Doug and Susan Thorpe both have done a fabulous job with JMS. They’re not only bringing different guest speakers to the main meeting but also organizing work shops such as resume writing, marketing planning, and interviewing techniques. In addition, Doug also teaches the benefits of social media such as Linkedin.
I spent about 4 months contributing to and learning from the folks at JMS. JMS offers practical help to the job search process. They provided a forum to learn about myself - both strengths and areas of growth. Opportunities to assist and contribute to the job search of others. The leadership provided inspiration to follow Gods direction for my life.
About six years ago I used to go to Between Jobs ministry, but it was a long comute. This past summer I learned about Jobs Ministry Southwest and started attending and was invited to join the Segue Group. I just love helping and giving back to this organization. Doug has done a great job in organization, speakers, and information given to our members.In my openion I think this organization does a better job in offering its members information for thier search.
As a job hunter who has been "out of the market" for years, raising children, I've been very impressed by the caliber of help available through JMS - Free! for people like me in search of employment.Through the JMS website, I've accessed sophisticated tools to update my skills and help me understand what employers are now looking for. Now I can "market" my skills and experience in terms that today's employers understand and value. Their outstanding motivational speakers, keep me going, since persistence and a "can-do" attitude is essential in this job market. Like "life", the more effort I put into the JMS program, the more I get out of it. I don't think I could find a better job training/hunting program in the profit-making world.
I am an alumnus of Job’s Ministry Southwest, and found the program to be extremely helpful, by providing much needed insight in to job search process along with providing support and encouragement. Mr. Thorpe does an excellent job of finding unique and informative speakers that provide the group with information to given them a competitive advantage in this challenging job market. This is a great cause that I have and will continue to support.
Doug Thorpe and the volunteer staff at JMS have given me the tools to set myself apart from the hundreds of other job seekers in my field. I'm confident that setting myself apart from the rest of the herd will result in an interivew, offer and landing.
I have attended JMS since the start of the year. After 31 years of unbroken employment with essentially the same company I quickly came to realize that while skilled in many areas; job searching was not one of them. Doug Thorpe has a real passion to help people seeking work and JMS is a tremendous resource that far exceeded my expectations for both practical and emotional support. I recommend JMS to anyone who is seeking work and unsure how to go about it effectively.
In the networking groups, I've met several valuable contacts. Doug Thorpe's devotionals are always helpful and thought-provoking. The main speakers have been excellent the last few weeks. They bring priceless tips and hilarious stories to illustrate their serious points.
I have been involved with Job Ministry Southwest for about 3 months. JMS has been an extremely valuable resource in my job search. I have learned how to rebrand myself and sell my experience to prospective employers. In addition, JMS has helped me stay focused on my job search and avoid hitting the walls that typically set one up for failure.
I was laid off here in Houston due to the economic downturn in February 2009, so I have been looking for a job for almost a year now. I have worked in the information technology industry in Houston for 30 years and I am 52 years old. At times I have been very discouraged because I would get interviews but never an offer. JMS has been a huge encouragement to me!!! The speakers are great and the other job seekers have been a real support. I am not alone!!!
The outstanding programs at JMS have provided me with the skill sets and continuing motivation to maintain an effective career development program. Each week offers a choice of six concurrent workshops to develop skills in specific areas, an insightful devotional message and an energizing keynote speaker, as well as ample networking opportunities and referrals to outside/third party assistance or training. I highly recommend JMS to anyone initiating a job search and to those further along in career transition.
A good support system for those in between jobs in the Southwest Houston area. JMS provides encouragement, job search skills and a network of individuals to support each other. Unfortunately I have not attended very frequently because of the travel distance and the themes of the latest speakers, which have not interested me.
JMS has really given me some insight on my job search. I have only been too two sessions and I am very impressed. Professional, approachable and the time I am there, very informative. I wish I had found them sooner. I told a friend in Dallas she needs to find such a group. I tell everyone who is looking for a job or just needs some guidance and support about this program. Monique
JMS has been a blessing to me and a wonderful and convenient option to someone who lives in the southwest outskirts of Houston. The resources provided are valuable and up-to-date. For someone who hasn't had to look for job in "many moons", is a perfect was to transition to your jobsearch strategy for 2010. The spin-off "Greenlight Groups" are also an additional resource where you can meet with a smaller group of your peers to track, brainstorm and get feedback on your jobsearch.
This is the second job search training group I have ever attended. The organization and technical operations of Job Ministry Southwest seminars have been above my wildest expectation. It has been a family of job seekers motivating and teaching each other of all the things we can do to enhance our job searches. A priceless service that is cost free to us job hunters.
I was given a destaff date in November 2009 and was concerned of being another person added to the unemployment list. A coworker of mine told me about Jobs Ministry Southwest amongst other outplacement groups as her husband was also umemployed and looking for work. My husband is also unemployed so we both attended one of the meetings. On a weekly basis, every Tuesday from 9am-Noon, Mr. Thorpe arranges for guest speakers who come in and speak to the group. This program gives you all the tools to help with your job search. Classes on resume writing, interviewing, networking and more are some of the tools provided free of cost. Mr. Thorpe, his wife and members of the group are very helpful and caring in providing help when needed.
JMS is awesome! Great all around. They help you with meeting, seminars, how to stuff, and practically anything to get a job. I love it!
Some things in this life you can't explain,you have to experience it for yourself.It was far for me to come all the way form Kempwood and Gessner.I would highly recommend the program and people to anyone unemployed.
I attended JMS meetings weekly and participated in the Green Light groups associated with JMS while seeking employment. I participated for approximately 2 months before "landing" a job. The resources made available to me through JMS were extremely helpful. JMS has Rick Gillis present one week and he presented his Accomplishment Sheet. I used this Accomplishment Sheet concept to land my job. Thank you JMS!
I found the ministry very useful in my job search. The presentations were on a variety of topics relevant to my search. I would recommend this ministry for anyone searching for a new position.
Great organization. Always great selection of weekly group meetings. The best is the special speakers that give many different perspectives on the job search, no matter the background. The extra events are the best having all day meetings that include well known speakers. The training on LinkedIn has been followed by many people that I know and have passed on the knowledge I gained.
JMS has been a Godsend for me. After transplanting myself across the continent three times in the last three years, it is nice to have a home. Unemployment is typically seen as a time of despair; however, I have been given hope attending JMS. Doug directed me to a counselor to assist with my depression (no more anti-depressants for me) then he led me to create a poster of my ideal job. I see that poster everyday hanging in my room giving me focus as to what I am looking for in a job. The networking groups force me to speak up and get out of my comfort zone. The input I get from others helps me to get out of my head and realize I am not the only unemployed person or for that matter a highly qualified one. If you are looking for a job, I stongly recommend that you attend JMS. Learning to write well constructed resume will make it worth your time if nothing else. Hope to see you there. Bobbi Hodge
As a job search speaker and teacher I present at similar organizations around the country. JMS is among the best at what they do. This ministry is a calling for Doug Thorpe. JMS was launched with no funding and continues to offer world-class job search advice, techniques and connections at no cost to the job seeking public. I know personally of the time and commitment that Doug makes for the benefit of those he counsels.
To Whom It May Concern: This is my personal recommendation for Jobs Ministry Southwest (JMS). I have been associated with this organization since March 2004. I found from the beginning that this group and its leaders and volunteers are welcoming and accepting of all individuals no matter their background, economic status, social status, job level, religious affiliation, etc…. JMS leaders and volunteers display a genuine interest in each individual and a desire to help all individuals through their job transition period. In addition to bringing in speakers covering all topics regarding how to find that next career opportunity or just getting through the rough times experienced during the job transition they offer assistance in resume writing, interviewing, and networking and salary/benefit negotiations. They have an experienced group of professional volunteers available to coach you one-on-one through every step of the job transition process. The organization also provides an individual with a place to network with others in the same situation at the weekly meeting. I highly recommend this group to any individual going through a job transition.
JMS is a great jobs ministry. They have two very good ways of supporting a person in their job search. First, the meetings themselves are a good place to network, and to find support. Second, the speakers that they have are top notch, and provide good insight into finding and holding the next job.
JMS is a fantastic group for anyone who finds themself in between jobs. So many of us dedicate so much time to being the best at our jobs that when we find ourselves in transition, we really don't know what to do or where to start. I myself had not had to look for a job in more than 20 years. I had enjoyed a very successful career in roles where I had moved up the corporate ladder. I left my last role as a Vice President of a major financial firm, but I truly did not know how to market myself in this new economy. JMS provided practical but creative advice on how to improve my chances of landing that perfect job. The knowledge and assistance that they provide is PRICELESS! Doug Thorpe is a phenomenal leader and the people who attend truly believe in paying it forward. Everyone helps everyone and that is what sets this group apart. I frequently send friends who find themselves in transition to JMS. You won't find a better support group for landing that next great opportunity. Thank you JMS!
God directs us if we allow, first you have to have the spiritual means to confirm your personal strengths have value. Then you just have to have the power to release the "Faith" into God's hands, which is what I did by allowing JMS to openly guide me.. JMS is by far the most extraordinary gift to those who attend. Having been laid off you tend to reachout but without real direction. JMS has helped me structure my direction and where to best focus my energies: Effctive resume writing, Networking power tools, and overall the consistent "positive" attitiude that the memebers portray each week. The consistent basis of communicaiton and job search links and job opportunites passed are phenominal--constant feed back daily. It has helped me feel comfortable in my job search and know that I am capable of doing anything, and most importantly that change is enevitable but with change comes great oportunities for us all-you have to be confident and not give up. Get up everyday and begin with the Go Getter attitude. My weekly attendance reaffirms that there are many so many opportunies with in our networking group it's real people going through the same challenges. Overall the most important aspect is it has helped me really outline my accomplishments, which to so vital to who I really am and what I really have to offer the business world. It also reminds me that these tools are things I must continue to monitor even after I am employed to maintain my credentails. I highly recommened attending JMS to all my friends--absolutely a "Power" Booster we need!
I feel like I have a successful resume from what I learned by attending training at JMS. The people are friendly and supportive and I am very pleased with my experience at JMS.
I like JMS and rate #1. They work to help others and provide them with job postings, advices, workshops, meetings and great networking opportunities. Thanks you JMS. God bless all who is working there.
JWS has offered training that taught me how to navigate the electronic job search, has sent nearly daily updates on jobs, training, and training opportunities to help me find a job. The organization not only offers great trainig, but the networking is amazing! The meetings can provide opportunities to meet recruiters, network for opportunities that may not be published, and provides a very positive environment to job seekers.
Jobs Ministry Southwest is the best place where you can find hope, encouragement, and helpful advice. The were very helpful and encouraging!
Doug Thorpe has responded to his calling by using his experience, talents and hard work to provide a true ministry to the unemployed community in Houston, and it's working!! In it's 1st year in operations over 1,000 people received guidance and consulting from JMS and found employment. Doug has enlisted many people from the community that are experts in HR, recruiting and many other areas that have played a major part in JMS's success. Weekly meetings are filled with time for networking, small groups workshops, and discussions from the latest tips & techniques, to inspirational and self confidence pep talks. JMS is different! Doug uses biblical scriptures to comfort and inspire and doesn't require or ask for money. The financial supporters of JMS are from the people he has helped and the people and companies that share his vision.
JMS was the bright light, and not that of an oncoming train, in the dark world of unemployment. After becoming one of the millions of Americans without a job last Spring I was informed of JMS by a headhunter. From the moment I walked in I could tell that the atmosphere was different. The people were genuinely caring and interested in me as an individual and all the aspects of who I was not just the fact that I was unemployed. The spiritual encouragement and the positive reinforcement from their personalized attention made it a joy to attend. When they began discussing a program to help spouses understand the dynamics of how being unemployed effects a person I knew that they truly cared about me and the other people who were fortunate to attend. I am forever grateful to JMS for providing me with the tools and strategies to land a job in the worst economy since the Great Depression but I am even more grateful for their spiritual and moral support. D. Weber, Sugar Land, Texas
