me to attend," Erica noted. In commenting on how WorkNet helped her in her search, Erica said, "The most helpful advice I received was to look for work I like to do rather than accept just any job." It became clear to her that she enjoyed clerical and office work so she began to narrow the focus of her search toward that type of work. She also started thinking of a career rather than a job. Another helpful aspect of WorkNet for Erica was preparing for her interviews. She learned some tips on what interviewers look at in a possible employee and she also learned to describe her qualifications in a positive light - "to use what you have," is how she expressed it. Shortly after WorkNet's completion, GenesisJobs and Marian House referred Erica to a company that trains individuals in Web site development skills. Erica was then hired by a Web site developer and moved from Marian House to her mother's home where she will be able to take care of her two young children again. Eventually, she will move to her own place with her children. GenesisJobs' WorkNet program helped Erica discern her career goals and move toward them. Then she was able to be taught new skills and begin a new a job in what she hopes is a new career for her new life. Employer Success The Louis J. Grasmick Lumber Co., Inc. was incorporated in 1954 as a lumber supplier and later a drywall and building supply distributor. Our founder and current CEO is Louis J. Grasmick. For almost fifty years we have supplied the major contractors in the Mid-Atlantic area with their lumber and building supplies. We have had the good fortune to develop a customer base that includes such firms as Whiting-Turner, Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. and Bethlehem Steel Co. It is our goal to provide excellence offering the highest quality and service. Upon screening an applicant for a job, we look for someone who is willing to work hard, be reliable and who can get along with other employees. We do on-the-job training for those lacking experience in our field. Grasmick Lumber Co. was introduced to GenesisJobs through GenesisJobs volunteer Frank R. Kimmel. Presently we have two GenesisJobs applicants working for us. They are hard working and dependable. We are fortunate to have a program such as GenesisJobs in the city of Baltimore. It helps to make filling our employment needs easier. Participating with GenesisJobs benefits both the employer and the employee. When an employer needs and employee, GenesisJobs is just a phone call away. We are able to save on advertising and screening costs. When an applicant is hired through GenesisJobs, Baltimore has another productive citizen. "We highly recommend GenesisJobs to other employers. Their service is mutually beneficial to employers and to the unemployed in our city." Charles Johnson Field Representative Louis J. Grasmick Lumber Company, Inc. Our Results Since its inception in 1985, GenesisJobs has helped over 2000 men and women find and keep good jobs. The combined annual salaries of the men and women whom we helped to find positions during 1993-1994 - and who have kept their jobs for at least a year -- total $1,508,000. In our 1994-1995 fiscal year, 248 GenesisJobs applicants found positions in 170 area businesses, earning an average annual income of $15,000. During that same period, 73 companies joined the network, and 338 businesses supplied jobs, volunteers, funds, goods and services. GenesisJobs accomplishes all of this on a lean budget raised from private, non-governmental sources, with 75+ volunteers and a paid staff of 5.