Corbin Smith
Editorial Assistant

For many, finding a new job signifies the start of a new chapter in life. Since 1995, the Bishop Sullivan Center has offered free employment counseling services for those seeking employment, opening a door to a new life.

Through its employment services, Bishop Sullivan works with each client to eliminate obstacles restricting them from success. Employment Services Director Kathleen Kennedy helps clients on a non-judgmental basis to secure long-term jobs.

“We are a program that’s going to work with you short term if you are interested in getting and keeping employment,” Kennedy said. “We work with people who currently are unemployed or underemployed — that’s stuck in staffing agencies that are not getting enough hours to pay your basic expenses. We also say that you are substance abuse and illegal drug free, we don’t throw anyone out.”

Kennedy has been working for the Bishop Sullivan Center for 18 years and has helped approximately 12,000 clients find work in Kansas City. Through the program, job candidates are taught basic computer skills, interview skills and how to market their own talents to secure employment.

Kennedy said the work her office does is very important to the community because it helps people find chances to better their lives if they wish to.

“We’re working with each person on their individual gifts and talents and strengths,” Kennedy said. “We want each of their clients to decide what their plan is, what’s a good match for their skill sets, abilities, their interests — because these employers are not going to play if you can’t do the work.

Our job is helping each client to find work that is the best for them.”

For more information on the Bishop Sullivan Center’s employment program, visit bishopsullivan.org, call (816) 231-0984, or drop by the office located at 6435 Truman Rd.