LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When someone is looking for a job, it is hard to justify shelling out money for career search help when already struggling to pay for basic needs. A free program in Louisville aims to address that issue by offering a one-stop-shop of support to help Kentuckians land their next role. 

What You Need To Know

  • The National Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies launched Project EM in 2022 

  • It taps into a nationwide network of 19 workforce development agencies to connect job seekers with individualized career coaching

  • By the end of 2023, the program at Jewish Family and Career Services in Louisville had helped 159 people 
  • Career services through Project EM are free and open to people of all faiths

In 2022, the National Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies started a pilot program aimed at addressing mass unemployment from the coronavirus pandemic, especially among undeserved populations like rural residents, veterans, people with disabilities and older workers.

Project EM taps into a nationwide network of 19 workforce development agencies to connect job seekers with individualized career coaching. It also offers other services to address the holistic needs of someone seeking employment, such as financial services and mental health help.

Cindy Key runs the program for the Jewish Family and Career Services based in Louisville. She is passionate about her job because she knows how hard it can be to suddenly find yourself without work.

“I experienced a career loss very early and realized that if I didn’t know the things that I knew, I wouldn’t have been able to recover from it,” said Key.

Key said the program is free and open to people of all faiths. She can help people land part-time employment all the way up to C-Suite positions.

“We use a holistic approach to all of our services and meet people where they are. What are your goals? What are you trying to accomplish? What are the barriers involved? It’s a very client-centric, customized approach,” said Key.

She has worked with people who faced layoffs, are underemployed or left the workforce temporarily to care for their family. Key said re-entering after six months or more out of the workforce becomes increasingly challenging because of the stigma surrounding unemployment.

“Making the choice to return is very difficult because the first question you’re going to be asked is ‘tell me about this gap in your resume,’” said Key. 

That’s where Key and others with Project EM can help with resume updates, interview tips and more, tailored specifically to the job seekers’ needs. Project EM also partners with employers who are looking to find talent within their communities.

While the project first launched as a way to help after pandemic-era layoffs, it is still filling a need today. At the end of 2023, the JFCS Project EM had helped 159 people who were seeking employment. It took just under 10 weeks, on average, to land a job after getting connected with a JFCS career counselor. 

People who are interested in services through Project EM can apply online, or call 502-452-6341 for more information.

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