The Joseph Project Stories
Parting Words to The Joseph Project:
"As tomorrow approaches and I continue to receive the e-mails announcing this final TJP meeting and celebration, I am sorry that I will not be able to attend. The time I spent with TJP as a participant as well as a presenter were incredibly encouraging. After I had been laid off from my job in Atlanta I returned to NWA, because I knew it was home and a place where friends and fellow concerned Christians were in abundance. I was not disappointed. I had hoped that finding a new position would be a much faster process than it was. I attended TJP faithfully during those early months, and learned a great deal. Most of all, how important having a network of encouragers is for people in the job search process in the midst of a really tough economy. Thank you and the entire WorkMatters team and board for providing the opportunity.
For those still in the process, my prayers are with you and my word is never stop looking for all the ability and potential that God has built into you and don’t dig in your heals should he decide to redirect you. After several months into my job search, I knew I could not simply focus on finding a job, I had to create one, or several. While continuing to work diligently on my job search, I began developing my consulting, coaching, and counseling practice, started adjunct teaching at JBU’s MBA program, and helped Cameron Smith with the development of CSA’s Outplacement Services. I truly wish that those jobs would have generated sufficient income for my family prior to the job offer I received, because I would love to still be in NWA with friends and family. Nevertheless, God has provided well for us and we continue to see His hand in our lives every day. I rejoice that he has allowed me an opportunity to stay on my personal life Mission: To Make God Famous Everywhere I Go and to Help Others Realize their God-given Potential.
My prayers are with you today and you bring this chapter to a close. I am certainly excited about the new opportunities that God has set before you."
-- Tony
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I just wanted to send you a quick note of thanks and an update on my job hunt. The big news is that I'm starting my NEW job Monday morning! My family and I greatly appreciate your help by passing your endorsement on to my new employer. I've had a great experience with the company during this entire process and can't find the words to describe how blessed I am that the Lord has brought an organization like Work Matters and it's people into my life. You are all doing His work so effectively and I've seen the fruits first hand! I am now motivated to continue my share of trying to help people between jobs. Thanks again and I hope to keep in touch with you.
-Mark
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"I want to take this opportunity to say, "thank you" to the many men and women who helped alter my course. I was looking forward to reconnecting with The Joseph Project because I lost my job just last week. It is a bit ironic I suppose; however, the experiences and contacts I made through the Joseph Project have prepared me for just such an occasion. Unlike previous experiences, I don't have the sense of panic or frustration that I faced before. Thanks to Butch, Steve, Sam, David, Heather, Beckye and so many others at The Joseph Project and WorkMatters, I'm better connected to our community, better prepared to lead our family through this challenge, and hopefully will prove to be a better help to an employer or colleague.
My journey was altered. I thank God for the support and direction I received. Thank you again for everything you did for me and my family."
--Jim
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"I cannot begin to describe what TJP meant to me during job transition. Thank you is just not enough. The news of TJP's retirement saddens me, however I trust the decision was carefully and prayfully made. May all of you know considerable blessings came from the ministry and these blessings will follow you. Keep serving in his grace and mercy."
--Janet
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"There are dozens of stories, but my favorite is the one of how I met and was able to hire one of the best graphic designers, Lorinda Gray. She is an alumni of The Joseph Project. Without The Joseph Project I would have never found her!"
--Angela
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"I tear up just thinking of several men I met at one of your Eight to Five meetings who had been blessed and encouraged to greater things-- as in a new life made possible by their participation and trust invested in the Joseph Project! There is a season for all things, so give thanks for all that has happened in so many lives."
--Anonymous
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"We at CCOA are very saddened to hear of the Joseph Project’s retirement. It was a terrific, unique aid to many Northwest Arkansans. We’re greatly appreciative of the work you have done in NWA and that we were able to partner with you with referrals and speaking to your group. Thank you for all your tremendous work."
--Mark
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"Blessings to the WorkMatters team and volunteers that met a need when a need was present. This is positive and supportive communication for the many who have benefitted from or helped this offering of the WorkMatters ministry."
--Blair
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"I value the impact of TJP had on NWA – invaluable."
--Stephen
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"I appreciate the Joseph Project meeting the need I had between jobs in 2009. Thank you for being an encouragement! Also, let me know if there are any other opportunities to help with now or in the future."
--Anonymous
Read Stories from The Joseph Project alumni:
"The most empty and alone I have ever felt was the day I carried a cardboard box of personal belongings to my car. I had just been laid off from a company where I had worked for 13 years; almost instantly I went from being a corporate employee to a national statistic. I had no idea how I was going to explain this to my wife and kids. I didn't know what I was going to do for income or where to turn for guidance. Most of my peers were in the same situation.
A friend told me about a group meeting at a local church. I knew I had to start circulating resumes and getting my name out there, so I began attending. The group was The Joseph Project, a ministry of WorkMatters. As miserable as I sometimes felt during the week, I always looked forward to seeing everyone at WorkMatters. The leaders had at one time experienced what I was going through and offered great encouragement. The best part was just belonging to a group of people who shared my frustration, need for help, and never-ending hope that God could be trusted to get us through the storm. Above all, The Joseph Project made me feel that I was not alone.
After a few months of attending, I looked at the job listings on The Joseph Project website for the first time. I have spent many hours looking at job descriptions on other websites, but this one was unlike any other. It described a position for a person with integrity...experience in this field would be nice, but the priority was integrity. I had never seen a listing stress this before, so I contacted the company immediately. Amazingly, the gentleman hiring was Bob Cantrell, a huge supporter of WorkMatters. There is no doubt in my mind that this position is where God wants me to be at this point in my life.
It took me over six months to find a job, and at times I felt like I was at the lowest point in my life. My wife got me through the hardest times by saying, 'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...life is about dancing in the rain.' The storm won't last forever, and without the rain, there can be no new life.
I am truly thankful for everyone at WorkMatters and the ministry of The Joseph Project for giving me something to lean on during my struggle. I will do everything I can going forward to repay the kindness I was shown in hopes of helping someone else."
--Jarrod
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"I am quite impressed with the ministry of WorkMatters - particularly The Joseph Project. That hit home with me since I have been unemployed for the last year. What a wonderful project! I wish I were in Arkansas. But not really. I firmly believe that God has brought my wife and I to Minnesota with purpose. So we press on and know that through the appropriate efforts and his grace, he will indeed provide. Thank you for your ministry through WorkMatters - especially to those who are unemployed. I can attest that the value of what you offer to those without jobs is beyond measure."
--Jonathon