Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Lumen Christi Employment Network connects people with careers

 

MEQUON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Losing a job can be like losing a piece of yourself. It's often a big hit to your self-esteem and ego.

This week's everyday hero wants people to know help is out there. Pat Cronin started the Lumen Christi Employment Network in Mequon more than 20 years ago. And he's helped hundreds of people land on their feet.

Seeing treats on the table at the Wednesday morning meetings is always a good sign.

"It tells us that somehow we've been doing the right things," Cronin said.

It means someone in this room just got a new job.

"I'm as thrilled as anybody when people come into our Wednesday morning meetings and they have a big bag from Sendik's or Panera's or something," he said.

The goal of this group is to help people who've lost a job find a new one.

"What are you looking for? What are you doing so far?" Cronin asks job seekers.

Cronin has been asking questions like these for years.

"I had just come out of a job search," he said.

He felt uniquely positioned to help people through a tough life transition.

"Am I damaged goods? Am I ever going to get a job again? And we say, settle down. You're not the first and you won't be the last," he often has to reassure people.

That calm demeanor and can-do attitude is part of what helps people get on the right track.

"I was really scared and didn't really know what to expect, but Pat was very inviting and welcoming," said Brian Badura.

Badura started coming to this group when he moved back to Wisconsin after 20 years away.

"Job search is the loneliest place in the world. I will say that firsthand," Badura said. 

And that's the one thing Cronin doesn't want people to feel -- alone.

"You'll not only get another job, most likely, you'll get a better situation than you had before," he said.

The key to that is connection. The Lumen Christi Employment Network focuses on networking -- teaching people to refine their search and how to present themselves.

"Having people to rely on, people to turn to, people who've been in this before to guide you and support you -- invaluable," Badura said.

Cronin says the group's alumni help those currently seeking jobs. For Badura, those professional connections have also become personal.

"Today it's difficult to make friendships, and so this is one of those opportunities where unexpectedly, I found some new friends for my life that are probably going to be here for a long time," he said.

The Lumen Christi Employment Network has helped more than a thousand people find new positions. They focus on business professionals and have had people drive in from places like Madison, Sheboygan and Kenosha to take part.

For more information, click here.

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].