Stewardship
Employment
Ministry

Testimonials

The St. Paul Stewardship Employment Ministry truly is a ministry in every sense. Tom and the group of recruiters he meets with regularly provide great guidance and timely assistance in navigating today's job market. The Comparative Worksheet and tips for Company Research were indispensable tools and definitely contributed directly to my landing this job.

-- Thank you and God Bless, John Finkell

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The Stewardship Employment Ministry gives you a clear picture on how close or far away you are from finding a job suited to your abilities. You will usually find, as in my case, that it's not that you aren't the ideal candidate for the job you want, it's just that the employer isn't understanding why you are, because you most likely aren't delivering the message correctly. I was able to land a much better job because I showcased my talents in a way the employer understood me, which was critical in this highly competitive market.

Dan Lauria

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What Woody was to OSU is what Thomas is to this ministry and to those who have lost all hope. I wouldn't have known of Thomas let alone his ministry if I didn't attend an unemployment retreat in Columbus sometime in September 2010. I found his information in the packet provided at the retreat. Read through it and considered to make contact.

October 2010, we spoke for about a good hour via teleconference. After discussing my situation and whereabouts, I could tell he was concerned of the drive (yes, I, 2 hour drive one way from Canton). I worked in Columbus and lived 15-30 minutes away from downtown in 2004-08. I made it home, made friends, made a career (or close to it) and made a life. That "happiness" was ruined by an employer, to remain nameless, due to company/department restructuring. I took on a PT teaching job that Summer/Fall 2008 while maintaining to stay in the Columbus area. I had to move away for another job in late 2008 which by 1/3 into 2009, the company went into Chapter 11 and I was unemployed April 2010. I closed my freelance business in June 2010 (which I started in Columbus in 2007) thanks to the economy. As of early March 2011, I took up a temp-to-perm position that is one hour close to the city I call 'home'. I consider that acceptable for that was my goal after what happened in 2009.

What Thomas provides is honesty, mentoring and leadership. Name 3 to 5 other groups, employment/career centers, headhunters, etc. that can top that! Thomas has much faith, esteem, confidence in this ministry and in the people who currently attend as well as those who support after using the tools lectured. Not to say I have faith, esteem, confidence, however, it won't top Thomas.

Somewhere down the road of life, there better be some statue or form of recognition that will show the next group that has lost hope to lead by example of Thomas Nann.

Lastly, I hope to return the favor via volunteering, annual donations and/or occasional visits for support later in 2011.

Ray Brahler
Graphic Designer

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Don't Doubt This Thomas! He is a Knight in Shining Armor to the Unemployed.

Unless you have had to look for a new job in the last 10 years, you do not know what a job search is really like today. It is a terribly lonely place. We are 21st Century LEPPERS; the people that our communities have forgotten.

By the time I went to my first unemployment ministry meeting and met Thomas, I had been unemployed through no fault of my own for 19 consecutive months. During this time I felt so shunned by society and we were so pitifully broke that my husband and I felt like two skid row bums who had hit rock bottom--AND I DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL (praise God for that or we'd really be in trouble). Still, when I sat down at the meeting at St. Margaret's that first night I felt like I should introduce myself--"Hello. My name is Mrs. Nobody and I'm an Unemployable Unemployaholic."

I was skeptical when I went to my first meeting...I mean, here we have some big guy who used to play football on my favorite college team, telling us all these things about job interviewing, that just didn't seem like these things would apply to people who were unemployed college-degreed professionals....But, we prayed the ministry prayer together and then I heard Thomas say: "I wish it wasn't so but the truth be known unfortunately most of today's hiring and firing decisions are based on corporate FEAR and GREED."

One month after meeting Thomas and Darryl, I was in a job interview for a job that would use my abilities and would be within commuting range. And by Christmas, I had passed all of the tests, fingerprints, background investigations, and physical fitness and medical evaluations--and was offered a full-time position teaching 4 and 5 year old children to read, write, draw, paint, sing, dance and perform again.

I just started teaching again last week and couldn't be happier....And, the phone calls, interviews, and job offers keep coming in...pretty soon, we'll be able to pay our bills again! And after that, we might be able to donate to this ministry! That would be awesome.

I appreciate you and your ministry very much! Your efforts and time have been a life saver....If there is anyone out there who needs help finding a job--you might want to give one of Thomas' "UNEMPLOYEE ANONYMOUS MEETINGS" a try. I am sure you will benefit greatly!

Sincerely,
WCG, M.A./Ed.
Recovering Employed Unemployaholic

[The above testimonial has been shortened. Read the full version here.]

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If you are serious about looking for a job or a new career, the Stewardship Ministry is the place to learn and grow. You should invest the time in Tom’s ministry. You will be greatly rewarded.

The job market being as it is, just knowing people won’t get you the job. You have to be prepared. The preparation is so much different these days. Tom’s ministry helps the group to understand how it is NOW. He gives you all the information and tools needed. It is up to you to use them and succeed. He will help you in anyway he can. His direct approach is refreshing (maybe a little intimidating at first) but needed to get people moving. When one is looking for a new position, it is a very difficult time. We sometimes need a push to wake us up and to help us to get going. Tom will provide that to anyone who is open and willing to work. One has to be very serious in these times to find a new position. There is so much competition out there. He helps us to set ourselves apart from the crowd. That is what is needed in today’s job search.

Thank you, Tom for all of the hard work and sacrifices which you make. I have learned so much and greatly appreciate it. I have landed a job and know that it wouldn’t have been possible without your ministry.

I will keep you and your ministry in my prayers as you continue to help others.

Sincerely,
MaryAnn Lancaster

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If you have difficulty saying you are "the ideal candidate" in your job search you need coaching. I highly recommend Tom Nann and the Stewardship Employment Ministry for anyone that wants to learn how to position themselves to be successful looking for a job. Tom teaches how to research a company, network, write a cover letter (or not), and, most importantly, be successful during an interview. While attending the weekly meetings with Tom I received both training and the confidence to esteem myself as the "ideal candidate" in my job search. In this economic environment the pressures to succumb to all the negativity while being unemployed is difficult but Tom teaches how to keep the negativity out and let your quality and experience be what stands out in your job search. My job search lasted only four months having secured the first and only serious position I found during that time. Also I have a whole new perspective to help advance myself in the future. After all, I have learned how to present myself as the "ideal candidate" for any position I want.

Greg Hutt

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Persons finding themselves in career transition should consider Tom Nann and the Stewardship Employment Ministry as a resource. Tom brings a passion to the Ministry that is genuine, deep, and enabling. As a part of the Ministry, I found support, guidance, spiritual renewal, and constructive criticism.

Clearly, Tom is dialed into an approach every person seeking new employment should avail themselves of. The program takes up interviewing skills, resume writing, use of Internet resources, job fair, and networking approaches. And it is all done so that every person that comes into the Ministry enjoys success in their career pursuits.

The capabilities provided by Tom Nann are something every job seeker should consider.

Christopher M. O’Daniel

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I heard about the Employment Ministry through the St. Paul Job Fair I attended on August 5, 2010.  I was a year into my search for employment, and was not getting calls or interviews.  I decided to give the Employment Ministry a chance, and attended the next meeting. 

I met Tom Nann, and was initially a little intimidated by his direct approach.   However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I appreciated his honesty and passion for helping others through this tough process.  Tom provides real-life scenarios, and the best advice on how to communicate with employers.  I went from not getting calls to getting more than I could keep up with.  These calls led to interviews, and I just accepted my current job 2 weeks ago.

The people I met through the ministry are a great, supportive group, who really want the best for each other.  Tom is a great leader, but he also has a great team to support him with advice on creating effective resumes and career coaching.  I am extremely blessed to have been a part of this ministry, and highly recommend it to anyone seeking assistance in his or her search for employment.

LaShon Gordon

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I met Tom Nann a few months ago. We talked about the Stewardship Employment Ministry. I was impressed, so much so that I immediately volunteered my services. As a staffing professional, I know how hard it is to be looking for employment in our current economical environment. The competition for jobs has never been greater.

It is clear to me that in founding this ministry, Tom has created a successful avenue for those unemployed or underemployed to become fully employed. Tom’s passion and dedication is evident by creating a program that works. In attending the Educational Meetings, I have seen firsthand how the invaluable information and guidance that Tom presents not only gives the right steps for obtaining a job but also builds confidence and hope for all those in group.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my expertise in resume creation and interviewing techniques to those in this program. The Stewardship Employment Ministry is by far the best program I have seen for helping those in need of gainful employment.

Aileen Wellwood-Brown, Partner, Empowering Personnel, LLC

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I moved to Columbus in September of 2008 for my husband’s job. Our kids were both away at college and I began my search for a new job. I had been in pharmaceutical sales for 19 years and my last company, Wyeth, had just disbanded our sales force on April 1, 2008. I discovered the Employment Ministry Group in October of 2008. I found the group to be just what I needed to keep me and my job search going from week to week. I met so many different people from all levels of employment. It was great because they knew what I was going through and no matter what anyone says to you, unless they’ve been through a job loss themselves, they just don’t get it. Sometimes the Tuesday night meetings were what kept me going from week to week.

Tom Nann made me realize that the job I interviewed for was mine to lose and also to be passionate about it. If I couldn’t be passionate about the job, I probably shouldn’t be going after it. The interview questions and answers were invaluable and the connections other people had were also very helpful. We cheered each other on when someone got hired and cheered each other up when someone didn’t get the job. I am so grateful for the Employment Ministry Group and for the friends I met there! I highly recommend the group!

Sincerely,
Nancy Papa, Account Manager, Senior Independence Home Health & Hospice

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One day before New Year's Eve, with no advance notice, I got laid off from a job of almost six years due to the economy. It was a scary time. I was given Tom's name and the name of St. Paul's church from a friend who had an article about their job fairs and how many people have ended up with full-time employment out of those resources.

So I gave Tom a call and we met at Starbucks. He was very positive and encouraging. He pointed out things to avoid in interviews and things to focus on. Because of his influence, and my hard work, and the grace of God, I landed a dream job close to my house four months later. Tom is someone who never tires of doing job fairs as a way of serving the Lord, and we are a richer community for his presence here. A lot of people who have been out of work for a long time find encouragement in the weekly meetings offered at his church, and the job fairs are a continuing ministry.

Robyn

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The Stewardship Employment Ministry is a top notch organization for men and women that are unemployed or underemployed. How do I know this? I know because I've been in this situation and it’s a terrible place to be and thanks to the Stewardship Employment Ministry, I found and accepted a position about 6months ago. Happy days!

Just as so many others that were displaced, right-sized out, or let go, I hopped around from web site to web site, from employment agency to employment agency, self-proclaimed experts to whom ever. Not until my active participation in the Stewardship Employment Ministry did I feel any positive movement towards future employment.

The difference that you too will find is the personal accountability of Tom Nann and his supporting staff. You can find material on resumes, networking and interviewing anywhere but only as a member here will you get the feeling that there is a knowledgeable and caring person supporting you every step of the way.

I highly recommend the Stewardship Employment Ministry for everyone that is looking for employment or a change in career path.

Thanks to all those who have supported me in the past.

Deacon Mickey Hawkins, Director of Finance and Development
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church

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I started coming to the Stewardship Ministry after a period of unemployment where I was receiving phone calls and interviews from my resume but was not able to secure a job from the leads. I figured my resume wasn’t my problem since it was providing me with leads and that there must be something about the way I interviewed that needed work. Coming for a few weeks regularly and going over the interview questions gave me a lot of insight into the current job market and interview process. I learned how the current job market is trying to weed out candidates and find the best candidate for the job.
I believe that the information taught at the Stewardship Ministry can and will help others find employment. While I was unemployed, I made it my “job” to find a job and the Stewardship Ministry helped me do just that. It helped me change the way I interviewed with companies and I ultimately secured a great job. I am now gainfully employed at a stable company within my field of expertise. In fact I was offered two positions because I impressed both managers during my interview process.

Chris Gillogly

 

 
© 2012 Stewardship Employment Ministry