In this issue, you will read about the value of connections and how Love Columbia is making them for our neighbors through career advancement tools and community partnerships. You will read stories of people who were introduced to opportunities that gave them a path forward even in today’s tightening job market.

Report from Opportunity Insights

Raj Chetty’s extensive research on upward mobility indicates that social connections appear to be more important than a robust jobs market. In his Opportunity Insights, he reports that exposure to people with different types of jobs and higher incomes appears to be even more influential than availability of jobs. His researchers surmise it is likely that a person’s aspirations are shaped by those around them, which might lead them to believe higher-paying career paths are achievable, and having a wider social network might help them find more opportunities.

Source: Opportunity Insights

Career Coaching: Friends and Mentors to Support

Instant Friends: Ida and Lisa

Ida referred people to Love Columbia many times through the years and never thought she would need services herself. “I have worked since age 14, always had a job and tried to maintain multiple sources of income for financial security. Then after almost 11 years with the same company, I lost my job and it came as a shock."

"It was scary because I have kids who depend on me and humbling to be the one seeking help. When I met Lisa (Love Columbia Career Advancement Coordinator), she put me at ease and we became instant friends.”

Ida worked with Lisa to revamp her resume and look for career options. “It felt like a daunting task because I wasn’t searching for a part time job but for something better to support my family," Ida said. Within one week, Ida had a phone interview with Boone County Adult Court Services. A second interview followed and she received an offer on the spot. “At 42, I was watching everything crumble, but what I thought was crumbling was actually building blocks for a better future," she shared.

Ida identified significant elements of her work with Lisa:

• “Lisa told me I am marketable. It isn’t uncommon for people to change lanes and start over. She did not let me feel sorry for myself and told me my job loss does not define me. It is just a part of my story. She helped me remember who I am and not be discouraged by what happened to me.”
• "Lisa became my cheerleader. I was sitting with a friend." Ida related this was particularly significant as her best friend with whom she often shared on a deep level had recently passed away.
• “Lisa showed me new job search tools including using AI to organize my interests and strengths. Love Columbia also gave me a work space with a computer and helped me with printing documents. They saved me so much time and relieved so much stress.”
• "Lisa gave me great advice. I had 92 college credits, but no associate degree as some jobs required. Lisa told me to go ahead and apply because I had years of great experience that counted for a lot and to let them rule me out, not rule out myself."
• “Lisa gassed me up, pointed out my strengths and gave me confidence to think about my future. I decided to enroll in online college courses and to continue to progress professionally.”

Ida plans to keep Lisa posted on her plans. She is also excited about her new job and how to envision the people who enter court services to use this difficult juncture in their life to consider how to make changes and accept help from others. “I have gained empathy from my job loss experience and look forward to helping people reimagine their lives the way Lisa helped me reimagine mine.”

Lisa and Ida pictured with Diana Winn of Boone County Adult Court Services. Diana shared, “Ida’s resume was so professional. It really stood out. We are so delighted to have her join our team.”

Empowered by Mentors: Iyanna

When Iyanna found herself without housing for herself and her two year old son, Kareem, she heard from several people she should reach out to Love Columbia. She said, “I was skeptical as I’ve experienced a lot of abandonment in my life and didn’t believe there were people who truly cared. What I found at Love Columbia was caring mentors who empowered me to believe I could do things I never dreamed I could do. I found a support system of people who refused to give up on me and stayed with me every step of the way.”

Iyanna says the financial assistance to get into temporary and then permanent housing was vital, but it was the relationships and connections that have changed her life. “Tasha helped me learn to drive and manage my home. Others taught me tenant training through RentWell. Lisa helped me get a job, then a better job and enroll in school to become a 911 operator. They taught me things no one had ever taken the time or had the knowledge to teach me," she shared.

Iyanna is looking forward to graduating next month with an emergency telecommunications certification that will help her advance her career in a field that fits her interests. She said, “I’ve always wanted to help people and the training is teaching me how to remain calm and communicate clearly in stressful situations.”

She is participating in our Love Savings program and has saved $500. She plans to stay connected with Love Columbia, volunteer, and eventually, enroll in our homeownership program. She shared, “I’m so grateful for Love Columbia. I’m staying with them the same way they’ve stayed with me.”

To find out more about Love Savings, check out our flyer.

Career Next Steps: Career Advancement Tool for the Community

CNS aims to help community members identify a path for their career progression: from choosing a career field to overcoming barriers to furthering their education. We want to help people begin, advance, and lead in their careers.  We also want to highlight excellent local employers and encourage people serious about their careers to seek opportunities with them.

Career Next Steps offers a career exploration assessment, information on overcoming barriers to employment and 12 employment sectors with career pathways

and local employers.

We have made significant progress on the Manufacturing, Customer Service, Construction, Business and Office Administration, and Information and Technology pathways.

We have begun work on the Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, Transportation and Distribution, Human Services, Public Safety, PreK-12 Education and Personal Care pathways.

Local Companies and Success Stories Highlighted

Nadia launches Life Coaching Business

Nadia is a Love Columbia EM Coaching graduate and coaching volunteer. Click here to watch her tell her compelling and inspirational story.

Allana advances at Local Bus Service

Allana is a Love Columbia transitional housing program graduate and true success story. She started as a school bus monitor eight years ago, moved to driver three years later and was recently promoted to dispatch. She is currently working with us to achieve her goal of homeownership. Click below to watch her video on Career Next Steps.

Career Next Steps is unfolding. Visit the site often to see new content.

EquipmentShare employees Bobbi Malone and Sonya Collier, with Lisa Buxman, Love Columbia Career Advancement Coordinator. Check out their stories on Career Next Steps.

Community members meet monthly to develop Career Next Steps. Annelle Whitt, Monica Naylor, John Scalise and Lisa Buxman at September meeting.

 Together We Can Make Housing Happen

Affordable housing partners gathered to Meet new City staff and give updates at the September coalition Meeting. Bill Rataj, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services, and Clint Smith, Director of Community Development Department, and coalition members pictured below. For more information about the affordable housing coalition or to learn how to get involved, click the links below.

November Classes: Learning Opportunities Saturday, November 8.

• RentWell 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• First Time Home Buyer Class 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Growth Mindset Training 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM