June 2019

Client Spotlight

Lynnette and Paula at Class #303's graduation on June 14.

I had been speaking with a Job Coach who works with another program in Kansas City. She had encouraged me to work on my resume and suggested that I attend an upcoming Job Fair that she had heard about. I had never been to a Job Fair before, so was unsure what to expect.  She gave me a little bit of information, telling me that I would not be interested in all the employers that would be there. She knew that I had already applied for jobs at KU Medical Center and St. Luke's Health System and she suggested that I take along copies of my resume and hand them to the persons at those stations, being ready to take a few minutes to "sell myself" to them. Not my forte, but I would comply to get a job.

Being a curious person, I was intrigued with the idea of a job fair, so along with KU Med & St. Luke's, I was checking out all the other employer's tables, just to see what types of positions were available. Because I knew that I was wanting to return to the healthcare field and hopefully work in a teaching institution again, but had not yet reinstated my Missouri RN license, I was scoping out all my options.

Lo and behold, at the end of the first line of tables was Ms. Lynnette. Standing there, straight and tall, with that warm smile and matter of fact style. I don't remember who spoke first, but I think I asked what Women's Employment Network did and she gave me a very brief explanation, then said (with her definitive and then sort of questioning manner): "You know we have an orientation starting next Monday and if you give me your email address and your information, I will email you a reminder and you can come check it out for yourself."

So, what I expected and what we received were two completely different things. What WEN does, cannot in simplicity be explained. I believe that instead of Women's Employment Network, this program should be called "Women's EMPOWERMENT Network." The changes I have seen in myself and my #303 Classmates is so powerful. I have grown in courage, confidence, self-awareness, and ability to recognize and articulate my own needs and passion. I think I better understand what is driving me and why.

It would be difficult to narrow down which particular workshop was most helpful. Each presenter and their presentation had at least some piece of very helpful information from learning about my temperament to structuring my resume. But, possibly the most important piece for me will be how to answer Behavioral Interview questions. I have always been able to weave a story. Answering behavioral questions in an interview is like telling your story, however, we, as women, don't like to "toot our own horns". I have learned that taking ownership of my story and telling it with conviction will "seal the deal" on my interview.

The skills I have learned in 'Conflict Management in the Workplace' and 'Problem Solving and Decision Making' will greatly impact the job that I do acquire. My employment goal has solidified into knowing that I want to work, not only as an RN, but have now attained my Basic Cardiac Life Support certification and know that I want to work in an Adult or Family Ambulatory Clinic where I will have the exposure to multiple types of diagnoses. I have researched and found that there is a 9 week RN refresher course through Johnson County Community College, my Alma Mater, which is highly respected in the healthcare arena. The next class starts this fall and the last day to register is July 1, 2019, so I am now examining the value and possibility of taking this course to ensure my long term career goal.

Short term, after learning how to set up myself on LinkedIn, I have several recruiters that have now seen my Profile on LinkedIn and have sent me invitations to have a "conversation". I can see this transforming at least into a temporary position where I can also have a chance to brush up on my skills in an appropriate environment.

I will be forever grateful for the empowerment I have acquired from WEN.

Donor Spotlight

Thank you, Bank of America!

In 2017, WEN was awarded the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders award, a program to help nonprofits scale and improve services and programs serving their communities. WEN's project, named “WEN on the Road,” laid out a plan to bring both financial and workforce workshops beyond our traditional parameters through collaboration with community partners. As of today, WEN has partnered with 22 organizations and served 445 clients across the Kansas City metro. Through this success, WEN staff has learned there is a greater need and demand for financial workshops, such as credit and budgeting, which were requested at a higher rate than workforce workshops, such as interview and resume tips. WEN has identified valuable partnerships and best practices through this new venture and will continue to use information and data collected from WEN on the Road to create innovative ways to be more accessible to the clients in our community.

Thank you, Bank of America, for your funding and support of WEN and our mission to help women raise their self-esteem and achieve economic independence through sustained employment!

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is continuing its support for WEN's mission in 2019 with a grant focused on economic mobility. Sherry, WEN's President, and Erin, WEN's Chief Development Officer, were able to attend a grantee meet and greet reception on June 11 to celebrate!

Read more about our WEN on the Road success!

Sherry Turner, Matt Linski (Bank of America Market President), and Erin Cole

 

Program Informational Session | Monday, June 24 | 9:00am-12:00pm

It's YOUR time! Create a stand-out resume, renew your confidence walking into interviews, and connect to WEN's extensive network through our holistic employment program. Find out what WEN is all about at our free informational session on Monday, June 24. Start your job search out strong and sign up today!

Interested? Sign up online or contact us today at 816-822-8083.

Fall KC Job Fair | Tuesday, October 8 | 1:00-4:00pm
Sheraton Crown Center

Employers: Contact Ashley Williamson at awilliamson@kcwen.org or 816-595-1299 to inquire about vendor space.

Job Seekers: This is a FREE event that is open to both men and women. No registration is required.

For more information, to register as a featured employer, or become a sponsor, please call 816-595-1299 or email Ashley Williamson. 

9th Annual KC's Got Talent | Thursday, November 14 | 6:00-9:00pm
Boulevard Brewing Company

This one-of-a-kind event is always a big hit, with delicious food, an open bar, fun entertainment, and a wonderful venue. And, most importantly, it's all for a great cause. We only have room for 10 acts and 16 sponsors, so contact us today to reserve your spot!

For more information, head to our website or contact Erin Cole at 816-595-1297.

Thank you to our current sponsors:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
• Boulevard Brewing Company
• Katie's Catering
• ... and YOU! Contact us today to sponsor this great event!

Women's Health Spotlight

Provided in partnership with

For upcoming Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) program dates, click here!

The Misconception About Bad Foods

How often have you heard yourself or others say “I ate good all week…” or “I know this food is bad, but…”? Have you ever considered how labeling foods good or bad can impact your relationship with food?

Alone, foods have no morality. There are no “good” or “bad” foods. Of course, some foods are more nutritious than others, but that does not mean they are morally different. Labeling foods as bad, makes us believe we made a bad choice, creating feelings of guilt or shame. We may say “I am bad for eating that piece of cake” or “I was bad and ate whatever I wanted on vacation”. The perception of guilt or shame tends to harbor negative feelings. Unfortunately, in an attempt to make ourselves feel better, we reach for comfort foods that are often high in sugar, salt, and fat.

Consider changing your vocabulary to avoid these feelings. When choosing foods to eat, instead of contemplating if this is a good or bad food, use smart phrases to help redefine your view of a food.

• Is this food nutritious for my body?
• Will this food help me reach my goals?
• Does this food fit into my diet plan?
• How will I feel after eating this food?

Healthy Recipe of the Month: Perfectly Peel-able Boiled Eggs

Makes 4 eggs

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• Water
• Salt, pepper and other spices (optional)

Directions:

1. If time allows, bring your eggs out of the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. This step is not necessary, but can help prevent cracking when placing the egg into the water.
2.  Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs. Don’t put the eggs in yet.
3. Bring the water to a boil.
4. With a nice rolling boil, gently place the eggs in the water with a large slotted spoon or ladle.
5. Depending on how you want your egg, let boil for the appropriate time: Very-soft boiled (a little runny white) – 5 minutes; Soft-boiled (firm white / runny yolk) – 6 minutes; Medium boiled (firm white / creamy yolk) – 7 minutes; Hard boiled (firm white and yolk) – 8+ minutes.
6. Remove from the stove, drain water and run cold water over eggs. Let sit for 2 minutes in cold water.
7. Lightly tap the egg against the counter or bowl to break the shell. Peel off the shell. Be sure to grab underneath the thin membrane between the shell and egg white. This will make removing the shell easier.
8. In a bowl, salt and pepper to taste or add any other desired spices.